A Teacup or Imperial Shih Tzu puppy is a Shih Tzu puppy that weighs below the breed standard when fully mature. Typically a standard-sized Shih Tzu puppy weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as an adult. A Teacup Shih Tzu puppy or Imperial Shih Tzu puppy usually weighs less than 9 pounds when fully grown. It isn’t unheard of for Teacup Shih Tzu puppies to weigh less than 6 pounds as adults.
Imperial Shih Tzu puppies are popular because of their small size. Their tiny stature makes them conveniently easy to carry around. Teacup Shih Tzus are often very popular among the elderly as well. It is sometimes difficult for the elderly to lift a large dog. The pint-sized Teacup Shih Tzu puppy is often very light which helps in this matter. Teacup Shih Tzu puppies are also popular with families that travel a lot. A Teacup Shih Tzu puppy fits perfectly under the seat in a travel bag.
Unfortunately, the really small Imperial and Teacup Shih Tzu puppies are sometimes more prone to health issues in adulthood. It isn’t uncommon to see a Shih Tzu puppy that falls a few pounds above or below the breed guidelines for weight. These slight weight fluctuations are merely part of Mother Nature doing her job. These minor weight discrepancies don’t typically lead to any adverse health risks. The health risks are more apparent when a Shih Tzu weighs much less than the breed standard. For instance, if a Shih Tzu puppy weighs a mere 3 pounds when fully mature health issues may arise on occasion.
Teacup Shih Tzu puppies may be smaller at birth as well. If a Shih Tzu Breeder pairs together two three-pound Shih Tzus for breeding the result will often be Shih Tzu puppies that weigh very little at birth. As a direct result, there are more chances that the Teacup Shih Tzu puppies may have trouble latching for nursing and controlling their body temperature and blood sugar.
Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. This means that they have a very sensitive airway to begin with. Micro Teacup Shih Tzu puppies are even more at risk from airway complications because of their small stature. Really small Teacup and Imperial Shih Tzu puppies are also more at risk of suffering from organ disease when compared to larger Shih Tzu puppies.
Breeding decisions should always consider the complete dog, Including health, temperament and overall suitability for breeding. I personally don’t intentionally select for extreme miniaturization in my program. I also don’t automatically exclude an otherwise healthy breeding prospect simply because he or she is smaller. My breeding goal focuses on preserving the qualities we value and love most in our Shih Tzus, with overall health always remaining from and center.
The above health risks are why I always look at a breeding prospects overall health before making a decision. Most of my purebred Shih Tzu puppies for sale weigh between 9 to 12 pounds. But, my breeding pairs do produce 6 to 8 pound puppies as well. I don’t intentionally breed for extremely tiny adults because of the risks mentioned above, but I also recognize that healthy Shih Tzus come in a variety of sizes. My priority will always be the over health and well-being of each dog.
