It seems everyone wants a miniature size dog and almost all breeds of dogs come in the mini-sizes. The Shih Tzu, of course also has a miniature size is known as the Imperial Shih Tzu. As a companion dog, the Shih Tzu is one of the top breeds anywhere, therefore, it makes sense that the smaller version of this popular breed is in such demand. The Imperial Shih Tzus bring a lot of joy.
The name Imperial Shih Tzu comes from the original Chinese Imperial dog that came from Tibet. This dog is the ancestor of the Shih Tzu, which made sense to name the miniature version of the breed after them. Some historical records state that the Dowager Empress Cixi actually liked the smaller dogs because she liked to put them in her sleeve. She preferred dogs that weighed 7 to 11 pounds. The Empress would have definitely preferred the Imperial Shih Tzus, thus their name.
The Imperial Shih Tzus can be considered a designer version of the original Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Imperial Shih Tzu as breed of its own or even as a version of the Shih Tzu. Instead, they only recognize the original Shih Tzu, and many breeders are upset with this decision and are trying to get the Imperial Shih Tzu recognized as its own distinct breed. Since Imperial breeders like the smaller version of the Shih Tzu, they want them to be totally separate breed.
The word, “Imperial” basically refers to the difference in the sizes of the two dogs, which is the main difference between the Shih Tzu and the Imperial Shih Tzu. A standard Shih Tzu can weigh between 9 and 16 pounds whereas an Imperial Shih Tzu weighs less than 9 pounds when fully grown. The rule of 9 to 16 pounds is the accepted weights by the American Kennel Club. Some standard Shih Tzu breeders find the Imperial Shih Tzu to be very underweight and therefore fear it is unhealthy.
To create the Imperial Shih Tzus, the breeders take the smallest of the puppy from the litter, which is the runt and then they mate with another runt. Breeders will continue breeding runts until they get the hybrid dog that weight under the 9 pounds. Many breeders find this practice of breeding the Imperial Shih Tzu unethical and dangerous to the breed.
The Imperial Shih Tzus are quite a bit smaller, and their very existence is full of controversy. Many see the Imperial Shih Tzu as unhealthier when compared to the standard Shih Tzu, but fans of the Imperials, love them. Regardless of which one you prefer, there is no denying that the Imperial Shih Tzus are very cute and cuddly.
