Miniature Shih Tzu also known as a Teacup or Imperial Shih Tzu are often referred to as undersized. This misleading term implies that there is something unhealthy or defective in this particularly variety of the Shih Tzu breed. Commonly in the middle of six and eight pounds in weight they are uncommon and as a consequence, more expensive than the normal nine to sixteen pound variety.
Chinese legend tells us that these tiny varieties were carried around in the sleeve of a Dowager Chinese Empress, hence the name Imperial Shih Tzu. Legend also has it that the name Teacup comes from the fact that the puppies could fit in to a teacup. Legend is not the same as fact, but it Commonly has some foundation and dispels the trust that Teacup Shih Tzu are a contemporary invention.
Shitzu Dogs
There is much turn over among owners and breeders as to whether the Teacup Shih Tzu is a true breed variety or just a label given to the runt of a litter to con buyers into thinking they are getting a rare and novel pet. I think the sensible view should be that as long as the dog is wholesome and its growth is in no way deliberately restricted, then what is the issue? If a dog is rare it is more expensive and this is a basic of the law of provide and demand. If you want a dinky or Teacup Shih Tzu you will have to pay more for it and you will not be disappointed.
It is not unknown, any way for an unwary buyer to take home a Teacup Shih Tzu that they have paid a selected for, and end up with a fifteen pound dog in less than two years. No matter what breed or variety of dog you go for, always buy from a reputable breeder
If you are considering a Teacup or Imperial Shih Tzu get as much help and advice as potential before you purchase the dog. This is especially important if you have not had a dog before or are downsizing from a large breed. It is positive that as these are small animals they take up less room and do not need to be taken out for hours of exercise, but do not assume that this means less care or attention. It is a common mistake among dinky owners that a small pet means a low maintenance pet.
First and important you must get the diet right. A puppy should be fed an ounce of food for each pound of weight reducing this to half an ounce per pound for an adult dog. I cannot stress enough the importance of nutritional values. Despite the positive reasons such as lack of teeth, a small puppy cannot absorb positive ingredients so stick to the thorough formula. Likewise with small breed adults, you must study their diet determined to ensure you give your dog all the minerals and vitamins they need without overfeeding. You can over feed a dinky dog by just adding an extra concentrate of ounces to their food.
Despite this warning do not be obsessed by weighing your Teacup Shih Tzu. Use your eyes and hands to see if there are any rolls of fat. If the dog begins to grow rapidly it may not be overfeeding, but a fact that you have acquired a quarterly Shih Tzu that was slow to thrive. This is why it is important to know what you are doing.
Just because you have a dinky dog does not mean you do not need to take him out regularly. This is considerable not just for corporeal exercise, but also for stimulation.
Like all varieties, dinky Shih Tzu are tantalizing loving pets. Any time and effort you put in to their care will give great rewards.
itsybitsy Shih Tzu - Fitting Into a Teacup?