I. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your new Shih Tzu! As members of the American Shih Tzu Club, we wish you our very best with the special new addition to your household. We have found our unique breed to be exceptionally trusting, loving, and playful. Shih Tzu want nothing more thanto be with you and to be loved by you.

Many owners consider the Shih Tzu to be a "big dog in a little package.” It is sturdy and heavy for its size and has an easy-going temperament. While each dog's personality is unique, Shih Tzu in general have an almost human, childlike nature. They are sometimes "clownlike" or "catlike' and have a strong nesting instinct (in chairs, couches, beds, and laps). They are not destructive and they would probably give a burglar a guided tour! Shih Tzu are intelligent, nonaggressive, and warm-hearted givers of love. Because their purpose in life is to please and love you, you will best reach your training and bonding goals by using love, respect and persistence.

Shih Tzu have an ancient oriental heritage. Originally bred in the temples of Tibet, they were given as gifts to the Manchu emperors and were selectively bred as companion dogs by eunuchs in the imperial palaces in Beijing. Eventually they reached other countries (England, Norway, Sweden, Canada, France, and the United States). They were admitted to the Toy Group by the Americans Kennel Club effective Sept. 1, 1969. (More information about our breed's history can be found in the excellent reference books listed in Section V.)

II. CARE AND MAINTENANCE

In this section we will walk you through the steps of caring for and maintaining your Shih Tzu for optimal health, happiness, and a very long life (averaging 12-15 years). The following is a general guideline for reference purposes. Please remember that each breeder has various foods and grooming products they have used successfully for different bloodlines and coat types and in different parts of the country. We suggest that you discuss specific products for care and maintenance with your breeder.

A. Feeding

Like their human counterparts, Shih Tzu youngsters need to be fed more frequently than adults with food high in caloric and nutritional values because their bodies are growing, developing, and burning lots of energy. Your breeder may also recommend a vitamin and/or coat supplement. Fresh water should be available to your Shih Tzu at all times. Offering water in a 32 oz. water bottle for small animals is a widely used method for keeping faces and floors dry. The bottle should be mounted for easy and frequent access.

Young puppies (up to 6 months of age) should be fed two or three times daily; many breeders prefer to have food available to the very young at all times. The amount of food given will need to be increased as your puppy grows. If he is cleaning his bowl, increase the amount; if he consistently leaves food behind, you are probably feeding too much. A puppy often goes "off its food" when it is teething, so check for swollen gums if appetite decreases.

The basis of your dog's diet should be a high-quality kibble, which is often moistened for the very young. Regardless of the brand you select, keep in mind the nutritional ingredients, additives, and synthetic preservatives it contains, all of which can impact on the health of your dog. A small amount of canned meat and/or cottage cheese may be added to the kibble for flavor. Table scraps are too rich for a Shih Tzu's digestive system and may result in messy cleanup jobs or an unbalanced diet--or a dog that holds out for gourmet treats rather than eating a healthy, well-balanced meal. This is not to say that an occasional piece of cheese, cooked meat, or vegetable will do harm, but use discretion and moderation as your key in offering human foods. Chocolate should be avoided, as it is toxic to dogs. Quality dog biscuits are good for teeth and gums, but rawhide chew toys often stick to Shih Tzu face furnishings and are therefore not generally recommended as treats.

B. Grooming

1. Beginning Grooming
Your puppy may initially resist grooming, but later the grooming period should be a special, intimate loving time for your puppy or adult. The ease and success of brushing, combing, nail clipping, and ear and eye checking and cleaning depends upon your patience, persistence, gentle training approach, and rewards. There is often a fine line to draw between firmness and loving and caring when handling and grooming our little sweethearts. A puppy must be comfortable enough to learn what is expected of him without becoming fearful. Each Shih Tzu has an individual personality that will affect his or her willingness to experience something new. Some may need sweet persuasion to accept a new grooming ritual, while others are simply in heaven because of all the attention they are receiving. DO NOT give in whenever your puppy resists, however, or the resistance will  increase, and you will have an obnoxious matted dog. If you are patient, gentle, and persistent, your puppy will soon learn to enjoy your grooming time together. It is often helpful to clip nails, trim pads, and clean ears when your puppy is calm and slightly sleepy.

