Standard Auss-Tzu

The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced, medium-sized herding dog that combines athletic ability with striking beauty. Males typically stand 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 to 65 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 18 to 21 inches and 40 to 55 pounds. The body is slightly longer than tall, measured from the point of the shoulder to the rear of the thigh, creating a rectangular silhouette that suggests agility and endurance rather than bulk. The topline is level with a moderate tuck-up at the flank, and the croup slopes slightly downward. The head is clean-cut and in proportion to the body, with a moderate but defined stop. The muzzle tapers slightly from base to nose and is approximately equal in length to the back skull. Eyes are particularly notable in the breed, appearing in brown, blue, amber, or any combination including marbling or flecking. The almond-shaped eyes express intelligence, alertness, and eagerness. Ears are triangular, set high on the head, and break forward or to the side when alert. The breed may have a natural bobtail or a docked tail not exceeding four inches. The medium-length double coat features a weather-resistant outer coat of moderate texture with a soft, dense undercoat that varies in thickness with climate. The coat is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of forelegs, and below the hocks, with moderate feathering on the back of the forelegs and fuller furnishings on the britches. Four recognized coat colors are blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, all with or without white markings and copper points. The merle patterns create beautiful mottled effects that are uniquely distinctive. Movement is smooth, free, and easy, demonstrating agility and the ability to change direction instantly, essential qualities for a working herding dog.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, compact toy breed that carries itself with a proud, arrogant bearing befitting its origins as a cherished companion of Chinese royalty. Standing ideally between 9 to 10.5 inches at the withers, though acceptable heights range from 8 to 11 inches, and weighing 9 to 16 pounds, the breed presents a solid, well-boned appearance that belies its small stature. The body is slightly longer than tall, with good depth of ribcage extending to just below the elbow and a level topline. Despite being a toy dog, the Shih Tzu should demonstrate sound structure and movement comparable to larger breeds. The head is broad and round, wide between the eyes, with an expression that is warm, sweet, and trusting. The brachycephalic face features a square, short, unwrinkled muzzle set no lower than the bottom eye rim, ideally no longer than one inch from tip of nose to stop. An undershot bite is required, and the muzzle should be well-padded with the lower lip and chin neither protruding nor receding. Large, round, dark eyes are set wide apart and convey the breed's gentle, friendly nature. Ears are large and heavily coated, set slightly below the crown of the skull. The hallmark of the breed is its luxurious double coat, which flows long and dense with a woolly undercoat. The coat may be slightly wavy but never curly, and requires considerable grooming commitment to maintain properly. All colors are acceptable and equally valued, including various shades of gold, white, black, silver, brindle, and combinations thereof. Many Shih Tzu display a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip on the tail, considered highly prized. The heavily plumed tail is set high and carried in a curve over the back. Movement is smooth, flowing, and effortless with good front reach and rear drive, the head carried proudly.