A teacup shih tzu is a small breed of dogs. They are considered under the category of toy dogs. Some breeders of Shih Tzu like to select their smaller and to breed them distinctly. Except their size, the teacup Shih Tzu dogs are basically the same as any other Shih Tzu. They can be the same size of a regular Shih Tzu when they mature. The breeders of teacup Shih Tzu just pick the smallest of each litter and pair it with the smaller Shih Tzu from another litter in their attempt to rise smaller than average dogs.

Most of the renowned kennel associations discourage the discriminate breeding of teacup Shih Tzu dogs. This is due mainly to the fact that most of the teacup Shih Tzu breeders may be discriminate when it comes to size but not when it comes to health and other factors. Nevertheless, some of them could overlook the health problems occurring in such small dogs. Others might overlook recessive genes traits that may contribute to strain of dogs that are prone to sickness and other condition just for the sake of breeding smaller dogs. These are the reasons why most of the kennel clubs do not have different standards for teacup Shih Tzu.

Characteristics Of A Teacup Shih Tzu

Usually, teacup shih tzu dogs have the same basic features as the regular sized dogs of the breed. Many breeders dupe unsuspecting inexperienced buyers into believing that the Shih Tzu is a teacup Shih Tzu because these dogs are born small and are really small even when matured.

Ideally, show Shih Tzus should not be more than ten inches at the withers. If the dog is carefully raised and has the appropriate genes, it may stand less than the regular size when it matures. Nevertheless, you should know that seven inches at the withers is the minimum height considered regular by some kennel associations. Most of the teacup Shih Tzu breeders sell their dogs when they are puppies, because there is the risk that these dogs to grow as adults to the normal average size of the breed.

Their average weight is bellow sixteen pounds. Most of the so called teacup Shih Tzus are close to this weight range or even in this weight range when they mature. Since the Shih Tzu is a small dog when matured, teacups only look smaller than the average Shih Tzus when they are puppies but it is difficult to spot the difference in height and weight when the dogs have matured.

The Shih Tzu breed has the same physical features, no matter the size. Their ears are hanging and covered by long hair. Their long coats need to be brushed every day, to prevent snarls and tangles that may turn into matted hair. Many Shih Tzu owners opt to have the hair cut short for better maintenance while most show dogs retain their long hair for show purposes. The other hair characteristics of these dogs are similar to the regular ones. The tail is curled on its back and flowing with hair.

Personality Traits

The teacup Shih Tzu does not differ in temperament from the regular ones. They have a proud appearance, as they were initially raised for the Chinese royalty. They are called lapdogs because they are small enough to fit on your laps. Shih Tzus are basically even tempered and quite playful. Although they are friendly dogs, they can be fierce with danger and protective with their master. The teacup Shih Tzu and the average ones do not need much exercise since they are small dogs that can be contained in smaller houses or apartments. Nevertheless, they need to be walked every day.

A teacup shih tzu is a very small dog. The kennel associations consider them below the toy dog category. teacup shih tzu dogs have the same basic features as the regular sized dogs.