shih tzu question.

Question
I have a shih tzu named jasmine that is about 1 years old, when i got her i was told that she was pure bred. I have had shih tzus in the past and there hair type is has always grown thick and matted easily, and there legs were short. having jasmine for one year her hair has never been cut, it is fine and doesn't mat easily, also her legs are long. Do you think my shih tzu is pure bred? is there different types of shih tzus?.
thanks, amanda.

Answer
I'm sorry Amanda I answered this e-mail and just realized I was supposed to do it from the site.  Sorry but it would help if I had pictures to tell for sure.  Shih Tzu's do have various coats and some are a little longer in leg than others.  Did your girl come with AKC or CKC papers?  If she did not come with registration papers and I don't have a real picture I can't say for sure if the girl you have is a Shih Tzu based on your description.  You can check this website http://www.akc.org/breeds/shih_tzu/index.cfm
for complete breed description information.
Hope this helps.
Deanna Isenhour