The Tea Cup Shih Tzu, also known as the Imperial Shih Tzu, is an incredibly small version of a regular sized Shih Tzu. Unfortunately, these small and adorable Shih Tzu’s are not recognized as an official breed, and due to their small size, often have a whole host of health problems. Typically, a Tea Cup Shih Tzu will range in weight anywhere from three to six pounds which is well below the nine to sixteen pounds recommended for the official Shih Tzu breed. This breed is particularly controversial as many say that these are the runts of the litter and are prone to major health problems and a shorter lifespan, while others who have had these tiny pups in their care, say that it all depends on the individual dog as some have lived beyond the “few years” lifespan. In the video below, you’ll be able to see an adorable Tea Cup Shih Tzu wander around as its owner beckons to it.
The one thing to keep in mind with Imperials, Tea Cups, Miniatures, or Toys, is that they do need special care because of their size. Food intake will need to be monitored as will the temperature as these dogs are extremely sensitive to temperature spikes and dips. Unfortunately, the socialization with bigger dogs can be dangerous for them and they do need to be watched carefully as falling can be extremely harmful.
