imperial shih-tzu?

Question

I was thinking of getting one.
Are they a good breed? are they high maitenance? Are they unhealthy? Should I get one? Do you have one?

thanks ♥

Answer 1

I have one I rescued from a puppy mill. She is all the wonderful things a dog can be and should be, but she isn't a breed I'm normally drawn too. She's very much the prima dona or diva, but she's so darned cute, especially when she's taking the toy basket into the back yard or getting out a toy bigger than she is.

Although they are high maintenance because of their hair. And you have to be careful because they have a tendency to have bad teeth.

Think long and hard because like most small dogs they can literally live forever. You are making a long time commitment.

The good news is thy don't shed as much as other dogs and they have very little dander, so they are more hypo-allergenic than most breeds.

Answer 2

According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the "imperial" shihtzu is a myth:
Here's a paragraph from their website http://64.37.122.206/Info/imperial.asp?menu=Info
QUOTE BEGINS
The words “imperial” and “tiny teacup” are sometimes used interchangeably to describe undersized Shih Tzu. In fact, the terms “imperial” or “tiny teacup” should be regarded as what they really are….A MYTH often used by unethical breeders to create a market for dogs that do not conform to the breed standard. These tiny dogs are NOT what the Shih Tzu has been since it was developed as a distinctive breed in China ’s imperial palace, nor what it ought to be.
QUOTE ENDS

If you want to know more about this lovely breed and if it suits you, try these other two pages:
am i the breed for you?
http://64.37.122.206/Info/amithebreed.asp?menu=Info

so you want a shih tzu?
http://64.37.122.206/Info/want_to_own.asp?menu=Info

Good luck with your decision...as you're looking at dogs don't forget there are many fine adult dogs out there you can adopt from a rescue group.

Answer 3

There is NO such thing. It is one of those "fad" money making things that poor breeders and money seekers thought up. The breed has a standard. When you alter that by breeding for a smaller and smaller size...problems arise. Health problems increase. If you like Shih Tzus, get one, but do not be scammed into thinking that an undersized example is a good thing. Often they charge a lot more for these also.....just because people are willing to pay it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

There is no such thing as an Imperial Shih Tzu..they are Shih Tzus plain and simple. The word "imperial" is nothing more then a sales gimic used by irresponsible breeders..please don't fall for it.

Answer 5

I think most small dogs are high maintenance compared to bigger ones. ever think of just adopting a mutt from the shelter or the paper? they make the best pets! And its a future surprise since you dont know what they will grow into!

Answer 6

***LMAO!!!***
There's *NO SUCH THING*!!!!!

That's a SALES-PITCH =*LIE* from CROOKS to SCAM the IGNORANT/GULLIBLE!!!

Go READ the BREED STANDARD at the AKC site!!!
***BEFORE*** you get screwed would be SMART,eh???