Teacup Shih Tzu and Other Popular Miniatures
Pure breeds of dog are extremely popular in America and in other countries around the world. In America, the leading authority on pure breeds is the American Kennel Club (AKC), which holds competitions for purebreds like the Shih Tzu. Pure breeds are distinguished from mixed breeds, or “mutts” by their documented ancestry. Purebred dogs are inbred to help retain the specific desired characteristics of the breed. Mutts on the other hand have uncertain heritage.
Though standard dogs have excelled in AKC competition, winning a record-breaking number of championships over the years, some Shih Tzu breeders selectively breed smaller members of the breed, which results in less-than-standard sized dogs. Miniature, or Teacup Shih Tzu, retain the traits of the breed, however, are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They can compete through alternative organizations such as the as the National Canine Association (NCA) and Chinese Imperial Dog Club of America.
This breed has specific characteristics that separate it from other breeds. The American Kennel Club defines the breed standard and cites the range dogs must fall within to register and compete. Shih Tzu dogs must be sturdy with compact bodies covered in a double coat of long, silky fur in any color. Fur is straight to wavy in texture. Height must be between eight and eleven inches and weight must be between nine and sixteen pounds. The temperament must be happy, alert, energetic, and totally trusting. When competing, Shih Tzu crown hair must be tied on top of the head.
Shih Tzu descended from other Chinese dog breeds, most likely the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, as much as 2,000 years ago. Shih Tzu means “lion dogs” and these were revered as holy dogs in China. Bred initially by Tibetan monks, Shih Tzu later became imperial dogs of various Chinese dynasties.
The Teacup is also referred to as a Toy, Miniature, Toi, Pocket, or Imperial Shih Tzu. It is registered as a breed with the National Canine Association under the name Chinese Imperial dog. Whatever name you call it, Teacup Shih Tzu dogs are smaller than standard dogs. They weigh only four to seven pounds and stand less than nine inches tall as adults.
Teacups are purebred and may have just as documented an ancestry as standard Shih Tzu. But because they are substandard in size, the American Kennel Club will not allow them to register for competition. The NCA has cleared this up by registering them as an entirely new breed. Teacup Shih Tzu, or Chinese Imperial Dogs, have the long, silky fur, happy temperament, and brown or black eyes of the standard dog, but have shorter backs, smaller overall size, and a cuter, more doll-like face. Many who want a smaller, more adorable version of the standard Shih Tzu love these little dogs.
Rebecca Simpson, a native of Hong Kong, wrote a graduate thesis on the influence of dogs on recent Chinese royal culture. The Shih Tzu is as well known for its delightful personality as it is for its long, flowing coat. Shih Tzu information can be found online, at public libraries, and from breeders.
