Show Dog Tips

• Basics of a Shih Tzu Dog Show
  If you have never gone to a Shih Tzu or any breed dog show you might wonder exactly what the judge will be doing.
  
  
• Breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard
  There is more than one area of the Shih Tzu that is considered in terms of “breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard. I have been on Shih Tzu Puppies for sale websites in which they will state: “We breed to the AKC standard.” We do not breed “imperial or teacup” Shih Tzu. Our Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 pounds. They do not weigh below the AKC standard of 9 pounds. And they will go on to say: “My goodness, why in this world would anyone want to steer away from the AKC Shih Tzu standard.” If
  
  
• Show Dog Requirements for the Shih Tzu and Other Purebred Dogs
  There are places where you can practice showing a Shih Tzu and other breeds of dogs. They are called “matches.” Matches are specifically for practice. Judges of matches do not have to be licensed and/or approved by any kennel club. The Shih Tzu will not earn points toward a championship practicing in matches. A match is just a place for you and your Shih Tzu to get some experience. This is a wonderful place to learn how it feels to be in the ring before an audience and a judge. If possible, take advantage of matches.
  
  
• The Biggest Event in the Dog Kingdom
  What is the biggest event in the dog kingdom? A dog show is the answer to this question. It is also called the “breed ring” or “the fancy.” Thousands of dog shows takes place in the United States every year. Thousands of Shih Tzu are entered into these dog shows. There are only a few countries in this world that are not involved in the dog show sport. So you can imagine just how many dogs and owners are traveling to a show on any given weekend. The number has to got be absolutely astronomical!
  
  
• Tips on How to Become a Successful Shih Tzu Show Dog Breeder
  If you decide to enter the show ring with your Shih Tzu one of the greatest benefits will mostly likely be an enhanced appreciation for the sheer beauty of the Shih Tzu. Just think about it, even if you only own one Shih Tzu yourself, at the shows you will see dozens and hundreds of Shih Tzu. Most of these Shih Tzu will be in prime health and perfectly groomed. By observing, and asking questions when the opportunity arises, you will begin to see some of the differences in the Shih Tzu that you may not have noticed without going to the shows. You may be surprised at how much you learn about the Shih Tzu and maybe even your own Shih Tzu during
  
  
• Be a Shih Tzu Show Dog Spectator First
  If you are planning to show your Shih Tzu, your first experiences with conformation should be as a spectator. You need to do some studying and practicing before actually going into a show with your Shih Tzu. Leave the Shih Tzu behind.
  
  
• Preserving the Show Dog Shih Tzu’s Coat
  The Shih Tzu’s coat for the show rings requires extra care. Some show people actually keep their Shih Tzu confined and caged to preserve the coat, or they wrap the coat or oil it. Those who do keep their show Shih Tzu confined and caged pay a price in loss of muscle tone in their dogs. Not all show people practice these methods for preserving their Shih Tzu’s long show dog coats. It is also a myth
  
  
• The Shih Tzu Belongs to the Toy Group
  How did our different dog breeds come into existence? People created each breed by choosing dogs with the desired qualities and breeding them to each other. People designed some dogs to hunt, others to herd, some to guard and some for companions. Our Shih Tzu is in the companion group of dog breeds.
  
  
• An Overview of Some of the Point Show Classes
  Puppy classes are for Shih Tzu nine months of age and over but under twelve months. The Shih Tzu must be whelped in the U.S.A.
  
  
• Shih Tzu Point Shows
  Did you know that... your Shih Tzu puppy can be shown at an American Kennel Club sanctioned point show at the early age Of six months?
  
  
• Preventive Medicine Is a Must for the Shih Tzu Show Dog Kennel
  A Shih Tzu show dog kennel should practice preventive medicine as the means of maintaining optimum health. The Shih Tzu show dog must be available for showing for extended periods of time. Preventive medicine is much more practical and is kinder to the Shih Tzu.
  
  
• Shih Tzu Dog Shows
  Shih Tzu dog shows and Shih Tzu dog breeding attracts the interest of people from all walks of life ranging from royalty to the lady next door. Ordinary family folk attend dog shows and compete successfully with top-quality dogs they have bred themselves. A good dog show judge will disregard all but the dogs themselves when making a final decision. Who you are
  
  
• Show Dog Judging the Head, Body and Hindquarters
  The show dog judge will ask you to place your Shih Tzu show dog on the table. The Shih Tzu show dog judge will then get the first close look at your Shih Tzu’s expression. He will be looking for proper shape and dark eyes. He will check the length of your Shih Tzu’s nose. He will look for the “correct” slightly-undershot bite. The Shih Tzu show dog judge will evaluate the shape of the top of your Shih Tzu’s head. He will check to see that the hair pulled up in the topknot does not alter the set and placement of the ears (all these things must be exact to the AKC standard for a Shih Tzu show dog to pass). One thing
  
  
• Tips for the Novice Shih Tzu Show Dog Handler
  If you will not be hiring a professional Shih Tzu handler for the show ring, there are a few things you should know about how to protect yourself and your Shih Tzu so that neither of you are too discouraged right at the start.
  
  
• Your Shih Tzu Puppy In The Show Ring
  Who gets a ribbon? Your Shih Tzu puppy or dog will receive a ribbon if your Shih Tzu puppy or dog places first through fourth position regardless of how many entries there are in each class at a dog show. The ribbons your Shih Tzu puppy or dog wins from the American Kennel Club licensed dog shows has the American Kennel Club seal, name of the show, date and the placement.
  
  
• Do You Want A Show Dog Or Cute Companion Shih Tzu?
  Shih Tzu belongs to people. They do not belong exclusively to the show dog world. Shih Tzu was bred for centuries to be affectionate companions for people and they certainly excel and do a fantastic job at doing just that. All Shih Tzu are by their very nature, constant close companions for their owners.
  
  
• Shih Tzu – Types of Dog Shows
  There are two types of dog shows licensed by the American Kennel Club. One is the all-breed show. The all-breed show includes classes for all the recognized breeds, and groups of breeds such as all terriers, all toys. The second dog show is the specialty show for one particular breed that also offers championship points.
  
  
• Shih Tzu Show Dog Judging For Coat Texture and Proper Handling
  Proper coat texture of your show dog Shih Tzu will be checked during the show dog judge’s examination. Proper coat texture of a show dog Shih Tzu should be lustrous. A lustrous Shih Tzu show dog coat is achieved by good nutrition, and high quality grooming aids.
  
  
• The Plight of a Shih Tzu Show Dog
  What procedures are employed to maintain a Shih Tzu – pet or show - in optimum health? The areas important are:
  
  
• What Can You Expect During Shih Tzu Judging Of Individual Gaiting?
  After the Shih Tzu show dog judge has completely gone over each Shih Tzu he will ask each handler to gait his Shih Tzu. You will need to pay close attention to the Shih Tzu show dog judge’s instructions as to how he wants this done.