The
AKC standard for a Shih Tzu is 9 - 16lbs. The Shih Tzu is not supposed
to be a fragile dog. Correct Shih Tzu are sturdy little dogs with good
bone
The
terms “imperial,” "pocket puppy" and “tiny teacup” are sometimes
used to describe undersized Shih Tzu. The proceeding terms are
generally used by unethical breeders to drive up prices for dogs that
do not conform to the standard. These breeders lure puppy buyers in
by using these terms to make buyers think these puppies are unusual
or special. Most certainly special or unusual Shih Tzu puppies bring
a much higher price.
"Imperial"
Shih Tzu breeders have purposely downsized, an already small dog, In
the name of the mighty dollar. These breeders risk the overall health
and wonderful distinguishing breed characteristics that responsible
breeders have worked long and hard to preserve.
Distinguishing
Characteristics
The
big, round, dark, eyes that are perfectly placed on the skull. The big
round head that characterizes the Shih Tzu and what they stand for.
When Shih Tzu are downsized they lose these characteristics. No to mention
the Shih Tzu conformation. What do you have left? I will admit some
are "cute" at best when they are puppies. In my eyes, VERY
few are still "cute" when they grow up. When you look at a
correct Shih Tzu (pet or show dog), you should see that round head and
full dark eyes with that warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting
expression.
Health:
Open
Fontanels are an issue when you downsize the Shih Tzu. These puppies
mature slower and are normally sold when their fontanels are still open.
Some never close. These "imperial" breeders admit this and
tell their clients just be careful. If that puppy bumps its its head
the right way, it is dead. A proper Shih Tzu puppy would be fine.
Severe
eye white and wall eyed. The heads on these "imperials" is
very small and leave no room for proper eye placement. Excessively bulgy
eyes is a sign of hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
Suppressed
immune systems (meaning they get sick easily and are prone to severe
allergy symptoms), heart murmurs, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), low
tolerance of anesthesia, & appetite loss, that can lead to more
serious illnesses.
Many
"imperial" breeders 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. Many of these puppies, when sold, have to be on special diets
and suffer from low blood sugar through their lives.
A
responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional “runt” as an “imperial,”
"pocket puppy" or “tiny teacup” Shih Tzu. These Shih Tzu puppies
are sold as pets, not to be used for breeding. The occasional
runt is just like the other puppies, it is just smaller. The qualities
of the beautiful Shih Tzu are all there, just smaller. These puppies
tend to be healthy and go on to live normal lives just like their litter
mates. A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy that may have health
issues. Responsible breeders do what they can to prevent health issues,
not knowingly produce puppies that may or may not have the above mentioned
issues.
In
closing I would just like to say if you are looking for imperial, teacup
or pocket Shih Tzu please keep searching. The Shih Tzu on this site
are representative of the one and only true Shih Tzu. On occasion I
do have runts. The runts are placed just like any other puppy I have.
Just like any other puppy I breed, They are healthy and will not be
placed if there are ANY issues. They look like all my other Shih Tzu,
just a little smaller. They still look like a Shih Tzu because I only
breed beautiful Shih Tzu that conform to the standard.
Bailley's
Blog - Bailley was diagnosed with Cushing's
in November of 2014. We lost Bailley 8/15/17
This
is a record of our journey and how I chose to treat her. It is my hope
others will find comfort and answers.
