For many people the answer to this question is very simple: a Shih Tzu is a dog breed. For others, it can be something as different and amusing as a "sneeze" (they say Shih Tzu sounds like "a- choo").

For me, Shih Tzu are loving, fun and intelligent creatures. They are a high maintenance breed, but worth every single minute for those of us who are lucky enough to own them.

A Shih Tzu has the ability to win your heart and keep you in awe of its intelligence throughout the years.

For a more thorough description of the breed you can go to the American Shih Tzu Club Home page at http://www.shitzu.org/