Choosing the right Imperial Shih Tzu puppy is crucial for a lifelong companionship. Imperial Shih Tzus are a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, making them a low-shedding breed.
They are generally friendly and outgoing, but can be wary of strangers. This makes them a great companion for families with children or for people who want a loyal friend.
Their small size, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a great choice for city living or for people who live in apartments. Imperial Shih Tzus are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only short daily walks.
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Breed Information
The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans centuries, originating from Tibetan breeding stock and developed by Imperial breeders in the palace of the Chinese emperor.
The name Shih Tzu means "lion dog", which is fitting given their possible breeding to resemble a tiny lion in Tibetan Buddhist mythology.
Shih Tzus were highly valued as house pets and lap-warmers during the Ming dynasty, with emperors giving lavish gifts to breeders who produced the most beautiful and affectionate dogs.
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Breed History
The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. It's believed to have originated from two ancient Sino-Tibetan breeds, the Lhasa apso and the Pekingese.
The name Shih Tzu literally means "lion dog", which is fitting given its royal heritage. In Tibetan Buddhist mythology, the lion is a revered animal.
Historians believe that the Shih Tzu was bred by lamas in Tibet to resemble a tiny lion. This unique characteristic set the Shih Tzu apart from other breeds.
The Shih Tzu was a beloved companion of Chinese emperors, particularly during the Ming dynasty. They were pampered as house pets and lap-warmers.
Emperors would often give lavish gifts to the Shih Tzu breeders who produced the most beautiful and affectionate dogs. This demand for high-quality Shih Tzus drove the development of the breed.
The Shih Tzu was first recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club in 1969.
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Miniature and Teacup
Miniature and Teacup Shih Tzus are often misused terms that can be misleading. The American Shih Tzu Club explains that breeders often advertise runt Shih Tzus as teacup or imperial breeds.
Breeders may use these terms to describe smaller-sized Shih Tzus, but the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize them as official breed designations. Chihuahuas are also often advertised as teacup or miniature, although they are not recognized as an official breed.
The AKC defines a Shih Tzu as a toy dog, meaning a dog that is lap-size. The official breed standard calls for a weight range of 9-to-16 pounds for these little dogs.
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Caring for Imperial Shih Tzus
Caring for Imperial Shih Tzus is a unique experience, as they are bred to be lap dogs and don't have a strong instinct to hunt or guard like some other breeds.
Their small size means they require minimal exercise, and they don't need to be walked or played with as extensively as larger breeds do.
Shih Tzus are intelligent and enjoy learning, so an obedience class for your Imperial Shih Tzu puppies will probably be a good experience for them.
They may also have a knack for agility and obedience competitions, but it's essential to remember that they are primarily companions and may not have the drive to excel in these areas.
Their barking may be limited to alerting you to visitors, after which they'll likely return to snuggling with you.
It's crucial to train them to have good manners, as they can be quite affectionate and may require gentle guidance to develop good behavior.
Overall, caring for Imperial Shih Tzus is about providing companionship and gentle guidance, rather than pushing them to excel in specific areas.
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Available Puppies
Imperial Shih Tzu puppies are a delight to have as pets. They are purebred CKC Imperial Shih Tzus, known for their hypoallergenic and non-shedding qualities.
Their estimated adult weight is 6-9 lbs, unlike regular size Shih Tzus that weigh 18-22 lbs. This makes them a great choice for families with allergies or who prefer a smaller pet.
You can expect your Imperial Shih Tzu puppy to come with good manners, including knowing not to bark, using a potty tray, and undergoing separation training. They will also be up-to-date on all puppy vaccines, health certificate, and nose-to-tail vet check.
Their silky hair is a joy to touch, and they come in a variety of colors, including brown, white parti, and brindle. They have adorable button noses and sweet eyes that make them look like baby dolls.
Imperial Shih Tzu puppies are ready to join your family at 8 weeks old, and they are sure to be a people stopper everywhere you go. They are waiting for their forever home, and with the right family, they will be a loyal companion for years to come.
Their prices may vary, but you can expect to pay around $1500 for a cash discount, $1600 for a credit card special, or $2600 for a PayPal financing option.
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Sold Puppies
Here's the article section:
If you're looking for a purebred CKC Imperial Shih Tzu, you're in luck. Hershey is a beautiful little girl who is stunningly gorgeous, always happy with anyone or anything, and has the attitude of a real princess.
Hershey is a gorgeous brindle color with an adorable baby doll face and a full tail that will make you giggle as she wags it. She has silky hair that you'll just want to run your fingers through.
As a purebred CKC Imperial Shih Tzu, Hershey is hypoallergenic and non-shedding, making her the perfect home companion. She's also hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
Hershey's estimated adult weight is 7-10 lbs, unlike regular size Shih Tzu that weigh 18-22 lbs. This makes her a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.
Her mom Peppermint Patty is a gorgeous 8 lbs Shih Tzu, and her Daddy Peanut is a gorgeous 4.8 lbs Shih Tzu, making Hershey the sweetest Imperial Shih Tzu.
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Dog Sports and Activities
If you're considering getting an Imperial Shih Tzu puppy, you'll want to know about the various dog sports and activities you can participate in with your new furry friend.
Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to start, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of dog sports and activities available.
One of the most popular dog sports is agility training, which can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with your dog.
You can also consider enrolling in a canine partner program, which allows you to participate in dog sports with a partner dog, even if you have a mixed breed Imperial Shih Tzu.
To get started in dog sports, it's essential to understand the various titles and abbreviations used in the sport, such as "CGC" for Canine Good Citizen.
If you're new to dog sports, you may want to start with a beginner-friendly sport like obedience training.
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For those who prefer a more virtual experience, there are many online dog sports and events available, such as virtual agility courses and online dog training classes.
Here are some popular dog sports and activities you can consider with your Imperial Shih Tzu:
- Agility training
- Obedience training
- Canine partner program
- Virtual dog sports and events
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Shih Tzu and an Imperial Shih Tzu?
The main difference between a Shih Tzu and an Imperial Shih Tzu is the Imperial's significantly smaller size, weighing between 4-9 pounds and standing 9 inches or shorter. This tiny breed is often referred to as a "teacup" Shih Tzu due to its compact size.
What is the life expectancy of an Imperial Shih Tzu?
Imperial Shih Tzus typically live between 10 to 16 years, with some living even longer with proper care
Are black imperial Shih Tzus rare?
Black Imperial Shih Tzus are rare, especially if their entire coat is solid black. This makes them a unique and sought-after variation of the breed
What is the most expensive breed of Shih Tzu?
The most expensive type of Shih Tzu is the Liver Shih Tzu, which can cost up to $3,500. This is due to its unique coat color and rarity.
How big is an imperial Shih Tzu?
An imperial Shih Tzu typically weighs between 5-6 pounds, making them a small to miniature version of the breed. This size range is often used to describe Shih Tzus that fall at the lower end of the standard weight range.
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- Shih Tzus were bred to be (vetstreet.com)
- American Shih Tzu Club: Imperial Shih Tzu (shihtzu.org)
- Shih Tzu {Standard & Imperial} (tlcpuppylove.com)
- Imperial Shih Tzu: Available Puppies (tlcpuppylove.com)
- Happy Shih Tzu Puppies - Fall Madly In Love (theshihtzunursery.com)
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