2. Basic Grooming Supply List

Soft Slicker Brush
Pin Brush with flexible metal pins
Combs: 72" teflon-coated comb with wide and medium tooth placement; pocket-size fine-tooth comb
Cat: Nail Scissors or Human Toenail Clippers (for small puppies)
Guillotine Nail Clippers (for older puppies and adults) 
Blunt End Scissors (for cutting topknot elastics areas)
Hair Scissors (for trimming) 
Tweezers or Ear Hemostat (optional) Ear Powder
Shampoo (as recommended by breeder) 
Conditioner (as recommended by breeder) 
Flea Shampoo (as recommended by breeder) 
Hair Dryer (hand-held or stand)
Spray Bottle (for conditioner mix for grooming between baths) 
Elastic Bands and Bows (for topknots) 
Quick Stop or Corn Starch
Knitting Needle or Comb with Needle (for parts and topknots)

Your breeder may recommend additional products or the names of wholesale pet supply distributors where various grooming supplies and other equipment can be easily obtained at reasonable prices.

3. Grooming Schedule

Daily: Check for eye matter accumulation and remove it carefully with your fingers (without touching the eye) or with the pocket size fine-tooth comb. Brush and comb daily, being sure to brush in layers all the way down to the skin to remove any tangles and mats. Regular brushing is a must, as small mats left unattended quickly become large ones that are difficult to remove. Ask your breeder to demonstrate how to brush a Shih Tzu. As part of the grooming procedure, check the area around the anus for dried fecal matter. You may also wish to clean your dog's teeth with a doggie toothbrush to prevent tartar buildup. If you notice excessive tearing and/or redness in the eye, check with your veterinarian. Unattended eye problems can rapidly become serious medical emergencies. See Exhibit B for instructions on Creating the Show Topknot.
Every One to Three Weeks: It's bath time. The best way to preserve a coat is to keep it clean. Dirty dogs are not only unsightly and uncomfortable, they mat more quickly. Before bathing your dog, brush and comb it thoroughly. Bathing "sets in" mats and makes them more difficult to remove. Before bathing, check the ears and remove excessive inner ear hair by applying ear powder and pulling the hair out. (The powder dries the hair and allows it to be removed more easily.) Use tweezers or an ear hemostat (for the trained) or your fingers (for the untrained). Excessive hair in the inner ear canal blocks air circulation and provides a moist breeding ground for infection. Nails should be cut or trimmed level with the bottom of the foot pads--if the nails are clear, you can see the quick (pink), which will bleed if the nails are cut too short. Otherwise, cut to where the nail begins to curve under. Use Quick Stop or corn starch if you cut too short and bleeding occurs. Be sure to cut the dew claws, if any. Hair between the foot pads and the area around the anus should be trimmed short with scissors. Please use utmost care when trimming. Bathe and condition as recommended, then blot up excess moisture with a towel and blow dry, brushing as you do so.

Every 6 to 8 Weeks: To the daily procedures and bath, add a haircut if you do not choose to keep your dog in full coat. See Exhibit A for illustrations and instructions for a variety of haircut styles. You will need to obtain good electric dog clippers with the types of blades named if you elect to do it yourself. Otherwise, use the material as a guide for your groomer. If you choose to keep your puppy or adult in full coat, this is the time to trim the hair around the foot in a layered circle and cut the side coat level with the ground. Ask your breeder to demonstrate this technique.

Other: Many Shih Tzu require periodic anal gland expression, which is best done just before bathing. Ask your breeder or veterinarian to demonstrate this technique for you. Some time between about 8 months and one year of age, almost every Shih Tzu "blows" its puppy undercoat. During this coat change, the dog seems to tangle almost as fast as you brush it. It is at this stage that many pet owners cut their dogs down. Do not despair! This is a one-time occurrence, and once the puppy undercoat is finally all brushed out, the adult coat is much easier to care for.

