First Shih Tzu Dual Champion & Coursing Ability Titlist

In 2014, Ch. Just A Little Peyton Place RN CA MX MXJ CGC TT, owned by Terri Jenkins, became the first Shih Tzu to earn both a Champion title in conformation and a MACH title in Agility. In 2012, he had become the very first Shih Tzu to earn an AKC Coursing Ability title. The AKC's newest performance event is based on Lure Coursing, an established sport open only to sighthound breeds. In Coursing Ability, all dogs can experience the joy of chasing the lure. While most of the dogs competing in lure coursing are from the Herding, Working, Terrier, and Hound groups, Shih Tzu Peyton loves it! Another Shih Tzu, OTCh. Helen's Brandy, was the first Shih Tzu to have won an AKC tracking title (TD), by demonstrating his ability to recognize and follow human scent. The qualifications for this award later changed, and it was also won by the top Shih Tzu performance dog of all time, MACH12 Harper's Naughty Nikki VCD1 TD CD RN NF. Nikke was also the first Shih Tzu to be awarded the new title Versatile Companion Dog by winning awards in three different performance sports, Agility, Obedience, and Tracking. Over the years, we have had a number of Shih Tzu earn obedience, rally, and agility trials, with the Performance Hall of Fame listing some of the outstanding Shih Tzu in these sports. So while this may be a breed known for its glamor in the conformation ring or perched on a silken pillow, it is also a sturdy, active dog that can excel in performance sports and has the temperament to make a wonderful therapy dog. Peyton, successfully involved in all of these activities, certainly demonstrates just how versatile a Shih Tzu can be!