what is an "imperial shih tzu"?

Question

is it a type of shih tzu?

Answer 1

This type of Shih Tzu would be considered a tea cup varity of the bread. The word imperial and teacup are used interchangeably. I found this information at the American Shih Tzu Club's web page and hope its helpful to you.

"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."

To read more about this you can go to http://www.shihtzu.org/Info/imperial.asp?menu=Info

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Boy, I can't wait until I see these answers. There is no such thing as an Imperial Shih Tzu. Some breeders are down sizing these beautiful dogs and calling them Imperials. Go to www.akc.org. That will tell you the true standards of a Shih Tzu. Many people are going to tell you that Imperial is a small Shih Tzu. Once again there is NO SUCH THING as Imperial Shih Tzu's and that always make me upset when I see breeders calling them that.

I have breed Shih Tzu for many years..Mine are anywhere from 9 - 16 pounds. I do not breed them down and sometimes I do have a small Shih Tzu but I don't use the term Imperial and I don't advertise mine as Imperial. It is a shame you will see websites stating they specialize on Imperials Shih Tzu. People have to stop down sizing these dogs. I am very proud of my Shih Tzu's . And no one will ever call my an Imperial Shih Tzu's.

Answer 3

Not anything legitimate... it's what puppy mills and backyard breeders use to descibe an entirely too small dog that does NOT meet the proper breed standards. This is a marketing technique to the uneducated people who stupidly buy from them.

Here's a little bit from a link given below:

"2. A good breeder does not breed "imperial" or "miniature" or "tiny" or "teacup" shih tzu. Again,
this is just a marketing concept to sell genetically-inferior dogs. Shih tzu and Lhasas have a
minimum breed standard - around 8-9 pounds. Anything smaller is genetically inferior and, for
health reasons, should not be bred. Irresponsible breeders often breed these tiny, sickly dogs
because the public likes TINY dogs. Look at the AKC website for breed standards. The breeders
who call genetically-flawed tiny dogs imperials, miniatures, tea cups, pocket puppies, or anything of
that nature, are just playing on the public's love of tiny things. And if you decide to buy one, you
better have a lot of money ready for your veterinarian. Not only are they over priced, as
breeders know they can sell them for much more by calling them these cute names, the puppies
are prone to health problems, including suppressed immune systems (meaning they get sick easily
and are prone to severe allergy symptoms), brittle bones, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), open
fontanel (soft spot), subluxation of the patella (slipping kneecaps), heart murmurs, cleft palate,
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), low tolerance of anesthesia, & appetite loss, that can lead to more
serious illnesses. This is because most dogs this size are a result of bad breeding, inbreeding, or
illness or injury prior to maturity."

Answer 4

THE FACTS ABOUT “IMPERIAL”
OR “TEACUP” SHIH TZU

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.

Maybe you read an ad in your local newspaper, searched the Internet, or know of someone who acquired a Shih Tzu using the words “imperial” or “tiny teacup” to describe how unusual and special (and even more expensive?) their dog might be. The official breed standard approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) calls for a weight range of 9 to 16 pounds.

A breed standard is a written description of the ideal dog of a particular breed by which it is bred and judged at dog shows. Breed standards are used by all canine organizations. The first written standard for Shih Tzu was that of the Peking Kennel Club, in 1938, which stated that the ideal weight for Shih Tzu was 10 to 15 pounds. Today, Shih Tzu breed standards approved by purebred dog registries around the world are very similar to the 1938 Peking Kennel Club standard. They recognize that one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Shih Tzu is that it is not a fragile dog. It is very solid and sturdy despite its relatively compact size.

Why would anyone want to steer away from the weight called for in the AKC-approved breed standard or to call the breed by anything but its AKC-recognized name? Could it be a fad they have created in order to obtain a higher price for a dog that does not meet the breed standard? These particular breeders have deliberately downsized an already designated Toy breed. By doing this, they risk the overall health and wonderful distinguishing breed characteristics that responsible breeders have worked long and hard to preserve. The same is true of “breeders” who deliberately cross-breed two different AKC-recognized breeds to create what they call “designer dogs.”

Many of the less than reputable breeders of undersized Shih Tzu claim that their Shih Tzu possess the “imperial” gene. There is no proof that such a gene exists. Size reduction occurs by breeding the smallest dog in a litter to another small dog of another litter, and so on and so forth. This not only creates abnormally small Shih Tzu, but also puppies that may have health problems. This is not indicative of an “imperial gene,” but rather of poor breeding practices.

A responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional “runt” as an “imperial” or “tiny teacup” Shih Tzu. Rather, it is sold as a pet, solely as a companion dog that is not to be used for breeding. Responsible breeders strive to breed healthy dogs that conform to the breed standard. The ideal Shih Tzu is a sturdy, active, healthy dog with good substance for its size. Those desiring a very tiny pet should choose another breed rather than destroying the very characteristics that make the Shih Tzu such an ideal companion.

There is no such thing as an AKC-recognized Imperial or Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu. Any domestic registry other than the American Kennel Club is not recognized by the American Shih Tzu Club. Breeders using alternative registries may have lost their AKC registration and breeding privileges for various reasons.

For More Information


This web site (www.shihtzu.org) is a good place to begin or continue your research on our breed or to find out how to locate a responsible breeder through the club’s breeder referral service. As you search the web, however, be wary of well-designed web sites with appealing photos that may lead you to the very breeders you should avoid. Puppy-selling web sites are often nothing more than glorified marketing sources commercial breeders use to reach the uninitiated. It is sometimes difficult even for those aware of the dangers of pet shops and puppy mills to discriminate between the various web sites and determine which are maintained by ethical breeders, so be sure to do your homework.

Answer 5

Why do people, as in the first answerer, insist that teacups are the runts of the litter? No, they are not, they are bred to be too small resulting in unhealthy dogs. My Doberman was the runt of the litter and she is now proper size and by the time she was 8 weeks old, she weighed the same as her litter mates. Runts usually catch up to the others and are still the standard size. Almost all litters have a runt and they are NOT teacups and are usually just as healthy and well bred as the rest of the litter. Any dog purposely bred to be smaller than standard is NOT okay, regardless of breed and regardless of what you decide to call it.

Answer 6

There's NO SUCH THING!!!

That's just CROOK-SPEAK for,"Sell that POS to the first IMBECILE who hasn't READ THE BREED STANDARD!!!"

A SALES PITCH from a LIAR/THIEF/CROOK!!
The only 2 "types" of the breed are QUALITY & CRAP!
Period.

Answer 7

This page might help in answering your question. http://www.tinyimperialshihtzu.com/What%20is%20an%20Imperial.htm