What is an imperial Shih Tzu?
“Imperial” is a name breeders use for Shih Tzus that are expected to mature smaller than the official breed standard. The American Kennel Club standard for the Shih Tzu calls for an adult weight of 9 to 16 pounds and a height of about 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder. Imperial and tiny Shih Tzus are bred from smaller parents to come in under that range.
The name is a nod to the breed’s history in the imperial palaces of China. An imperial Shih Tzu is still 100 percent Shih Tzu: the same lion dog look, the same long flowing coat and the same affectionate personality, just in a smaller package.
Tiny, imperial and teacup: sizes explained
You will see a lot of labels online. Here is how to think about them:
- Standard Shih Tzu: 9 to 16 pounds as an adult, per the AKC breed standard.
- Tiny or imperial Shih Tzu: bred to mature below the standard. Exact adult size varies by line.
- “Teacup”: a marketing term with no official definition. Be careful with anyone promising an extremely small adult size.
The best predictor of your puppy’s adult size is the size of its parents and grandparents. A breeder who has worked the same lines for decades can give you a far more reliable estimate than any label.
A royal history
The Shih Tzu traces back to Tibet and was developed in the imperial court of China, where these little dogs lived as treasured palace companions. The name means “lion,” a nod to their flowing mane. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1969, and Shih Tzus have been one of America’s favorite companion breeds ever since.
Temperament
Shih Tzus were bred for one job: to be loved. They are friendly, affectionate, playful and social, and they generally get along well with people and other pets. They are alert and curious without being high strung, and they adapt beautifully to apartments, small homes and families who want a true lap dog.
Caring for a tiny Shih Tzu
- Grooming: the long double coat tangles easily. Brush often, bathe every few weeks, and keep hair out of the eyes with a topknot or trim.
- Feeding: tiny puppies need small, frequent meals. Ask your breeder exactly what and how often to feed in the first weeks.
- Exercise: short walks and indoor play are plenty. Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat, which matters in a Texas summer.
- Handling: tiny dogs are delicate. Supervise young children and watch for jumps off furniture.
- Teeth, ears and nails: small mouths need regular dental care, and ears and nails need routine attention.
Health and why your breeder matters
Like many flat faced toy breeds, Shih Tzus can be prone to breathing sensitivity, eye issues, dental crowding, knee problems such as patellar luxation, and skin or ear allergies. Very small puppies also need extra attention to eating and blood sugar early on. Shih Tzus are known for long lives, often 10 to 18 years.
This is exactly why the breeder matters so much with tiny Shih Tzus. Breeding small is easy. Breeding small, sound and sweet takes generations of careful choices, and that is the work Holy Shih Tzu has done since 1997.
How to choose a tiny Shih Tzu breeder
- Check licensing. In Texas, many dog breeders are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
- Ask about the parents. How big are they? How old? What are their temperaments?
- Ask where the foundation dogs came from. Great lines are built over decades.
- Check references. Talk to families who have bought from the breeder.
- Interview the breeder. A good one will ask you just as many questions.
- Don’t judge by a website alone. Pretty pictures are easy. Track records are not.
Why families choose Holy Shih Tzu
Holy Shih Tzu is a licensed Texas breeder in Burleson, specializing in tiny and imperial Shih Tzus since 1997. The program is home to two National Champions, was featured on National Geographic Channel’s Taboo, and its founder Dee served as Chairperson of the Texas Licensed Breeder Advisory Committee. Many breeders who come close to this quality built their programs on Holy Shih Tzu dogs.