Wire Fo-Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy toy breed that presents a distinctively regal and elegant appearance. Standing between eight and eleven inches at the shoulder and weighing nine to sixteen pounds, this compact companion displays a solid, well-balanced build despite its diminutive stature. The breed carries itself with a proud, arrogant bearing that reflects its imperial Chinese heritage as a treasured palace companion. The head is round and broad with a distinctive short muzzle, creating the brachycephalic facial structure characteristic of the breed. Large, expressive eyes set wide apart give the Shih Tzu its sweet, trusting expression, while the ears hang low and are covered with abundant hair that blends seamlessly into the coat of the neck. The Shih Tzu's crowning glory is its luxurious double coat, which is long, dense, and flowing when properly maintained. The outer coat has a slight wave but should never be curly, while the undercoat provides warmth without being woolly. This magnificent coat comes in virtually any color or pattern, with all colors acceptable under breed standards except merle. Common colorations include gold and white, black and white, solid black, liver, and various combinations of these shades. A white blaze on the forehead and white tip on the tail are particularly prized in parti-colored dogs. The heavily plumed tail curls gracefully over the back in an elegant arc that enhances the breed's refined silhouette. Additional distinctive features include the breed's undershot bite, where the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper, creating the characteristic pushed-in facial profile that defines the breed's unique expression. The legs are short but well-boned and muscular, supporting the breed's surprisingly sturdy frame with adequate strength for moderate activity. The gait is smooth and flowing, with the long coat creating an almost floating appearance as the dog moves across the ground. Hair on the head is often tied up to prevent it from obscuring vision while showcasing the breed's beautiful face structure and dark, expressive eyes.

The Wire Fox Terrier is a compact, athletic terrier that embodies elegance and strength in equal measure. Males typically stand fourteen to sixteen inches at the shoulder and weigh fifteen to twenty pounds, while females are slightly smaller at thirteen to fifteen inches and thirteen to eighteen pounds. The breed presents a balanced, symmetrical silhouette with a short back that conveys power and agility essential for its original purpose. The body is well-proportioned with a deep chest that extends to the elbows, providing ample room for heart and lung capacity essential to their original fox-hunting purpose. The legs are straight and muscular, built for endurance and quick movement through varied terrain during extended hunts. The breed's most distinctive feature is its dense, wiry coat that provides excellent protection against the elements and rough brush. The outer coat has a broken, twisted texture that lies close to the body, while the soft undercoat provides insulation during cold weather conditions. The coat is predominantly white, typically covering at least sixty percent of the body, with black, tan, or black and tan markings most commonly appearing on the head and saddle area. This white coloration was specifically selected historically to distinguish the dog from the fox during hunts. The face features a distinctive beard and eyebrows that give the Wire Fox Terrier its characteristic intelligent, alert expression that defines the breed. The head is long and wedge-shaped with a flat skull and powerful jaws capable of gripping quarry firmly. Small, V-shaped ears fold forward close to the cheeks, while dark, moderately small eyes sparkle with the keen, eager expression typical of terriers. The tail is traditionally docked and carried erect, though in countries where docking is prohibited, the natural tail is carried upright as well. The gait is lively and springy, with front legs reaching well forward and powerful rear drive, reflecting the breed's energetic and tireless nature that made them invaluable hunting companions.