Breed variations

Breed variations
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Picture by smileshihtzu.net

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) defines the Shih Tzu as a dog that weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as the official breed standard. Descriptions like "imperial", "teacup", "tiny teacup" are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions are often an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variances to not be in conformity with the official breed standard. These tiny variances are also not what was defined as a standard by the Chinese imperial palace or by the professional circuit. Breeders who deal in designer dogs are not eligible for membership in some clubs. For example, the American Shih Tzu Club, the official guardian of the Shih Tzu breed standard, denies membership to such breeders.

Below are some unofficial terms some breeders use for mixed breeds which include a Shih Tzu in their ancestry.

Shiranian: a cross breed between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian (also called "Shihpom").
Shih-poo: a cross breed between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (also called "Shizapoo").
Shih-wawa: a cross breed between a Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua (also called "ShiChi").
Malti-Tzu: a cross between a Maltese and Shih Tzu (also called a "Mal-Shi").
Peki-Tzu: a cross breed between a Pekingese and a Shih Tzu
Brushit: a cross breed between a Brussels Griffon and a Shih Tzu

==Life span and health issues==katie The life span of a Shih Tzu is 11-15 years, although some variation from this range is possible. Some health issues common among the breed are portosystemic liver shunt, renal dysplasia, and hip dysplasia- in Standard sizes. In addition, they also can suffer from various eye problems. Shih Tzus (and many other breeds) may present signs of allergies to red dye #40, and owners should respond to scratching in the absence of fleas by eliminating pet foods that contain this commonly used additive.