Shih Tzu owners are by far one of the most passionate groups of dog lovers that are devoted to their breed of choice. They are very zealous when it comes to their four legged family members. Nothing can get Shih Tzu owners heated up more than the debate over Teacup Shih Tzus. Some believe that a Teacup Shih Tzu does not exist while others believe that Teacup Shih Tzus are one and the same as an Imperial Shih Tzu. No matter where you fall within the debate, one thing is for sure, people are crazy over their Shih Tzus.
The term teacup is used to describe many breeds. Teacups generally refer to small, tiny sized versions of dogs. These dogs typically weigh between the 2 to 4 pounds range. People perceive these types of dogs as designer dogs since they appear to be more of an accessory than a living, breathing animal. However, there are owners out there that adore their teacup dogs and would not trade them for the world. Many of those who own a Teacup Shih Tzu love their dog and would never let anything happen to them. Remember, there are always two sides to a story.
One of the biggest debates regarding a Teacup Shih Tzu is whether they actually exist. Most people believe that a Teacup Shih Tzu and an Imperial Shih Tzu are the same. Imperials are well known as smaller versions of the Shih Tzu, which is why people believe a Teacup Shih Tzu is just another name for an Imperial Shih Tzu. Teacup Shih Tzu breeders would gladly disagree and point out that a Teacup Shih Tzu is an even smaller version of a Shih Tzu than an Imperial Shih Tzu.
The term teacup is mainly used to describe the weight of the Shih Tzu more than anything else. A regular Shih Tzu weighs between 9 to 11 pounds while an Imperial Shih Tzu weighs less than 9 pounds. Teacup Shih Tzus, on the other hand, weigh less than 5 pounds. Most people would point out that there are three different weight ranges so there must be three different types of dogs. This is one thing that has many Shih Tzu owners perplexed.
According to the American Kennel Club, only the Shih Tzu truly exists. In fact, the Shih Tzu was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1969. Since then, no other version of a Shih Tzu has been recognized. The American Kennel Club believes that both the Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu are underweight versions of the Shih Tzu and are not separate breeds. In fact, the American Kennel Club tends to frown upon the breeding practices Teacup Shih Tzu breeders go about in order to produce a teacup sized puppy. A teacup puppy is produced by breeding together runts of a litter until you reach your desired size.
No matter if you believe a Teacup Shih Tzu is real or just another name for a smaller Shih Tzu, there is no denying the fact that these are still loveable dogs that will be a companion for life. Teacup Shih Tzus aren’t just tiny, they are fun sized.
