THE SHIH TZU TOPKNOT By Wendy Paquette Photos Courtesy of Sharon Murray of Tzupreme Shih Tzu in Australia
T he shapes and styles of Shih Tzu topknots over the past few de- cades has morphed to a point of exaggeration that, in many cases, is detrimental to the purpose of the bow—which is to draw attention to the beautiful, large, round head and the warm expression of our breed. The sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is as a companion dog. A warm, friendly, and trusting temperament is the most important aspect and is an 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 consistent- ly garnering high awards in strong Group and Best in Show rings. There are varying degrees of presen- tation 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, the breed generally re- ceives a considerable amount of prop- er coat conditioning and attention to the finishing touches. This results in our Shih Tzu having the “irresist- ible factor” when presented in the ring, exuding correct breed type in a complete package.
During the early 1970s, in North America and in many countries around the world, the hair on the top of the head was generally held up with a single elastic band. By the late ‘70s, the single band was enhanced with a simple bow, as exhibitors were proud of their beautiful charges and wanted to draw attention to a correct head with its warm expression. Over time (and with the use of more elastic bands, fancier bows, back-combing, and teasing), many exhibitors’ ef- forts appeared as works of “art” that ranged from very acceptable to com- pletely outlandish. Judges today need to learn to judge the Shih Tzu in spite of the exhibitors’ 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 the whole head by getting under the topknot to feel the correct, round dome of the head and the broadness of the skull. (Thumbs “in and out” will not destroy the topknot and annoy the exhibitor.) Look directly into the face to see the wide-set, large, round, dark eyes. Feel the muzzle, which should be broad and square. Check the bite to be sure the slightly undershot bite [slightly
undershot or level, per CKC Stan- dard—Ed.] has a broad underjaw with incisors and canines in a straight line, which is so important to the expres- sion and “Oriental” look of the Shih Tzu. Determine whether the head is in balance with the well-boned, stur- dy body. This technique will allow you to completely and thoroughly ex- amine the head in spite of the efforts of the groomer to enhance the look with a topknot that occasionally ap- pears artificial and incorrect. Many of you may have heard of the “bow” controversy at Crufts several years ago. The breed judge placed a sign at the ring entrance, which read: “Bows and/or any other adornments will not be permitted in the ring. Plain elastic band holding the top- knot up only please.” Apparently, she
50 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2022
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