Yes, there may be a few health scares and costly veterinary bills along the way, but it will be well worth it. According to the AKCs breed standard, Shih Tzus should ideally measure 9 to 10 inches; but not less than 8 and weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. As you can see, at 6 inches tall and 7 pounds in weight, the Teacup Shih Tzu is instantly disqualified. Inside the Teacup Shih Tzus body is a collection of tiny organs and fragile bones, all of which present certain challenges when it comes to keeping these dogs healthy. Of course, the Chinese Emperors who first owned these little lions didnt have to worry about that they had a dedicated cadre of workers whose entire job consisted of grooming the privileged Shih Tzus!. Youll find your tiny dog responds well to positive reinforcement techniques, and employing these will have him quickly house trained and, in time, turn him into an excellent traveling companion. Dont be fooled by their small size in the case of the Teacup Shih Tzu, less is apparently more. Having said that, like the standard Shih Tzu, the teacup variety is very much a lapdog and adapts well to a pampered life of luxury, hanging out with his human friends and soaking up all the love and cuddles that come his way. Also known as the Imperial Shih Tzu, this diminutive dog is generally pretty healthy, but its small size does result in some unique issues and health requirements. Colin Farrell has a Shih Tzu, Beyonce is rarely seen without her beloved Munchie, and the British monarchy owned them for years. Smaller de-matting tools, like those designed for cats, work quite well, however, removing stubborn tangles and turning your Shih Tzu into a cuddly companion. Regardless of whether they fall into the standard size category or the teacup classification, Shih Tzus welcome the attention of any human. For us commoners, however, keeping a long-haired miniature Shih Tzu means daily grooming and regular trimming. Mini Shih Tzus are also prone to back problems, such as intervertebral disc disease, muscle spasms, and even disc herniation. Compared to a Teacup Yorkie, for example, that stands a little taller at seven inches, the mini Shih Tzu weighs twice as much, sitting around 14 lbs, compared to the Yorkies seven. Most Shih Tzus, both the standard and the miniature varieties, are friendly, sweet-natured dogs, which is probably why theyre so popular. While it might be smaller than a Little Lion, the Teacup Shih Tzu has just as much love to share. When young, teacup puppies are fragile and need a rest after about half an hour of play. A weekly bath with a Shih-Tzu-specific shampoo wont go amiss either. Dont forget, the name Shih Tzu means Little Lion, and these compact canines will fiercely protect their homes, humans, and, in some instances, their toys as well. Slicker brushes are generally too big and too aggressive to use on your dogs soft hair and fragile body. Like any other breed of dog, your Teacup pup will need its eyes and face cleaning regularly and itsnails trimmingevery week. Its hardly surprising, though. His distinctive plumed tail curls up over his back, giving him a distinctively arrogant carriage.. We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. You should also consider getting a dog coat to keep him warm during the winter months. Despite their teddy-bear-like appearance, these toy dogs are surprisingly athletic and love outdoor adventures and daily walks. Despite its size, the Teacup Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog with a broad chest and short but well-muscled legs. Its small stature belies its big personality, while its amenable nature has made it a popular traveling companion. Their small stomachs may not be able to digest solid foods properly because of their size, potentially causing digestive problems as severe as malnutrition. Although small in stature, Miniature Shih Tzus are surprisingly robust and heavy. This structure can lead to breathing difficulties which, in the worst-case scenario, could require surgery. A healthy Miniature Shih Tzu has the same life expectancy as a standard-sized version and should light up your life for a good 12 to 15 years. Less common colors include a predominately grey or charcoal-colored coat with intermittent white flashes and the unusual red variety which often has darker coloration around the eyes and muzzle. Supervision is also necessary to prevent your teacup pup from over-exerting himself. With a name that means Little Lion, you can expect your Miniature Shih Tzu to display a spunky attitude to life, but not an overly aggressive one. For the most part, however, you can expect your Teacup Shih Tzu to be a friendly, outgoing, and playful soul, greeting strangers, children, and other animals with equal enthusiasm. Cute as a button and almost as small, the Teacup Shih Tzu is literally tiny enough to fit into a bone china teacup. Thats not to say you should leave your little lion unattended with kids, however. Intelligent little creatures, Mini Shih Tzus love learning new tricks and teaching their humans how to perform important tasks like retrieving treats from the pantry and settling on the couch for some serious cuddle time. While not without its quirks, the Teacup Shih Tzu can be an entertaining companion that adapts easily to indoor life and requires only minimal exercise. Originally bred as companion dogs to the Chinese Emperors, these fluffy dogs are friendly, cheerful, and outgoing, making them ideal for children. The Teacup Shih Tzus cute little snub nose also gives him trouble, making breathing labored, and potentially causing stomach upsets if he ingests air along with his kibble. To be fair, these little balls of fluff are more likely to lick an intruder to death than go at him with their teeth bared. One of the worst is how much grooming it needs to keep its coat free of mats and tangles. Even if you call it the Imperial Shih Tzu, rather than a Teacup, you wont be able to show it in