A Shih Tzu Imperial, also referred to as an Imperial Shih Tzu, is a rare and unique type of Shih Tzu dog. It is known for its small, robust body and luxurious, long coat. The coat on an Imperial Shih Tzu can range in color from cream, white, black, to a mixture of any of these colors.
These energetic dogs generally weigh between 6 and 12 pounds and measure between 8 and 11 inches at the shoulder.
The Imperial Shih Tzu is a loyal, affectionate, and social companion. They are highly intelligent, curious, and alert. Because of their size and personality, they make excellent lapdogs and do best when given plenty of attention and affection.
These dogs can also be very lively, and with their natural enthusiasm, are sure to bring joy to their owners.
The Imperial Shih Tzu can also be a bit more challenging to train than other kinds of dog. Patience and consistency when training an Imperial Shih Tzu is key, as they may be stubborn with some commands.
However, with proper guidance from an experienced trainer, these wonderful dogs can be a delight to live with.
Routine grooming is important for the health of an Imperial Shih Tzu. With their abundant, full coat, regular brushing and bathing will help maintain their coat and keep it free of mats and tangles. They should also be clipped every month or two to keep their coats in top condition.
With an attentive and dedicated owner, an Imperial Shih Tzu can be a wonderful and loving companion.
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What does Imperial mean for dogs?
The term ‘imperial’ is generally used to describe a particular size for dogs. In regards to height, the measurements can vary depending on each particular breed, but imperial size dogs are generally considered to be shorter than the standard size.
Generally speaking, an imperial sized adult dog will be up to 28 cm (11 inches) in height when fully grown. However, even within each breed of dog there are size variations as some are bred to be petite or toy size, some are bred to be medium-sized or large, and then there are also tall or giant breeds.
Not all breeds have the requisite imperial size, but many do. French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Chihuahuas are just a few of the many breeds that come in the imperial size. Imperial can also be used to describe the overall physique of a particular breed.
A Bullmastiff, for example, is an imperial breed, meaning they are more “cobby” or stocky, rather than lean and angular. Ultimately, the term ‘imperial’ is used to denote both a specific size and physique that can vary depending on the breed.
How big do Imperial Shih Tzus get?
Imperial Shih Tzus usually reach a full growth size 4-9 pounds and 8-11 inches in height, with the upper end of the ranges found most desirable for showing. Although Imperial Shih Tzus are slightly smaller than their traditional counterparts, they are both known for their lively and bold personalities, making them an ideal companion or family pet.
It is important to note that size is an arbitrary measure of an individual dog and can vary significantly with gender, nutrition, and genetics. Typically, adult female Imperial Shih Tzus are more petite than males, although average height and weight can be different from litter to litter.
Even within the same litter, pups may be larger or smaller than their siblings, so size should not be a primary factor when selecting an Imperial Shih Tzu puppy.
What do Imperial Shih Tzu look like?
Imperial Shih Tzu are a small and regal looking toy breed that are known for their imperial, lion like appearance. The breed standard calls for a solid, compact build, much like a traditional Shih Tzu albeit proportionally smaller.
Imperial Shih Tzu are easily recognizable thanks to their dense and luxuriant, full coats. The breed standard requires the coat to be abundant but never overly long, falling somewhere between Lhasa Apso and British Kennel Club Shih Tzu length.
The coat is a double-coat with an abundance of both a soft, fluffy outer coat and thick, wooly undercoat that is commonly streaked with lighter shades. The breed standard requires the coat to be predominately white, with patches of color throughout.
Common colors include black, sable, tricolor, and chocolate. The facial features are round and requires the muzzle to be slightly squared, with a black nose and large, round eyes. The breed standard also calls for a well-defined and slightly pointed chin, making for a balanced, oval face.
Imperial Shih Tzu can have either cropped or natural ears, although most often have the traditionally cropped style. Imperial Shih Tzu stand at 8 to 11 inches tall and generally weigh between 8 and 10 lbs, making them the smallest of the toy breeds.
Do Imperial Shih Tzu have health problems?
Yes, Imperial Shih Tzu may be prone to health problems due to their size. While they are generally a healthy breed, they may be prone to some of the following health problems: Congenital Heart Disease, collapsing trachea, brachycephalic syndrome, eye issues such as entropion, and liver shunts.
Imperial Shih Tzu also may have more joint issues due to their smaller size as their joints have to bear more weight than a standard Shih Tzu. As with any breed of dog, it is important to keep your Imperial Shih Tzu up to date on all of its recommended medical care and to regularly check for health issues in order to prevent any serious conditions from developing.
It is wise to talk to your veterinarian about what preventative measures you can take in order to keep your dog’s health in optimal condition.
Is there 2 types of Shih Tzu?
No, there is only one breed of Shih Tzu, recognized by the American Kennel Club and most other kennel clubs worldwide. The breed standard for the Shih Tzu does not distinguish between two different types.
However, many people use the terms “Imperial Shih Tzu” and “Tea Cup Shih Tzu” to describe different sizes of dogs that fit certain criteria. The “Imperial Shih Tzu” is a very small dog, usually under 7 pounds and under 10 inches in height.
A “Tea Cup Shih Tzu” is a even smaller dog, usually under 4 pounds and under 7 inches in height. However, these two terms aren’t recognized by any official kennel club and represent increasingly smaller sizes of one breed rather than two different types of Shih Tzu.
Regardless of size, a true Shih Tzu must conform to the breed standard in other aspects such as coat and temperament.
What is the rarest kind of Shih Tzu?
