The Imperial Shih Tzu is a longhaired Shih Tzu, often weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing 9 to 11 inches tall. The American Kennel Club considers the breed to be a toy dog, while the Canadian Kennel Club classifies them as a non-sporting breed. As such, Imperial Shih Tzus can be kept in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise outside of their home. They are very intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation in order for them to remain calm and contented; therefore, owners should take this into consideration when deciding whether or not this breed would suit their lifestyle.
The imperial shih tzu is a small dog that resembles a teddy bear with silky hair along its back and typically has dark eyes and a dark nose.
This longhaired Shih Tzu is instantly recognizable by its thick, well-kept coat, which gives it an air of royalty. The imperial shih tzu stands out from other types of Shih Tzus by having long hair on the body as well as the tail. The head should be slightly round with short ear flaps that hang down over their eyes (though some dogs may not have any). The muzzle should be square-shaped with large teeth in proportion to the rest of their face; nostrils are black or flesh colored, but never pink! There are several color combinations available for this breed: black/white; apricot golden tan mix; cream white red tan mix; sable black brown mix etc..
There is only one breed of Shih Tzu that is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Imperial, Teacup, or Toy. All three names apply to the Shih Tzu, but many use Teacup, Imperial, or Toy to describe the Shih Tzu by its size. However, it does have recognition with some smaller organizations around the world (such as Canada’s CKC) and several states in America (including Arkansas).
hen compared to its counterpart, the Standard Shih Tzu, it can be distinguished by its soft coat and its smaller size.
The Imperial Shih Tzu is a longhaired version of the Shih Tzu breed that originated in Tibet. The imperial shih tzu’s hair is bred to be long enough to cover and protect their eyes. This feature adds distinction to this small dog breed and makes them unique among all other dog breeds!
This beautiful little dog has a sweet temperament that makes it an ideal companion for families with children as well as adults living alone. Their fine-boned structure also makes them great companions for seniors looking for an easy going companion who can still enjoy walks around town or hiking trips through nature parks near home.”
How Big is an imperial Shih tzu?
For the most part, purchasing a healthy Shih Tzu means getting one that will weigh around 9 pounds when fully grown. This usually means having a healthy dog that will live on average 12 to 13 years. Shih Tzus are not all that long-lived compared to some other breeds, but if they are the proper size, they can lead healthy lives if fed the right food and if they remain active. It should be noted that a Shih Tzu that is under 9 pounds will not fit the breed standards as designated by the AKC. This is because any dog that is considered too small may have serious health issues and can be quite fragile. You should not expect a Shih Tzu that weighs considerably less than 9 pounds as an adult to live to very long.
This is because many tiny Shih Tzus experience serious health conditions that often start with the liver not being large enough or functioning correctly. There may also be calcium deficiencies and organs that do not work correctly because of their small size.
What If I Purchase a Very Small Shih Tzu?
If you have purchased a Shih Tzu that weighs considerably less than 9 pounds as an adult, you will need to get them to the vet quickly. This is because they may not be able to process normal dog food properly and for puppies, a special formula may be needed.
You’ll also need to keep the temperature in the home warm or have places that are warm for them to sleep. Putting on dog clothing may not be the right answer as it may lead them to overheat. You will need to follow the guidance provided by your vet in such cases.
Healthy Shih Tzus
Keeping your Shih Tzu healthy starts with the proper care, feeding, and exercise. Because Shih Tzus are naturally playful and friendly, the exercise part can be an enjoyable experience as you play with your dog for 10 to 15 minutes a day, take them for a walk, or engage in other activities that keep them healthy.
Feeding them the right food which often is a combination of soft and hard food to keep their teeth and gums healthy, is also a good choice. But it all begins with purchasing an Imperial, Teacup, or Toy Shih Tzu that is healthy from the start.