C. Housebreaking, Training, and Playtime

l. Housebreaking

There are many methods used to housebreak new puppies or adults. Many Shih Tzu owners like to "dual train" to paper and outdoors. This means that if your dog has an attack of diarrhea, or if it is raining or snowing, or if you do not get home at the regular time to take the dog outside, there is a place in the house where it is acceptable for your dog to "potty." If you lay a sheet of unprinted newspaper (available in rolls from a newspaper or in precut sheets from a wholesale paper supplier) over the newspaper, the dog will not get ink on its feet and track it across the floor. Some owners lay a teflon-coated floor grate meant for use in the bottom of an exercise pen (available from wholesale pet suppliers) on top of the newspaper; this keeps the dog from shredding the paper or getting its feet wet with urine. Gradually decrease the paper-covered area as the dog learns what the paper is for.
Confining a puppy to an area that is easily cleaned is best for initial training. This could be an area with linoleum, polycoated wood, or tile flooring. Puppies need to eliminate first thing upon awakening in the morning, immediately after eating, at noontime, in the early evening, and approximately twice in the later evening before bedtime. If you notice your Shih Tzu sniffing the floor and running back and forth or in a circular pattern, this is a sign to get the dog to the paper or outside so it knows that this is the appropriate spot to go. Once the mission is accomplished, praise the dog immediately. Should an accident occur, a harsh "No" and "Bad Dog" is effective for correction. Any correction should take place immediately to be effective--corrections long after the fact will only confuse the dog. Soon your Shih Tzu will know what pleases you by your voice tone and will want to eliminate in the appropriate spot. Use white vinegar or club soda to remove the odor if the dog has soiled the carpet so that the scent will not tempt him to repeat the performance. Never allow an unhousebroken dog the unsupervised run of the house--you are only asking for trouble. It's much easier to instill correct behavior at the beginning than to try to get the dog to unlearn bad habits.

Because dogs do not normally like to soil their beds, locating a crate in the area where you want your Shih Tzu to sleep and stay while you are away from home is an effective method of training. Put the dog outside or on the paper as soon as you take it out of the crate and praise it profusely when it eliminates. We recommend a small crate with cozy bedding and toys inside. The crate can be transported to your family room or bedroom or used in your car for trips around town. A water bottle can be hung on the crate. Soon your Shih Tzu will look upon the crate as its den.

2. Other Training
It is important to remember that young puppies need lots of encouragement and patience as they mentally mature. Harsh physical corrections can have an adverse effect on their development and trust in people. The older dog needs to establish a close bond with its new owners, and the same positive approach to training should be employed. After all, the reason one acquires a Shih Tzu is for its unconditional love and companionship. 

Make a game of introducing a young puppy to the leash. Coax it to follow you with a squeaky toy or treat, or, initially, let the puppy walk you. If an excited puppy nips during playtime, a firm "No Bite" and a calm "time out" will nip this behavior in the bud. Many people have had great success in obedience training Shih Tzu. Obedience training can improve the relationship between you and your dog and get it used to strangers and other dogs. Most people appreciate and are more accepting of well-mannered dogs. Many allbreed clubs and school adult education programs offer classes for both puppies and adults at reasonable prices. Ask your breeder or veterinarian to recommend a local class if you are interested. Even if you do not want to become involved in obedience competition, obedience classes are a good way to socialize your dog and to teach it to stay, come, and sit on command and to heel on and off leash.

3. Playtime
Shih Tzu are always ready to play when you are, but if you are busy they will amuse themselves. They can spend hours throwing and catching their own toys, or racing around the house like furry dervishes. They love to chase soft balls or tug on old socks or soft latex toys, and they thoroughly enjoy walks around the neighborhood. Do remember that the fact that the Shih Tzu is not a demanding dog does not mean that it thrives in the absence of human companionship. Like any dog, it also needs regular exercise.

Never leave your Shih Tzu outside unsupervised, as it can easily follow the friendly, smiling face of a stranger, eat something it shouldn’t, or perhaps take an unexpected dip in your pool. If you have a secure fenced area, then periodic checking will do.

Shih Tzu love children and other dogs, but please supervise playtime with young children and young puppies. They need to learn how to interact with each other in a fun yet safe manner.

D. Extended Trips

Outings or trips away from home with your Shih Tzu for an extended period of time need planning and preparation. We recommend taking your dog's food dish with food, water bottle (filled with your household drinking water or distilled water), leash, clean-up materials, grooming and health supplies, and your veterinarian's phone number (in case of an emergency). Remember, never leave your Shih Tzu in a car with the windows up during warm weather or in your car during periods of extreme cold.

