What is an imperial size Shih Tzu?
An Imperial Shih Tzu is a Shih Tzu that is purposefully bred to be smaller than the breed standard. Since the normal Shih Tzu is already classified as a toy breed by most kennel clubs, the Imperial ones are extremely tiny with a height of 9 inches or shorter and a weight between 4 and 9 pounds.
Is there an Imperial Shih Tzu?
The Chinese Imperial Dog or Imperial Shih Tzu is a Shih Tzu bred to be smaller than the Shih Tzu’s written standard of 9 pounds. It was started some time back in the 1970s when breeders chose the runts for their breeding stock. It is still being bred today.
What is a tiny Imperial Shih Tzu?
Imperial Shih Tzus are Shih Tzus that are too small to meet the AKC standards for Shih Tzu weight and size but are ideally still within the range where they can be healthy dogs. In other cases, Imperials are purposely bred to be extra tiny or under 5 pounds, which can be extremely dangerous.
What does Imperial mean in dogs?
“Imperial” is a term sometimes used to describe a Shih Tzu dog that tends towards the smaller end of the breed size standard, or even smaller.
Are Imperial Shih Tzus good dogs?
Shih Tzu’s are well known to be playful and affectionate pets with cheerful expressions and personalities. Although they will probably bark if someone comes to the door, these pups weren’t bred to be watchdogs. Which is evident since these dogs are friendly towards strangers.
What are miniature Shih Tzus called?
Imperial Shih Tzu, Miniature, Munchkin or Dwarf, Tiny Imperial, Tiny Teacup, Chinese Imperial, and Tiny Toy Shih Tzu are all names that are being used interchangeable to refer to Shih Tzu dogs that are smaller than the AKC breed standard of 9 to 16 pounds.
How do I know if my Shih Tzu is Imperial?
First and foremost, the main difference is, of course, their size. Standard Shih Tzu are between 8 and 11 inches in height and between 9 and 16 pounds. Imperial Shih Tzu can be just slightly smaller than this or weigh less than five pounds! This leads to a very significant difference between the two dogs types.
What is the lifespan of an Imperial Shih Tzu?
Imperial Shih Tzu – Life Expectancy The life expectancy is between 8 to 10 years although it cannot be accurately predicted, a standard breed can live longer….. up to 14 years and sometimes older.
Do Imperial Shih Tzus have health problems?
Imperial Shih Tzu – Health Issues Imperial Shih Tzus like other smaller dogs is known to often suffer from Hypoglycemia which means they have very low blood sugar. They are also prone to spinal disc disease and slipped stifle (commonly known as “slipped kneecap”) because of their long back and short legs.