There is a craze going around the dog world for small, mini-sized dogs. Almost every breed features a teacup or miniature sized version. The Shih Tzu is one breed that is not to be outdone. The Shih Tzu’s miniature sized version is referred to as an Imperial Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu itself has become one of the top companion dogs in the world, and it is no wonder why the smaller version is quickly gaining popularity, too. After all, Imperial Shih Tzus are little balls of joy and kindness.
The term Imperial Shih Tzu is a throwback to the original Chinese Imperial Dog that was featured in Tibet. These dogs were the ancestors of the Shih Tzu so it only seemed normal for the smaller version of the Shih Tzu be named after them as well. According to many historical references, the Dowager Empress Cixi preferred smaller dogs so that she could keep them in her sleeve. Her preference was dogs between 7 to 11 pounds in weight. The Imperial Shih Tzus would be the type of dog the Empress preferred, hence their name.
Imperial Shih Tzus are designer versions of the original Shih Tzu. According to the American Kennel Club, the Imperial Shih Tzu is not recognized as a breed or as a version of the Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club only recognizes the Shih Tzu. Many breeders find this unfair and are working on getting the Imperial Shih Tzu recognized as a breed of its own. Imperial breeders prefer smaller versions of the Shih Tzu and would like their breed to be completely separate from regular sized Shih Tzus.
The term Imperial refers to the size difference between the two types of dogs. The biggest difference between a Shih Tzu and an Imperial Shih Tzu is their size. A regular Shih Tzu typically weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as an adult. An Imperial Shih Tzu generally weighs less than 9 pounds as an adult. The 9 to 16 pounds as an adult weight is the standard accepted by the American Kennel Club. Many Shih Tzu breeders find that Imperial Shih Tzus are drastically underweight, which is unhealthy to the breed.
In order for breeders to create Imperial Shih Tzus, they must first have a Shih Tzu puppy on the lower end of the weight limit. This dog is usually considered the runt and is born under weight. This dog is mated with others that are considered to be the runt of their litters. Breeders keep breeding the runts until they get hybrid dogs that are all less than 9 pounds. Some breeders find the practices of Imperial Shih Tzu breeders to be unethical and a danger to the breed.
Imperial Shih Tzus might be smaller, but their existence is full of debate. Some view an Imperial Shih Tzu as an unhealthy alternative to the normal sized Shih Tzu while those that are fans of the Imperials adore them. Whichever you prefer, there is no denying that small or not, Imperial Shih Tzus are adorable.
