Imperial Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide

The Imperial Shih Tzu and the Shih Tzu are two breeds that share a similar history and physical characteristics, but they have some key differences.

The Imperial Shih Tzu is a smaller version of the Shih Tzu, weighing between 9-16 pounds, while the Shih Tzu weighs between 9-24 pounds.

Both breeds have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming, but the Imperial Shih Tzu's coat is slightly shorter and easier to maintain.

The Shih Tzu has a more outgoing and friendly temperament, while the Imperial Shih Tzu is often described as more reserved and affectionate.

Shih Tzus are a small breed, with males and females alike standing at nine to ten and a half inches tall.

Their weight is also relatively consistent, ranging from nine to 16 pounds.

This compact size makes them a great fit for city living or small homes, where space is limited.

The Imperial Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu breeds are known for their affectionate nature, with the Shih Tzu being a master of seeking lap time.

Their dominant characteristic is indeed affection, and they thrive on giving and receiving attention. They're happiest when surrounded by their family.

Imperial Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have a unique blend of intelligence and charm. They rank low in work and obedience intelligence but make up for it with high adaptive intelligence, allowing them to learn from past experiences and sense impending danger.

Imperial Shih Tzus are bred to intentionally be smaller than the breed standard, which can lead to health issues.

Their tiny stature, smaller bones, and weaker bodies make them more prone to health problems.

Standard Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are bred to conform to the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Imperial Shih Tzus can weigh less than five pounds, while Standard Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.

These health problems can result in a vast collection of vet bills, making Imperial Shih Tzus a costly investment.

The cost of care for Imperial Shih Tzus can be anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, while Standard Shih Tzus typically cost around $750.

Imperial Shih Tzus may not live as long as Standard Shih Tzus, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.

Additional reading: Shih Tzu Standard

The Shih Tzu's temperament is all about affection - they're happiest when they're with their family, giving and receiving attention. They're not just happy to be near you, they want to be with you, and their favorite destination is your lap.

They're not total couch potatoes, though - they're alert and lively, and may bark at newcomers to their home. Don't worry, though - they'll make friends with your guests the minute they walk inside.

Imperial Shih Tzus have a unique blend of intelligence and personality. They rank low in work and obedience intelligence, but they make up for it with high adaptive intelligence.

They're smart in their own way, able to learn from past experiences and even understand human emotions. They have sharp instincts and can sense impending danger, which is impressive for a breed that's not exactly known for its high intelligence.

Their loyalty and affectionate nature make up for any lack of intelligence - they're warm and charming companions who love cuddles and will make you forget any frustration with training sessions.

Pekingese are loving, loyal, and brave dogs with a royal-looking appearance. They require considerable playtime to stay happy.

Pekingese are independent dogs that get along well with people, but they don't like being handled harshly. They can be stubborn at times, making training a bit challenging.

Training sessions with a Pekingese should be fun and brief. With patience and the right motivation, they can learn basic commands.

Here are some key traits to keep in mind when training a Pekingese:

The Imperial Shih Tzu's grooming needs are quite demanding, with daily brushing and combing necessary to prevent tangles, and frequent bathing required as often as once a week.

Their long, silky coat comes in many colors, including black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white, with a white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead being highly prized.

To prevent ear infections, it's essential to wipe the Shih Tzu's ears weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner, and to check for dirt, redness, or a bad odor.

Take a look at this: White Shih Tzu Puppy

Their nails should be trimmed monthly, and their face needs daily attention, with a soft cloth dampened with warm water used to wipe away dirt and tear stains.

A healthy diet and regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste will keep their gums and teeth healthy.

Here are some common health concerns in Imperial Shih Tzus:

Imperial Shih Tzus have a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years.

With proper care, many Imperial Shih Tzus can live even longer than that.

Unfortunately, even with ethical breeding, Imperial Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health issues.

These issues include otitis externa, also known as ear infections, which can be quite painful for your furry friend.

Orthopedic problems are another common issue, which can affect your Imperial Shih Tzu's mobility and comfort.

Brachycephalic syndrome is a serious health concern that can cause breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.

Eye issues can also affect Imperial Shih Tzus, which can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

To keep your Imperial Shih Tzu healthy, it's essential to stay on top of regular check-ups and preventative care.

Intriguing read: Shih Tzu Health

The Shih Tzu coat comes in many colors including black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white.

A white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead are highly prized features.

Daily brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles, and frequent bathing is also required, ideally once a week.

Many Shih Tzu owners hire professional groomers to clip their long locks short, eliminating the daily brushing chore.

If you trim the coat short and want to keep it that way, plan on grooming appointments every six to eight weeks.

Brushing should be done all the way down to the skin, and most experienced groomers teach the dog to lie on their side while brushing in sections.

The Shih Tzu coat changes from puppy fluff to a silky adult coat at around ten to twelve months of age, and this stage can be challenging.

The adult coat takes about three months to fully come in, and brushing gets easier once it's fully grown.

The Shih Tzu's nails should be trimmed monthly, and their ears should be checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor.

Wipe out the Shih Tzu's ears weekly with a cotton ball and gentle ear cleaner to prevent problems.

The Shih Tzu's face needs daily attention, with regular wiping to clean dirt and tear stains.

Regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggy toothpaste is crucial to prevent dental problems.

See what others are reading: Brushing a Shih Tzu

Both Imperial Shih Tzus and Shih Tzus are lively and active dogs that require considerable playtime.

They can thrive in small apartments and spaces with their owners, but it's essential to provide them with regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Shih Tzus are generally more tolerant of dogs and other animals, making them a great choice for families with multiple pets.

Pekingese, on the other hand, are independent dogs that don't like being handled harshly, so gentle and patient training is a must.

Training sessions for both breeds should be fun and brief, with a focus on positive reinforcement and rewards.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when training your Imperial Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu:

Owning an Imperial Shih Tzu requires attention to its grooming needs. Regular brushing and trimming are essential to prevent matting and tangling of its long coat.

These dogs need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A short walk or playtime in the yard can suffice, but be sure to adjust the duration and intensity based on the dog's age and fitness level.

Their small size means they can thrive in apartments or small homes, but they still need regular breaks to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.

Imperial Shih Tzus are known for their outgoing and affectionate nature, so be prepared for plenty of attention and interaction. They make great companions for people who live alone or have limited space.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to work with, but consistency and patience are key to developing good habits and behaviors.

Training your Pekingese or Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency. Both breeds have stubborn personalities, making training a challenge.

Pekingese are independent dogs that don't like being handled harshly, while Shih Tzus are more patient during rough play. However, both breeds need time to learn and may not always listen to commands.

Keep training sessions fun and brief to avoid frustration. Your Pekingese or Shih Tzu will be more inclined to focus on training if you offer treats as motivation.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Remember, with the right approach, your Pekingese or Shih Tzu can learn basic commands and become a well-behaved companion.

The Imperial Shih Tzu is a smaller version of the Shih Tzu breed, weighing in at around 7-9 pounds.

They are similar to the Shih Tzu breed but come in a variety of colors including brown, white, black, brindle, gold, gray, and combination of colors.

A different take: Shih Tzu Puppy Colors

Imperial Shih Tzus are descendants of Lhasa Pekingese and Apso dogs, and their long, flowing coat and large, expressive eyes make them a stylish and lovable companion.

The breed has a bubbly character, is people-oriented, and is even tolerant of kids and other pets, making them a great choice for families.

Imperial Shih Tzus are not recognized as a separate breed by kennel clubs due to their smaller size, but they can still make wonderful pets if you do your research and find a qualified breeder.

Consider reading: All Shih Tzu Breed

The breed has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century in England. Originating from working-class dogs, they were bred to herd livestock and pull carts.

Their ancestors were likely a mix of local breeds, including the Old English Sheepdog and the Beagle. This combination of breeds gave them their distinctive appearance and working ability.

In the 19th century, the breed became popular as a companion animal, and their popularity soared. They were highly valued for their gentle and affectionate nature.

The breed's popularity continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and today they are a beloved companion animal in many parts of the world.

The American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu Club don't recognize Imperial Shih Tzus as a separate breed.

Imperial Shih Tzus are not a recognized breed because they don't meet the standard height and weight requirements of the Shih Tzu breed.

They are essentially Shih Tzus bred smaller, often due to incorrect breeding methods or pre-existing health issues.

Some breeders create mini pups by dealing with ill dogs or intentionally introducing a gene that causes dwarfism, treating them more like a fashion statement than a pet.

It's essential to do your research and find a qualified breeder, especially when it comes to Imperial Shih Tzus.

Some Imperial Shih Tzus are bred by putting together two healthy runts from different litters, while others are bred from two purebred Shih Tzus that just don't meet the 9-pound standard.

In these cases, the dogs may not be far off from the breed standard, but they're still not considered purebred.

A Shih Tzu that weighs around 7 or 8 pounds can be a sturdy and healthy dog, making them a great option for those who want a smaller Shih Tzu.

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Some breeders claim their tiny Shih Tzu dogs, known as Imperial Shih Tzus, require additional care and are thus worth more money.

Reputable breeders do offer smaller sized dogs, but it's essential to do your due diligence and ask questions.

Tiny Shih Tzus may need to be hand-fed due to their small size, but this is not unique to Imperial breeders.

All toy breeds, regardless of size, deserve the same level of care, including bottle feeding and tube feeding if needed.

Breeders who charge more for their Imperial Shih Tzus often claim they need extra nutritional supplements and care.

Additional reading: Imperial Shih Tzu Size

Supply and demand plays a significant role in the dog breeding industry, particularly when it comes to smaller breeds like the Shih Tzu.

A survey of Shih Tzu breeders reveals that demand often dictates the supply, with breeders catering to society's desire for smaller dogs.

The law of supply and demand is alive and well in the dog breeding industry, whether breeders or the general public want to acknowledge it or not.

See what others are reading: Breeding Shih Tzus

Deliberate attempts by breeders to reduce the size of the Shih Tzu have led to a range of sizes, including the Imperial Shih Tzu.

The AKC considers the Shih Tzu a toy breed, but a 16-pound Shih Tzu can be a handful, especially for a frail person.

Breeders supply society's demand for small dogs, using terms like Imperial Shih Tzu, Teacup, and Tiny Toy Shih Tzu that have become fashionable in recent years.

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