III. HEALTH

A. Vaccination Record

An inoculation record should accompany your new Shih Tzu. Many breeders prefer to give "puppy shots" (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo virus) at 8, 12, and 16 weeks (or 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks) of age, with a booster due once a year thereafter. The first rabies shot is usually given at 6 months, with boosters thereafter. There could be other vaccinations given as well, depending on what viral strains are in the breeder's area. In most parts of the country, heartworm preventative tablets (the daily pills are preferred) are given during mosquito season. Please discuss all vaccinations given and the schedule for booster shots with your breeder and your veterinarian. The health record will also indicate when your puppy was tested for parasites and if and when it was wormed. Thereafter, take a stool sample in to be checked by your veterinarian each year when you go in for booster shots.
B. Emergency First Aid
Often we know there is something wrong with our pet's health or condition but we cannot identify what it is or its cause. The Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook listed in our reference book section is a practical guide written for the layman which covers a wide variety of signs and symptoms of illness and disease. The first chapter is dedicated to emergencies. Such a book is a wise investment that could save you time and money when attempting to identify your Shih Tzu's health problem and discuss it with your veterinarian. It could save your pet's life in an emergency, although it is not a substitute for veterinary consultation and care.

C. Breed-Specific Health Matters

The Shih Tzu is one of many breeds sometimes affected by immune related problems. The ASTC recommends thyroid function testing and screening for Von Willebrand's disease (a blood-clotting deficiency) for animals to be used for breeding. CERF certification for eyes and OFA certification for normal hips are also desirable. Renal dysplasia, in which the kidney fails to develop normally,
is an insidious problem affecting the Shih Tzu and several other breeds. A severely affected dog will vomit periodically, fail to thrive, drink excessive amounts of water, and have extremely dilute urine. Urine specific gravity, BUN, and creatinine tests will pinpoint the problem in a dog with very little remaining kidney function. An ultrasound scan of the kidneys will indicate if a dog has mildly affected kidneys but could pass the problem along to its offspring, and a scan or a kidney biopsy is recommended for breeding animals.

Because Shih Tzu have very short muzzles, Shih Tzu puppies may snore, snort, or sniffle, particularly while teething. If the nasal discharge is watery and clear and the dog is thriving physically, this is no cause for concern. Missing or misaligned teeth, or retained baby teeth, are also quite common, as are small umbilical hernias. Such hernias almost always close naturally; if they have not done so by the time the dog matures, most reputable breeders will pay for the minor surgery required to repair them.

D. Spay/Neuter

The American Shih Tzu Club recommends that pet Shih Tzu be spayed or neutered to help control the pet overpopulation problem and to eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancy, messy heat cycles, and strong behavioral urges to seek and breed. These procedures are normally performed after the puppy reaches 6 months of age. We suggest that you consult your veterinarian for his recommendations and read the attached article, "Know the Facts BEFORE Breeding Your Dog" (Exhibit C), before you consider breeding your pet.

IV. DOCUMENTS

A. American Kennel Club (AKC) Registrations

The American Kennel Club has three registration documents: the litter registration (submitted to the AKC by the breeder to register the number of puppies in a litter); the AKC registration application, or "blue slip" (used to register the name and owner of an individual dog); and the AKC registration certificate (the official individual dog registration). When a breeder sells a puppy or adult, either for pet or show, the "blue slip" or registration certificate may be withheld or filled in and given to the buyer.

Most breeders distinguish between a pet and a show dog. A pet is a dog sold strictly for companionship. While it has received the same came as its littermates, it has one or more faults and is not to be used for breeding purposes. It is sold at a pet price. A show prospect conforms to the AKC breed standard (see section ,III) and is of suitable quality for show and/,Dr breeding purposes. It is sold at a higher price than a pet. The AKC registration application or certificate for a pet Shih Tzu may be withheld by the breeder until the buyer provides a statement from a veterinarian that the dog has been spayed or neutered. Alternately, a pet may be sold with an AKC "Limited Registration"; the offspring of dogs so registered are ineligible for A"-'C registration.

