An overall well-balanced dog with no exaggerated features is the ideal. Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact and solid and carries good weight and substance. Its expression is warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting. An overall well balanced and pleasant expression supersedes the importance of any of the individual parts. A false image created by grooming techniques is to be severely penalized.
Carriage is distinctly arrogant, with the head well up and the tail carried over the back.
Any structural faults common to all breeds are also undesirable in the Shih Tzu, even though they are not mentioned in the standard. Any such faults are to be penalized to the extent of their deviation from the standard. So high-stationed as to appear leggy. So low-stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Since the sole purpose of the breed is that of a companion and house pet, the dog's ideal temperament should be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting toward all.