All About Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds

The American Kennel Association (AKC) recognizes pure breeds such as the Shih Tzu and allows them to compete if they meet breed standards. Pure breeds are defined as " of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Shih Tzu purebred dogs have many characteristics that will be listed later in this article. It is important to note that all purebred dogs have a pedigree and a lineage that can be traced. Pure breeds are inbred to retain selective genetic traits of the breed.

Standard Shih Tzu dogs are classified as "toy dogs" because of their weight and height. Shih Tzu dogs are smaller than other dog breeds recognized by the AKC. Even so, some breeders have bred Shih Tzu to be even smaller in size. Smaller-sized, or Teacup Shih Tzu, are not allowed in AKC competition because they do not meeting the minimum breed standard for Shih Tzu height and weight. However, other groups such as the National Canine Association and Chinese Imperial Dog Club of America recognize Teacup Shih Tzu, or Chinese Imperial Dogs.

The Shih Tzu breed has specific characteristics that separate it from other breeds. The American Kennel Club defines the breed standard and cites the range dogs must fall within to register and compete. Shih Tzu dogs must be sturdy with compact bodies covered in a double coat of long, silky fur in any color. Fur is straight to wavy in texture. Height must be between eight and eleven inches and weight must be between nine and sixteen pounds. The temperament must be happy, alert, energetic, and totally trusting. When competing, Shih Tzu crown hair must be tied on top of the head.

Shih Tzu descended from other Chinese dog breeds, most likely the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, as much as 2,000 years ago. Shih Tzu means "lion dogs" and Shih Tzu were revered as holy dogs in China. Bred initially by Tibetan monks, Shih Tzu later became imperial dogs of various Chinese dynasties.

The Teacup Shih Tzu is referred to by many other names. Most often called the Chinese Imperial Dog (and registered as breed with the National Canine Association under this name), Teacup Shih Tzu are also called Toy or Toi Shih Tzu, Miniature Shih Tzu, Imperial Shih Tzu, and Pocket Puppies. Teacup Shih Tzu are smaller than standard Shih Tzu. They weigh only four to seven pounds as adults. Breeders use the smallest purebred Shih Tzu to create the tiny Teacups.

Like standard Shih Tzu, Teacup Shih Tzu dogs have long, silky fur in varying colors, dark, expressive eyes, and sturdy bodies. Teacups are usually bred to have shorter backs than the standard, to keep them from developing spinal disc problems. Teacup Shih Tzu may also have shorter snouts and a more doll-like face. They have the same happy, loving temperament as purebred standard Shih Tzu.

Teacup Shih Tzu are purebred just like standard Shih Tzu. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club simply because they do not conform to the breed standard characteristics that are desirable in a Shih Tzu. Other organizations disagree and have registered the tiny Teacup Shih Tzu as the Chinese Imperial Dog.

The Teacup Shih Tzu is an adorable mixed breed that Rebecca Simpson has great knowledge about. The Teacup Shih Tzu is one example of Shih Tzu mixed breeds. Shih Tzu information and the differences between standard and Teacup Shih Tzu are subjects covered in this article.