American Shih Tzu Club members are encouraged, but not required to participate in the CHIC program.
In August 2021, the ASTC Board voted to recommend to the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) that the following tests be required for issuance of a CHIC number for a Shih Tzu:
- Eye certification by the Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) of Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Patella certification by OFA
The CHIC program was created by the OFA by partnering with AKC parent clubs to research and maintain information on health issues for specific breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification. The recommendations above were based on research by the ASTC CHIC committee after discussions with canine ophthalmologists, cardiologists, internists, and general practitioners, as well as Shih Tzu breeders and other toy breeders testing their breeding stock.
Link to the article on the American Shih Tzu Club website
- Latto
- CHIC – 187738
- Patella – Normal
- Eyes – Normal
- Basic Cardiac – Normal – Cardiologist
- CHIC – 187738
- Maggie
- CHIC – 182745
- Patella – Normal
- Eyes – Normal
- Basic Cardiac – Normal – Cardiologist
- CHIC – 182745
Magpie Shih Tzu 