| Miniature Shih Tzu also known as a Teacup or | | | | purchase the dog. This is especially important if you |
| Imperial Shih Tzu are often referred to as undersized. | | | | have not had a dog before or are downsizing from a |
| This misleading term implies that there is something | | | | large breed. It is obvious that as these are small |
| unhealthy or defective in this particularly variety of | | | | animals they take up less room and do not need to |
| the Shih Tzu breed. Usually between six and eight | | | | be taken out for hours of exercise, but do not |
| pounds in weight they are uncommon and as a | | | | assume that this means less care or attention. It is a |
| consequence, more expensive than the normal nine | | | | common mistake among miniature owners that a |
| to sixteen pound variety. | | | | small pet means a low maintenance pet. |
| Chinese legend tells us that these tiny varieties were | | | | First and foremost you must get the diet right. A |
| carried around in the sleeve of a Dowager Chinese | | | | puppy should be fed an ounce of food for each |
| Empress, hence the name Imperial Shih Tzu. Legend | | | | pound of weight reducing this to half an ounce per |
| also has it that the name Teacup comes from the | | | | pound for an adult dog. I cannot stress enough the |
| fact that the puppies could fit in to a teacup. Legend | | | | importance of nutritional values. Despite the obvious |
| is not the same as fact, but it usually has some | | | | reasons such as lack of teeth, a small puppy cannot |
| foundation and dispels the belief that Teacup Shih | | | | digest certain ingredients so stick to the appropriate |
| Tzu are a modern invention. | | | | formula. Likewise with small breed adults, you must |
| There is much debate amongst owners and breeders | | | | study their diet carefully to ensure you give your dog |
| as to whether the Teacup Shih Tzu is a true breed | | | | all the minerals and vitamins they need without |
| variety or just a label given to the runt of a litter to | | | | overfeeding. You can over feed a miniature dog by |
| con buyers into thinking they are getting a rare and | | | | just adding an extra couple of ounces to their food. |
| novel pet. I think the sensible view should be that as | | | | Despite this warning do not be obsessed by weighing |
| long as the dog is healthy and its growth is in no way | | | | your Teacup Shih Tzu. Use your eyes and hands to |
| deliberately restricted, then what is the issue? If a | | | | see if there are any rolls of fat. If the dog begins to |
| dog is rare it is more expensive and this is a basic of | | | | grow rapidly it may not be overfeeding, but a fact |
| the law of supply and demand. If you want a | | | | that you have acquired a regular Shih Tzu that was |
| miniature or Teacup Shih Tzu you will have to pay | | | | slow to thrive. This is why it is important to know |
| more for it and you will not be disappointed. | | | | what you are doing. |
| It is not unknown, however for an unwary buyer to | | | | Just because you have a miniature dog does not |
| take home a Teacup Shih Tzu that they have paid a | | | | mean you do not need to take him out regularly. This |
| premium for, and end up with a fifteen pound dog in | | | | is essential not just for physical exercise, but also for |
| less than two years. No matter what breed or | | | | stimulation. |
| variety of dog you go for, always buy from a | | | | Like all varieties, Miniature Shih Tzu are intelligent |
| reputable breeder | | | | loving pets. Any time and effort you put in to their |
| If you are considering a Teacup or Imperial Shih Tzu | | | | care will give great rewards. |
| get as much help and advice as possible before you | | | | |