competition as its not recognized as a breed. Water and food caught in their facial hair, causing smelly bacterial infections; Long hairs dangling in the eyes leading to a build-up of bacteria. Other teacup breeds include the diminutive Chihuahua, the smallest of which is Guinness World Record holder, Milly, who, at less than four inches tall, makes a teacup look decidedly roomy. Like its larger cousin, the Shih Tzu has a round, hairy head that has been compared to a chrysanthemum flower. Despite their long, silky coats, Mini Shih Tzus struggle to regulate their body temperature and are susceptible to overheating. They may not need a lot of space, but they do have some quirks that mean theyre not the ideal dog for everyone. In other words, they stand about three inches shorter than the standard breed that stands approximately 10 inches tall and weighs between nine to 16 pounds. You may find you need to feed your little lion more frequently than a normal-sized dog as they are prone to hypoglycemia and because their small stomachs make it difficult to digest larger quantities. Join the 7-day free online course right away! The Teacup version takes all of those lovable traits to a new level. Many Shih Tzu owners use grooming clippers to trim their dogs in the summer to minimize the potential for overheating. You will also need to cover the usual expenses of food, grooming supplies or professional grooming services, toys, treats, and annual checkups. The square muzzle is topped off with a black button nose that matches his round, black eyes assuming you can find them under all that hair. If youre lucky, you may find a teacup pup for as little as $750, but you should still bear in mind, this is only the beginning. As adorable as they are to look at, Teacup Shih Tzus arent always the best dogs to snuggle with at night, primarily because they tend to smell! Like its larger cousin, the miniature Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short head and flat muzzle. The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big heart who loves nothing more than hanging out with humans. If theres nothing you love more than something small and fluffy to cuddle, then you need a Miniature Shih Tzu in your life but, before you rush out and fall in love with one, there are a few things you should know about the breed. They may be cute, but not all teacup pups enjoy being dressed up or treated to endless new hairstyles. Celebrities and families alike enjoy cuddles and games with their Shih Tzus, relishing their intelligence and enthusiasm. Want to get a sniff on what SpiritDog's online training is all about? Although Shih Tzus are obedient, willing little dogs, they can become stubborn if not exposed to early puppy training. More expensive than their standard-sized cousins, which usually cost between $500 and $1000, prospective miniature Shih Tzu owners should budget for at least $1000 and be prepared to pay a hefty five-figure sum for a top-quality toy pup. Selecting the right grooming supplies can be as challenging as sticking to a strict grooming routine. SpiritDog Training LLC | All Rights Reserved, a 1-year health guarantee protecting against hereditary and congenital defects, does not recognize the Imperial Shih Tzu as an actual dog, provides a competitive venue for dogs of small stature without regard to breed or pedigree. A tiny dog with the heart of a lion, a Teacup Shih Tzu, will happily go everywhere with you, providing endless cuddles, irresistible cuteness, and undemanding companionship. Reputable breeders often provide an official health certificate for every puppy, along with a 1-year health guarantee protecting against hereditary and congenital defects.. Too much of the wrong attention could see your Shih Tzu running the other way every time a child comes into view. The Teacup Shih Tzus short legs mean its not designed for long-distance runs or lengthy bike rides, but that doesnt stop them from enjoying a good walk or a game of fetch. Chances are, your miniature Shih Tzu will also rack up a few hefty veterinary bills during his lifetime. Shih Tzus come in every colorimaginable, although the most common is a combination of grey or black patches on a primarily white coat. For the most part, they wont give two hoots about that persons age or size. A short puppy cut can transform your Shih Tzu into a sleek-looking canine athlete, whereas a teddy bear cut will, unsurprisingly, make him resemble a stuffed toy. They are, however, small dogs and, as such, are prone to small-dog syndrome, which can make them fearful of and subsequently aggressive towards larger dogs. No one wants a dog that struggles with its health, no matter how tiny and cute they may be, so its worth shopping around. Shih Tzus love treat-dispensing toys like the Kong, which stimulates their active minds and encourages them to develop their natural scavenging skills. The main factors that cause a stinky Shih Tzu are: By examining your tiny dog regularly and thoroughly, you can help address these problems and give you a sweeter-smelling Shih Tzu to cuddle with. Teacup Shih Tzus generally stand around six inches tall and weigh under seven pounds. To prevent these issues, try to spot your Shih Tzy from jumping on and off furniture, as this puts excess strain on both their backs and their fragile knee joints. Getting your good-natured Miniature Shih Tzu to enjoy the company of kids is childs play. This is by no means normal for any breed of dog but is something the Shih Tzus are more susceptible to. Some even go as far as to say the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the Imperial Shih Tzu as an actual dog.. One of the best things about a tiny Shih Tzu is that it doesnt shed. If you do want to compete with your Teacup companion, your best option is to join the Teacup Dogs Agility Association as it provides a competitive venue for dogs of small stature without regard to breed or pedigree.. 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