All About Tiny Shih Tzus

Standard sized Shih Tzus are described as being in the 'toy' group. They typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. Shih Tzus that weigh between 6 and 9 pounds are sometimes called 'tiny toys' or 'minis'. Those that weigh less than 6 pounds are what's known as "Imperials". Some standard Shih Tzu breeders say there is no such thing as "Imperial" size Shih Tzus. Perhaps this is because all puppies do not necessarily turn out to be the size of the parents, so precisely predicting the size that an individual puppy will attain is difficult. I'm sure it is true, also, that a few unscrupulous people have tried to pass off young puppy with the assurance that it will never get to be over six pounds, when in fact it will probably reach twelve. By the time the dog outgrows this misleading promise, the family has already bonded with their pet.

Regardless of what label is put on a tiny Shih Tzu; the smaller the dog, the higher the price. This is true because the extremely tiny puppy (3 to 4.5 lbs. as adults) is very hard to get! Also, breeders put a great deal of round-the-clock care into the tiny Imperials, many times hand feeding them when their more robust siblings have pushed them aside.

Imperials and minis mature at a much slower rate than the larger, more sturdy puppies. They usually don't even have their front baby teeth in yet at eight weeks of age, and while other puppies are romping all around at five weeks, Imperials, tiny toys, and minis are still at the tottering stage. The fontanel (soft spot at the top of the head) remains open for weeks longer than the standard sized puppy, but it will eventually close.

Most breeders keep their tiny puppies until they are twelve weeks old or older, when they have reached a safer level of maturity. This older age also gives the buyer as well as seller a better idea of how big the puppy is apt to get. Prices are set on an individual basis for minis and Imperials, many times exceeding $1,200.oo.

Some (but not all) tiny dogs are prone to Hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. When a body uses up all its stored source of energy and it isn't replaced, low blood sugar can result. Be sure to know the warning signs and prevent it from happening by giving tiny pups frequent meals and plenty of extra time to rest. A high sugar meal supplement called 'NutriCal' is an excellent source of nutrition for puppies or dogs prone to Hypoglycemia. Getting the small puppy to eat is more important than what they eat at this stage. The fear of "spoiling" you little dog should be the least of your worries!

Tiny toys, minis, standards and Imperials all live to the same age of around 15 years. They all look like a Shih Tzu, same coat colors and length, with the same loving and clever personality. Very tiny Shih Tzus will often weigh more than tiny teacup poodles or Chihuahuas because of their bone and body structure, with denser muscle mass and thicker bones. The best guess at determining an Imperial Shih Tzu's adult size is to determine the body style the puppy will have. Tiny, delicate bone structure and very petite paws are an indication of smaller adult size.

Breeders who breed a line of small Shih Tzus to begin with are by far the best source of finding a tiny sized Shih Tzu. Breeders usually have a pretty good idea by the fourth or fifth week if the puppy will turn out to be a true mini or Imperial. A fairly good rough estimation of predicted size is to quadruple the weight at six weeks of age. At seven months, a Shih Tzu's bone structure is usually as big as it will get. Some may add some muscle mass, but the great majority will reach adult size by 7 months.

PLEASE DON'T TRY TO BREED AN IMPERIAL FEMALE UNLESS YOU HAVE HAD EXPERIANCE IN DOING SO!! If you don't know the proper body style that can withstand gestation and birthing and what type of male to choose, your dog will not survive the trauma. Breeding a four pound female is NOT the way to produce Imperial puppies!

One more thing to consider is that Imperial sized dogs really are not for everyone. Most people do not realize how much extra care a very tiny dog requires. Needles to say, tinies are not suitable for households with small children or large dogs. Great care must be taken that a tiny puppy does not fall from a bed our couch, as serious or fatal injuries can occur. Even as adults, most Imperials will never be able to jump onto your bed or lap and should not be put at risk by having free run of the house.

Regardless of what size Shih Tzu you end up with, you will have a small, delightful house pet. A mini is still small enough to rest in the smallest lap, fit into purse type carrying bags, and live happily in a small condo or apartment. So, whether a tiny toy, mini, teacup, or Imperial, the tiny Shih Tzu is sure to capture your heart as no other dog can!

At Legacy Kennels we have some small Shih Tzus that come from a small line. Occasionally we get a few puppies that show the signs of being a tiny toy or even an Imperial. Raised with huge amounts of TLC, These individual puppies seem to be even more clever and affectionate than our lovable Shih Tzu pups. Prices are set individually on these puppies. We will do our best to guess how big your tiny friend will get, and also do all we can to see that you are thrilled with your purchase.