A Shih Tzu (UK: /ˌʃiːˈtsuː/, US: /ˈʃiːˌtsuː/; Chinese: 西施犬; pinyin: Xī Shī quǎn literally 'Xi Shi dog', also spelled Shittsu) is a toy dog breed, weighing from 4 to 7.25 kilograms (9–16 lb) when fully grown. The breed was developed in China. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a short muzzle and large dark brown eyes. Although sometimes long, a Shih Tzu will not always have extremely lengthy hair like the Pekingese (but with short legs). Some of them have more short, curly hair. This is purely a choice made by the owners. The dogs were favorites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as 'Apsos'.