B. Contracts and Other Documents

While many dog sales are made without contracts, more and more reputable breeders are using written contracts. The reason is simple: such a legal document can resolve potential future problems between the buyer and seller. Some breeders have two types of contracts: one for pet quality and one for show quality. A:; selaler or buyer, you may wish to contact a lawyer to discuss what should be included in the contract. Generally, any contract should, at minimum, contain the following information: 

1. The names and addresses of the parties involved
2. Identification of the breed of dog, age, and any AKC registration name and number
3. Purchase price
4. Guarantees provided by the breeder

At the time of purchase, you should also receive the dog's pedigree (at least three generations) and health record. The pedigree should be signed by the breeder and dated and should identify the sire and dam shown on the AKC registration documents. The dog's health record should be current, showing shots received and dates given. In addition, you may desire some way to identify your dog if it is ever lost or stolen. One way of doing so is having it tattooed. Your dog's registration number is then listed with an all-breed registration organization. If you are interested in additional information on this procedure, please contact the National Dog Registry at 1-800-NDR-DOGS or the American Kennel Club Inspections Department at 212-696-8257.
 

V. RECOMMENDED REFERENCE BOOKS, PERIODICALS, AND VIDEOS

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, by Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, and James M. Giffin,MD (Howell Book House)

Second Hand Dog, by Carol Lea Benjamin (Howell Boo": House); recommended for those who "save a life" by taking a rescue dog. 

The New Knowledge of Dog Behaviour, Clarence Pfaffenberger (Howell Book House)

The Dog in Action, McDowell Lyon (Howell Book House)

The New Dog Steps, RacheL Paige. Elliott (Howell Boo: House) This is the Shih Tzu, D. Allen Easton and Joan Brearly (T.F.H.) 

The Shih Tzu Heritage, by Jon Ferrante ;Denlinger)

The Book of the Shih Tzu, by Joan Brearly and D. Allen Easton (T.F.H.)

The Complete Shih Tzu, by Victor Joris (Howell Book House)

The Joys of Owning the Shih Tzu, by Ann Seranne and Lise Miller (Howell Book House)

The Shih Tzu, by Audrey Dadds (Howell Book House)

"The Shih Tzu Bulletin," American Shih Tzu Club magazine (2500 E. Fender Ave., #E, Fullerton, CA 92631)

"The Shih Tzu Reporter," magazine (P.O. Box 6369.; Los Osos, CA 93412

Shih Tzu breed video (American Kannel Club)

Twin Cities; Area Shih Tzu Club Comprehensive Shih Tzu Grooming Video (3352 Beard Ave. No., Robbinsdale, MN 55422

The Wonderful World of the Shih Tzu video (CTO^1 Productions, PO Box 63, Candlewood Isle, New Fairfield, CT 06812)

ASTC: Historical Record Books, photos and pedigrees of AKC champion Shih Tzu (22959 S,W. 65th Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062)

VI. CONTACTS

Should you need further information or assistance, the ASTC recommends that you contact your breeder and/or the ASTC Secretary or ASTC local club representative.

Your Breeder Is:

ASTC Secretary:

ASTC Local Representative:

The American Kennel Club Standard For Shih Tzu

General Appearance

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance.

Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Shih Tzu as in any other breed, regardless of whether or not such faults are specifically mentioned in the standard.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size - Ideally, height at withers is 9 to 10'/z inches; but, not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dog - 9 to 16 pounds.

Proportion - Length between withers and root of tail is slightly longer than height at withers. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty.

Substance - Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is alzrxrys compact, solid and carries good weight and substance.

Head

Head - Round, broad, wide between eyes, its size in balance with the overall size of dog being neither too large nor too small. Fault: Narrow head, close-set eyes.

Expression - Warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting. An overall well-balanced and pleasant expression supersedes the importance of individual parts. Care should be taken to look and examine well beyond tire hair to detennine if what is seen is tile actual head and expression rather than an image created by grooming technique.

Eyes - Large, round, not prominent, placed well apart, looking straight ahead. Very dark. Lighter on liver pigmented dogs and blue pigmented dogs.

Fault: Small, close-set or light eyes; excessive eye white.

Ears - Large, set slightly below crown of skull; heavily coated.

Skull - Domed.

Stop - There is a definite stop.

Muzzle - Square, short, umvrinkled, with good cushioning, set no lower than bottom eye rim; never downturned. Ideally, no longer than 1 inch from tip of nose to stop, although length may vary slightly in relation to overall size of dog. Front of muzzle should be flat; lower lip and chin not protruding and definitely never receding.

