The American Kennel Association (AKC) recognizes pure breeds such as the Shih Tzu and allows them to compete if they meet breed standards. Pure breeds are defined as “ of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Shih Tzu purebred dogs have many characteristics that will be listed later in this article. It is important to note that all purebred dogs have a pedigree and a lineage that can be traced. Pure breeds are inbred to retain selective genetic traits of the breed.
Standard Shih Tzu dogs are classified as “toy dogs” because of their weight and height. Shih Tzu dogs are smaller than other dog breeds recognized by the AKC. Even so, some breeders have bred Shih Tzu to be even smaller in size. Smaller-sized, or Teacup Shih Tzu, are not allowed in AKC competition because they do not meeting the minimum breed standard for Shih Tzu height and weight. However, other groups such as the National Canine Association and Chinese Imperial Dog Club of America recognize Teacup Shih Tzu, or Chinese Imperial Dogs.
The standard Shih Tzu (pronounced SHEET-sue) has specific characteristics (or breed standard characteristics) that are strengthened through inbreeding. The Shih Tzu also must meet specific criteria to compete with the American Kennel Club. Some of these characteristics and criteria include the weight of an adult dog must reach a minimum of nine pounds and cannot exceed sixteen pounds. The height of an adult dog must be shorter than length, so should be between eight and eleven inches. The body should be sturdy and compact and the fur should be long, silky and straight to slightly wavy. All colors are accepted. Facial hair must be gathered in a top knot. The eyes should be dark showing very little white. And the expression should be warm and trusting and the temperament must be outgoing, friendly, and generally happy.
The Shih Tzu has an illustrious history and may be a much as 2,000 years old. This breed most likely originated in Tibet, China. The breed is the result of cross breeding the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Shih Tzu means “lion” in Chinese, so Shih Tzu dogs are often referred to by the Chinese as “lion dogs.” Teacup Shih Tzu are called Chinese Imperial Dogs to refer back to the breed’s imperial history.
A Teacup Shih Tzu is a smaller, even more adorable version of a standard Shih Tzu. Purebred themselves, Teacups may have the same pedigree of other Shih Tzu. They do not meet American Kennel Club breed standards however due to their substandard height and weight, and are not allowed to compete or register as a separate breed. Other organizations have registered the Teacup Shih Tzu under the name Chinese Imperial Dog, recognizing their documented ancestry and setting breed standards for this smaller version of the Shih Tzu.
Teacup Shih Tzu have all the characteristics of standard Shih Tzu such as dark, expressive eyes, happy, trusting temperament, and long, silky coat. Differences are most noticeably in size. The Teacup Shih Tzu weighs only four to seven pounds and stands less than nine inches tall when full grown. Many Teacups are also bred to increase the cuteness factor, and may have shorter noses, rounder, more baby doll-like faces, and shorter backs.
Shih Tzu mixed breeds are popular. One example is the Teacup Shih Tzu, which is a miniature version of the Shih Tzu. This article contains Shih Tzu information and information on Teacup Shih Tzu.
