Imperial Shih Tzu: A Great Family Pet | Dogs

By RebeccaSimpson
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In the mystery of legends of China and Tibet, the origin of Shih Tzu is entwined. In the study of anthropology, various theories have been proposed to determine the exact origin of Shih Tzu. When one theory expounds that contemporary Shih Tzu originated during Manchu dynasty, the other puts much emphasis on the origination of Shih Tzu in the Imperial Court of China through the silk trade routes.

As hypothesized by different scholars, Tibetan sleeve dogs are the ancestors of Imperial Shih Tzu. American Kennel Club (AKC) propounds the standard breed of Shih Tzu, while most common breeders use the terms 'Imperial size' or 'Teacup size'.

In the Imperial Palace of China, Shih Tzu was bred. Following the instructions received from the Chinese Empresses Dowager, the preference was only given to the smaller dogs, while the bigger ones were simply either discarded or sold in the dissident marketplace. The smaller ones were regarded as the highest honor provided to the diplomats from the Empresses. Hence, these smaller puppies were raised with maximum care.

The tiny Imperial Shih Tzu is raised for quality, health and temperament. As defined by AKC, Imperial Shih Tzu features a short back, straight legs and baby doll face with tiny button nose on elegant head along with a cute and affectionate expression. The puppies may be available in different colors like chocolate, red, mahogany, liver, blue and other colors. Typically, the puppies may come in gorgeous coats, round eyes, soft little bodies and elegant heads. At the time of breeding, special care needs to be taken while selecting mating partners in order to properly breed the best personality, health and temperament in the offspring.

Typically the temperament of an Imperial Shih Tzu is nice and sweet. They are basically cheerful, spunky and steady dogs. Royal affability, bold behavior and frequent arrogance set them apart from other type of breeds of the same family. Their behavior is very friendly with almost zero trouble. The Imperial Shih Tzu responds very nicely during patient training. Because of their alert nature, although they prefer to bark outside, they stay calm and quiet inside of the house.

The commercial demand for an Imperial Shih Tzu is significantly high. Their cute loving size draws the attention of many individuals and families around the world. People can easily take them, even in a pocket, anywhere as they wish. They require additional nutritional supplements, care and affection. Due to their small size they need to be hand-fed. This is why the sellers of Imperial Shih Tzu ask such a higher price for these puppies.

Quite naturally you cannot purchase a Shih Tzu for the price of most other breeds. The price is settled depending on various factors like breeding pair, gender, color, markings and size. If you are ready to pay $2500, you might be able to buy a beautiful teacup Imperial Shih Tzu that tip the scales at a whopping full grown size of six pounds or less.

On the other hand, the price of a regular Imperial Shih Tzu starts out at $1000 and its size varies from six pounds to nine pounds at adulthood. For a standard Shih Tzu, over nine pounds full grown, the price may start at a mere $500.

About the Author

About the author: Rebecca Simpson is an avid lover of the Shih Tzu and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Shih Tzu types plus a whole lot more.

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