The rarest kind of Shih Tzu is the blue-black cream Shih Tzu, also known as a brindle Shih Tzu. This beautiful variation of the breed stands out due to its unusual coat color. These dogs are black with a grayish cast that resembles a wild animal’s stripes.
They may also have a white blaze on their forehead, adding to the exoticness of their appearance. This color is much rarer than the typical colors of the Shih Tzu breed, such as brown, white, or black and white.
The blue-black cream Shih Tzu is a true rarity among the breed and those that are lucky enough to own one are sure to have a unique pet.
How can you tell a quality Shih Tzu?
When looking for a quality Shih Tzu, there are several things to consider. First, consider the color of the coat – look for thick, glossy fur with a distinct coloring pattern. Second, pay attention to the eyes – they should be bright and alert.
Third, look for a well-proportioned face and muzzle – they should be well-balanced in size and shape. Fourth, observe their temperament – they should be friendly and lively. Finally, inspect their movement – they should walk and trot with a level gait and not have any signs of lameness.
A quality Shih Tzu should have strong conformation, no hereditary health problems, and a good disposition. With proper care and nutrition, a quality Shih Tzu can live a happy, healthy life.
What two breeds of dogs make a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that has been around since the 17th century, though its exact origins are still unknown. It is thought to be descendant of the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the Chinese Pekingese, both small toy breeds originating in tough mountain regions of China.
The Shih Tzu was once thought to be a mixing of the two other purebreds, but recent evidence has debunked this theory, and it is now thought that the Shih Tzu should be considered a pure breed in its own right, much as the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso are.
The breed has a long, luxurious coat made up of silky hair, as well as a flat and broad face, a close-set muzzle, and wide-set round dark eyes. It is often seen with a distinctively proud gait, although this is often attributed to the length and sophistication of its coat.
The Shih Tzu is a loving and affectionate breed of dog, but is also known for its independence and intelligence. As a smaller breed it is often found to be suitable for most lifestyles and is a popular pet.
What is an unusual trait of a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are known for their unusual traits that set them apart from other breeds. They have long, flowing coats that come in a variety of colors, long, pointy ears and a “flat face” that gives them a distinct look.
They also have a personality that is often described as “happy-go-lucky” and they are known to be excellent companion animals and loyal friends. Another unusual trait of Shih Tzus is their tendency to snore loudly when they sleep.
This can be endearing, but it can also be disruptive for the rest of the household, so if your Shih Tzu is especially loud, you may want to invest in a good pet bed or sound machine to help keep the snores to a minimum.
Finally, Shih Tzus have an affinity for water, as they usually enjoy getting a nice bath and they often jump in any puddles they come across while outside.
What age is an Imperial Shih Tzu fully grown?
Imperial Shih Tzu dogs typically reach their full adult size and weight between 12 months old and 18 months old. However, they will continue to fill out and mature until they are around the age of 2 to 3 years.
Fully grown Imperial Shih Tzu tend to range from 8-11 pounds and 8-11 inches in height. It is important to note however that despite their size, Imperial Shih Tzu dogs have the same life expectancy as regular sized Shih Tzu dogs, which is between 10-18 years.
What is the difference between Imperial Shih Tzu and regular Shih Tzu?
The Imperial Shih Tzu is a smaller version of the regular Shih Tzu and is considered an unofficial variation or “breed” of the Shih Tzu. Imperial Shih Tzu have been bred to have a flatter face, narrower muzzle, and smaller body frame than the original Shih Tzu.
They should weight no more than 4-7lbs when fully grown. The regular Shih Tzu is usually larger with a weight range between 9-16lbs. The Imperial Shih Tzu has thicker fur, more wrinkles and may have a sloped head shape.
Regular Shih Tzu usually have a rounder head shape, much less wrinkles and a thicker face. The colour of the coat on the Imperial Shih Tzu can range from white, black, gold, blue, brown and black and tan, while the original Shih Tzu typically have a wide variety of color combinations.
All Shih Tzus have an easygoing and friendly personality. The Imperial Shih Tzu is typically slightly more delicate and requires more one on one attention.
Can a Shih Tzu weigh 25 pounds?
Yes, a Shih Tzu can weigh up to 25 pounds. While the breed’s standard weight is typically between 9 and 16 pounds, there are occasions when a Shih Tzu puppy may grow much bigger than usual. These puppies will usually weigh more than 20 pounds when fully grown.
Depending on the size of the parents and the bloodlines the puppy was bred from, some may even reach 25 pounds or more. Some of these larger Shih Tzus may look like small-sized Lhasa Apsos or Tibetan Terriers.
However, these giants of the Shih Tzu world should not be encouraged as it can lead to health complications due to their overwhelming size.
Is a Shih Tzu a small medium or large dog?
A Shih Tzu is considered a small dog. Weighing, on average, between 9 to 16 pounds, Shih Tzu are one of the smallest of the toy breeds. They’re much smaller than a medium or large breed, but have a relatively long body and short legs that give them a much larger appearance.
Shih Tzu stand at 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and are usually a solid white or white and black or red color.
What color Shih Tzu is most popular?
The most popular color of Shih Tzu is typically seen as a tri-colored breed; which usually consists of black, white, and brown coloring. However, this breed is also seen in a variety of other colors, such as Golden, Red, Grey, Silver, Liver, and even Parti-colored.
The tri-colored Shih Tzu is often classified as having a black mask and body with white points on their legs, underbody, and muzzle and a light to dark brown coloring on their back. These color patterns often create the desired “teddy bear” or “Lion” type look that is so popular with the breed.
