THE SHIH TZU TOPKNOT
by RICHARD PAQUETTE CKC All Breed Judge
T he shapes and styles of Shih Tzu topknots over the past few decades, has morphed to a point of exaggeration that in many cases is detrimental to the purpose of the bow, which was to draw attention to the beautiful large round head and warm expression of our breed. The sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is as a companion dog and a warm, friendly and trusting temperament is the most important aspect and essential component of breed type. Breeders and exhibitors have worked hard to present our breed in a fashion that enhances the beauty and elegance of the breed resulting in a winning look that has seen the Shih Tzu consistently garner- ing high awards in strong Group and Best in Show rings. There are varying degrees of pre- sentation of Shih Tzu, not only in the US and Canada but in every country in the world. A quick observation is that in countries around the world where Shih Tzu are rewarded highly and hold
their own against other breeds in the group, generally receive a considerable amount of proper coat conditioning and attention to the finishing touches. This results in our Shih Tzu having the ‘irresistible factor’ when presented in the ring, exuding correct breed type in a complete package. In North America and many coun- tries around the world, during the early 70s, the hair on the top of the head was generally held up with a single elastic band. By the late 70s, the single elastic was enhanced with a simple bow as exhibitors were proud of their beautiful charges and wanted to draw attention to a correct head with warm expres- sion. Over time and with the use of more elastics, fancier bows, back comb- ing and teasing many exhibitor’s efforts appear as works of art that range from very acceptable to completely outland- ish. Judges need to learn to judge in spite of exhibitor’s creations that can easily confuse the untrained. Focus first on feeling with your fingers the actual
construction of the head which should be large and round. Frame the head by cupping it in your hands with your thumbs up; use your thumbs to feel whole head by getting under the top- knot and feel the correct round dome of the head and broadness in skull. Thumbs ‘in and out’ will not destroy the topknot or annoy the exhibitor. Look directly into the face and see the wide set, large round dark eyes. Feel the muzzle which should be broad and square. Check the bite and be sure the slightly undershot or level correct bite has a broad underjaw, with incisors and canines in a straight line, so important to the expression and Oriental look of the Shih Tzu. Determine whether the head is in balance with the well boned, sturdy body. This technique will allow you to completely and thor- oughly examine the head in spite of the efforts of the groomer to enhance the look with a topknot that occasionally appears artificial and incorrect. Many of you may have heard of the recent ‘bow’ controversy at Crufts. The breed judge placed a sign at the ring entrance that read, “Bows and/or any other adornments will not be permitted in the ring. Plain elastic band holding the top knot up only please.” Apparent- ly, she then received a barrage of nasty comments from ‘overseas exhibitors’. In my honest opinion, much to do about nothing! I feel her sign was appropriate on many levels. The first is that it is a new amendment to the breed standard
Ch Wenrick’s Tini Tina, c. 1978
“...DURING THE EARLY 70S, THE
HAIR ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD WAS GENERALLY HELD UP WITH A SINGLE ELASTIC BAND.”
76 • T op N otch T oys , A pril 2017
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