'Spoiled Rotten' Barkery & Kennel Imperial

The Myth about Imperial or
Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu

Maybe you read an ad in your local newspaper, searched
the Internet, or know of someone who acquired a Shih Tzu
using these words to describe how unusual and special
(and even more expensive?) their dog may be.

The official breed standard for the Shih Tzu calls for a
weight range of 9-16 pounds. Why would anyone want to
steer away from the weight called for in the AKC approved
breed standard or to call the breed by anything but its AKC
recognized name? Could it be a fad they have created in
order to obtain a higher price? These particular breeders
have deliberately downsized an already designated toy
breed. By doing this, they risk the overall health and
wonderful distinguishing characteristics of our breed.

Many of these less reputable breeders claim that their Shih
Tzu possesses the 'Imperial' gene. There is no proof that
such a gene exists. Size reduction occurs by breeding the
smallest dog in a litter to another small dog of another
litter, and so on and so forth. This not only creates an
abnormally small Shih Tzu, but also puppies that may have
health problems. This is not indicative of an “Imperial”
gene but rather of poor breeding practices.

A responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional
'runt' as an “Imperial” or “tiny teacup” Shih Tzu. Rather, it is
sold as a pet, solely as a companion dog that is not used
for breeding. Responsible breeders strive to breed
healthy dogs that conform to the breed standard. The ideal
Shih Tzu is a sturdy, active, healthy dog with good
substance for its size. Those desiring a very tiny pet
should choose another breed rather than destroying the
very characteristics that make the Shih Tzu such an ideal
companion.

There is no such thing as an AKC Imperial or Tiny Teacup
Shih Tzu. Any registry other than the American Kennel Club
(AKC) is not recognized by the American Shih Tzu Club.
Breeders using alternative registries may have lost their
AKC registration and breeding privileges for various
reasons.

We would like to CAUTION everyone reading ads,
searching the Internet or who has heard the description of
Shih Tzu as "Imperial" or "tiny teacup" to conduct further
research before making a purchase.

This American Shih Tzu Club website (http://www.shihtzu.
org) is a good place to begin or continue your research on
our breed. There are also many good books about dog
breeds, the care and training can be found in most public
libraries. Especially recommended, the AKC's "The
Complete Dog Book" which has a chapter on every
recognized breed of dog.