| Shih Tzu belong to people. They do not belong | | | | If you decide you want a show dog, be prepared to |
| exclusively to the show dog world. Shih Tzu were | | | | pay more for it than you would pay for a pet-quality |
| bred for centuries to be affectionate companions for | | | | companion. Also remember that just because the |
| people and they certainly excel and do a fantastic job | | | | parents are champion show dogs, there is no |
| at doing just that. All Shih Tzu are by their very nature, | | | | guarantee the puppy will turn out to be a champion too. |
| constant close companions for their owners. | | | | Very young puppies are difficult to evaluate their exact |
| A show dog must conform to certain breed standards, | | | | worth as a show dog. A show dog breeder will have |
| such as height, weight, and conformation as well as | | | | to keep that puppy around 3 to 6 months to be able to |
| temperament. A companion Shih Tzu may have minor | | | | evaluate accurately whether or not that particular |
| imperfections when compared to the AKC standards | | | | puppy is show dog material. If you decide you want a |
| for a show dog Shih Tzu, but be wonderful in all other | | | | show quality Shih Tzu be prepared to purchase an |
| respects. Many times the differences between a top | | | | older than 8 weeks old Shih Tzu puppy. And the best |
| show dog who has met all the AKC standard | | | | advice would be to purchase an adult Shih Tzu that |
| requirements for a show dog and a companion dog | | | | already has been successful in the show ring. Even |
| are not readily apparent to most people. Flaws that | | | | the most beautiful and what seems to be the most |
| are slight may only be detected by the trained eye of | | | | correct 8 week old Shih Tzu puppy can change as it |
| a show dog breeder or a show judge. Being a | | | | grows up and may never reach the show potential |
| companion dog, regardless of small size, large size, or | | | | you hoped for or was true of its parents and |
| in between size, in no way diminishes a Shih Tzu's | | | | ancestors. If you purchase a show dog "prospect," you |
| value as a loving member of the family. Although Shih | | | | are "guessing" that the Shih Tzu will attain a the |
| Tzu show dogs are bred mainly for their good looks, | | | | attributes necessary to meet the standards of a Shih |
| the real purpose of a Shih Tzu is to be an an | | | | Tzu show dog. A lot of changes can take place |
| affectionate companion for people. Shih Tzus were | | | | between puppyhood and adulthood. When you buy an |
| bred to be companion animals centuries before dog | | | | adult show dog Shih Tzu you know exactly what you |
| shows and any kind of kennel club ever existed. | | | | are getting. |