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What is an Shih Tzu? Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed? What does a Shih Tzu dog or puppy look like? Find the answers to these questions and more on our Shih Tzu dog breed information resource. Learn all about Shih Tzu dog history, Shih Tzu temperament and personality, Shih Tzu care, grooming and exercise needs, Shih Tzu health problems and more on our in-depth Shih Tzu dog breed information section.
Our Shih Tzu rescues and Shih Tzu clubs lists will help you learn more about the Shih Tzu dog breed, as well as help you find dogs and puppies in need of a second chance in a loving, forever home. Adopt a Shih Tzu dog or puppy today!
Find a responsible Shih Tzu breeder offering healthy, home-raised and well socialized Shih Tzu puppies for sale on our Shih Tzu Dog Breeders Directory.
Pick out a grrreat name for your new Shih Tzu puppy through the use of our dog names and puppy names guide, featuring thousands of unique pet names.
Learn the basics on training your Shih Tzu puppy on our informative dog training info section. Includes links to other quality dog training resources too.
Caring for your Shih Tzu puppy is a breeze when you know what the breed needs to live a long, happy and healthy live. Our dog care section offers tips on Shih Tzu care, as well as information on health issues and problems that can be prevalent in the breed. Also includes links to other quality online resources on health and dog care.
Looking for healthy, home-raised Shih Tzu puppies? Look no further than the Dog Pages. We showcase reputable Shih Tzu dog breeders in the USA and Canada offering Shih Tzu puppies for sale to approved buyers. Find quality Shih Tzu puppies for sale on the Dog Pages
A visit to our growing gallery of Shih Tzu pictures is a must for all Shih Tzu dog lovers. We showcase cute Shih Tzu puppy photos, funny Shih Tzu pictures, and Shih Tzu dog breed photos for all to enjoy. Got Shih Tzu pictures you would like to share? We welcome you to send us your Shih Tzu dog photos!
And be sure to check out our online store, featuring plenty of Shih Tzu merchandise, including books, t-shirts, collectibles, Shih Tzu figurines, Shih Tzu art prints, Shih Tzu calendars, Shih Tzu Gifts and more - all available for online ordering at discount prices and convenient home delivery.
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Thinking about buying a Teacup or Imperial Shih-Tzu puppy? Please think
again! The American Shih-Tzu
Club STRONGLY advises against this. Read on...
THE FACTS ABOUT “IMPERIAL” OR “TEACUP” SHIH TZU
Source: American Shih-Tzu
Club
The words “imperial” and “tiny teacup” are sometimes used interchangeably to
describe undersized Shih Tzu. In fact, the terms “imperial” or “tiny teacup”
should be regarded as what they really are….A MYTH often used by unethical
breeders to create a market for dogs that do not conform to the breed standard.
These tiny dogs are NOT what the Shih Tzu has been since it was developed as a
distinctive breed in China ’s imperial palace, nor what it ought to be.
Maybe you read an ad in your local newspaper, searched the Internet, or know of
someone who acquired a Shih Tzu using the words “imperial” or “tiny teacup” to
describe how unusual and special (and even more expensive?) their dog might be.
The official breed standard approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the
American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) calls for a weight range of 9 to 16 pounds.
A breed standard is a written description of the ideal dog of a particular breed
by which it is bred and judged at dog shows. Breed standards are used by all
canine organizations. The first written standard for Shih Tzu was that of the
Peking Kennel Club, in 1938, which stated that the ideal weight for Shih Tzu was
10 to 15 pounds. Today, Shih Tzu breed standards approved by purebred dog
registries around the world are very similar to the 1938 Peking Kennel Club
standard. They recognize that one of the distinguishing characteristics of the
Shih Tzu is that it is not a fragile dog. It is very solid and sturdy despite
its relatively compact size.
Why would anyone want to steer away from the weight called for in the
AKC-approved breed standard or to call the breed by anything but its
AKC-recognized name? Could it be a fad they have created in order to obtain a
higher price for a dog that does not meet the breed standard? These particular
breeders have deliberately downsized an already designated Toy breed. By doing
this, they risk the overall health and wonderful distinguishing breed
characteristics that responsible breeders have worked long and hard to preserve.
The same is true of “breeders” who deliberately cross-breed two different
AKC-recognized breeds to create what they call “designer dogs.”
Many of the less than reputable breeders of undersized Shih Tzu claim that their
Shih Tzu possess the “imperial” gene. There is no proof that such a gene exists.
Size reduction occurs by breeding the smallest dog in a litter to another small
dog of another litter, and so on and so forth. This not only creates abnormally
small Shih Tzu, but also puppies that may have health problems. This is not
indicative of an “imperial gene,” but rather of poor breeding practices.
A responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional “runt” as an “imperial”
or “tiny teacup” Shih Tzu. Rather, it is sold as a pet, solely as a companion
dog that is not to be used for breeding. Responsible breeders strive to breed
healthy dogs that conform to the breed standard. The ideal Shih Tzu is a sturdy,
active, healthy dog with good substance for its size. Those desiring a very tiny
pet should choose another breed rather than destroying the very characteristics
that make the Shih Tzu such an ideal companion.
There is no such thing as an AKC-recognized Imperial or Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu.
Any domestic registry other than the American Kennel Club is not recognized by
the American Shih Tzu Club. Breeders using alternative registries may have lost
their AKC registration and breeding privileges for various reasons.
For More Information
This web site (www.shihtzu.org)
is a good place to begin or continue your research on our breed or to find out
how to locate a responsible breeder through the club’s breeder referral service.
As you search the web, however, be wary of well-designed web sites with
appealing photos that may lead you to the very breeders you should avoid.
Puppy-selling web sites are often nothing more than glorified marketing sources
commercial breeders use to reach the uninitiated. It is sometimes difficult even
for those aware of the dangers of pet shops and puppy mills to discriminate
between the various web sites and determine which are maintained by ethical
breeders, so be sure to do your homework.
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