Fault: Snipiness, lack of definite stop.

Nose - Nostrils are broad, wide, and open.

Pigmentation - Nose, lips, eye rims are black on all. colors, except liver on liver pigmented dogs and blue on blue pigmented dogs.

Fault: Pink on nose, lips, or eye rims.

Bite - Undershot. Jaw is broad and wide. A missing tooth or slightly misaligned teeth should not be too severely penalized. Teeth and tongue should not show when mouth is closed. Fault: Overshot bite.
 

Neck, Topline, Body
Of utmost importance is art overall well-balanced dog with no exaggerated features.
Neck - Well set-on flowing smoothly into shoulders; of sufficient length to permit natural high head carriage and in balance with height and length of dog.
Topline - Level.
Body - Short-coupled and sturdy with no waist or tuck-up. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall.
Fault: Legginess.
Chest - Broad and deep with good spring-of-rib, however, not barrel-chested. Depth of ribcage should extend to just below elbow. Distance from elbow to withers is a little greater than from elbow to ground.
Croup - Flat.
Tail - Set on high, heavily plumed, carried in curve well over back. Too loose, too tight, too flat, or too low set a tail is undesireable and should be penalized to extent of deviation.
Forequarters
Shoulders - Well-angulated, well laid-back, well laid-in, fitting smoothly into body.
Legs - Straight, well-boned, muscular, set well-apart and under chest, with elbows set close to body.
Pasterns - Strong, perpendicular.
De7Uela7VS - May be removed.
Feet - Firm, well-padded, point straight ahead.
Hindquarters
Angulation of hindquarters should be in balance with forequarters. Legs - Well-boned, muscular, and straight when viewed from rear with well-bent stifles, not close set butt in line with forequarters.
(locks - Well let down, perpendicular. Fault: Hyperextension of hocks. Dewclaws - May be removed.
Feet - Firm, well-padded, point straight ahead.
Coat
Coat - Luxurious, double-coated, dense, long, and flowing. Slight wave permissible. Hair-on top of head is tied up. Fault: Sparse coat, single coat, curly coat.
Trimming - Feet, bottom of coat, and anus may be done for neatness and to facilitate movement.
Fault: Excessive trimming.
Color and Markings
All are permissible and to be considered equally.
Gait
The Shih Tzu moves straight and must be shown at its own natural speed, neither raced nor strur g-up, to evaluate its smooth, flowing, effortless movement with good front reach and equally strong rear drive, level topline, naturally high head carriage, and tail carried in gentle curve over back.
Temperament
As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is that of a companion and house pet, it is essential that its temperament be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all.
~reatmg the 6how Topknot
written and illustrated by Jennifer Lynn Winship
.-_j.., -_ ...- uiy I VIu TV IIcII I "IIIVGU UL 01 IV VV TV Qa w o~ui~II vui ail expert who would be willing to do my topknotsl I knew how important a topknot was as a finishing touch on my dog, but I couldn't quite get the poof to stay poofed. The following instructions reflect not only what I learned on my own through trial and error but also the contributions of all those willing to help out a novice.
The basic supplies I use are: a rat-tail comb with short and long teeth, latex bands, Sticky Ticky (a hair glue), bows, a curling iron, and hairspray. Preparing a good show topknot is an art and demands practice. Be honest about your dog's faults! If he or she has eyewhite, a long down or straight nose, or shallow foreskull, a bigger poof is in order. If he or she has a narrow head, make your front section from the center of the eyes instead of the outside and tease the remaining hair over the ears. If your Shih Tzu is lacking in neck, raise your topknot by banding it once or twice above the bow.
Remember, we are trying to create the illusion of an ideal head and expression (which we may or may not have!).
With competition so fierce in the Shih Tzu ring today, each of us needs to take advantage of every hint that gives us the extra winning edge!

Make sure the hair on head and face is completely dry. With parting comb, part off the section in front from the outer edge of each eye and not very far back.

2
Gently tease this section.

3
 Slowly smooth the front section straight up using a parting comb.

4 
I then attach a band about 3/a inch above the top of the scalp. Wrap band two to three times around the topknot.
AMERICAN SHIH TZU CLUB NEW PUPPY OWNER'S PA14PHLET ASTC Education Committee