Any descriptor such as imperial, teacup, tiny, miniature all describe a Shih Tzu that is smaller than the standard breed definition. Those same descriptions are also used for other toy dog breeds.
Let’s see how the Teacup Shih Tzu stacks up against an imperial or standard Shih Tzu.
Introduction to the Teacup Shih Tzu
The Tea cup and Imperial descriptions have been used interchangeably by some. It describes the dogs on the low end of the weight scale such as Imperial at under 9 lbs and 9 inches tall or less or Teacup at the extreme lower end of under 7 pounds and about 6 inches tall.
The official Shih Tzu is described by The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) as 9 to 16 pounds and 8-11 inches tall. This is also the only recognized breed.
For a summary of the Imperial Shih Tzu please take a look here. Now let’s move on to the smallest Shih Tzu version, the little full grown teacup.
Is the Teacup a Healthy Dog
They are undersized dogs that may or may not eventually have health issues due to their size.
In another article we mentioned an Imperial Shih Tzu can be perfectly healthy. But poor breeding can increase health problems for Teacups at under 7 pounds. At 5 pounds the risk is even greater.
The small body can result in internal issues related to the heart and liver. They may have trouble digesting foods due to their small digestive systems.
Shih Tzus are known to sometimes have trouble keeping their body temperature regulated. note that means they don’t do well in the cold, and benefit from a sweater or jacket in cold weather walks.
Well the Teacup is the most sensitive to cold and it’s ability to keep its body temp warm.
To purposely breed smaller than normal dogs such as a teacup, puts greater strain on the dog. They are smaller than they should be, have much smaller and more fragile organs. These little dogs as mothers will experience greater strain and hardship to give birth and care for pups.
Is it Ethical to breed a teacup
There are already miniature toy breeds to choose from that come in as small as 3 pounds. If you want a tiny toy dog then it makes sense to get one of those breeds.
There are normally smaller pups or runts that end up on the smaller scale. These will likely be just as healthy as any normal Shih Tzu and would make a wonderful pet.
Teacup Shih Tzus are at greater risk of birth defects and health issues, some that are with them for life.
So the question is whether to encourage breeders to breed runts with increased risk of complications and potentially reduced quality of life for the dog.
Or do you let nature take its course and purchase a normal small variation of a Shih Tzu if you want a smaller than normal version.
Final Thoughts
The nursery rhyme “I’m a little Teacup short and stout” certainly describes the Shih Tzu, and may apply to a Teacup if fortunate enough to be healthy.
It’s a tough decision whether to buy or adopt a Teacup Shih Tzu. One thing is certain, all Shih Tzus provide endless love and devotion.