A Teacup Shih Tzu is an atomic interpretation of the traditional Shih Tzu strain. It’s not officially recognized by major kennel clubs as a separate strain, but it’s bred by selectively breeding the lowest Shih Tzus over generations. These tykes are adored for their bitsy size, fascinating appearance, and loving personality. Despite their small size, they carry all the royal charm of the original Shih Tzu strain, which was formerly bred to be a companion to Chinese royalty.
The teacup Shih Tzu is a small-sized companion canine that stands around 6 to 9 inches tall and weighs between 4 and 6 pounds. They generally live 10 to 16 years and are known for their tender, pious, and alert nature. They make great breeds for people living in apartments or small homes and are ideal for individuals, couples, or families with aged children who can handle a small and delicate canine precisely.
| Weight/Height | 5 to 7 inches, 6 to 8 pounds |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, soft, and straight |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Charming, playful, affectionate, mischievous |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
What Is the History of Teacup Shih Tzus?
The Teacup Shih Tzu’s roots trace back to the original Shih Tzu, a strain that began in ancient China and Tibet over a thousand years ago.
Shih Tzus were cherished stage tykes of Chinese emperors and were considered royal companions. The Teacup interpretation is an ultramodern creation, developed in recent decades to feed the demand for smaller, movable tykes. Breeders achieved this by opting for the smallest Shih Tzus, frequently called “diminutives,” to breed indeed bitty puppies.
What Do Teacup Shih Tzus Look Like?
Teacup Shih Tzus look like a lower interpretation of the standard Shih Tzu. They have a short, flat face with a broad, round head and large, suggestive eyes. Their long, flowing fleece can come in colorful colors such as gold, white, black, brown, liver, brindle, or a combination. Their tails are generally coiled over their backs, and they have a proud, alert stance. Despite their size, they appear elegant and well-proportioned.
What Size Is a Teacup Shih Tzu?
Teacup Shih Tzus are exceptionally small. They generally weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and stand around 6 to 9 inches in height at the shoulder. Some may indeed be lower, but breeders and veterinarians advise that exorbitantly small tykes are more prone to serious health problems. Their compact size makes them perfect for inner living, especially in small homes or apartments.
What is a Teacup Shih Tzu Coat type and Length?
The teacup Shih Tzu has a long, silky double coat that may be straight or somewhat wavy. Their coat will need to be brushed often, and many individuals choose to have their teacup shih tzu’s fur trimmed into a ‘puppy cut’, which gives this breed an almost teddy bear-like appearance.
What Is a Teacup Shih Tzu’s Disposition?
Teacup Shih Tzus have a pleasurable disposition. They’re known for being loving, pious, and tender with their possessors. These tykes thrive on fellowship and enjoy being cuddled and held. They’re alert and curious, frequently watching their surroundings closely. Though they can be a little stubborn at times, their overall demeanor is gentle and friendly, making them great companions.
Are teacup Shih Tzus good with kids?
Teacup Shih Tzus can be good with children, especially aged ones. Who knows how to be gentle? Because of their itty-bitty size, they’re delicate and can easily get injured during rough play. Thus, homes with veritably youthful or exorbitantly active kiddies may not be the stylish fit. Still, with supervision and tutoring children on how to handle them, children can form close bonds with young family members.
Are teacup Shih Tzus good with other creatures?
Yes, teacup Shih Tzus generally get on well with other pets, including pussycats and other tykes. They’re social and curious by nature, especially if they’re socialized from a youthful age. Still, due to their size, it’s essential to ensure they aren’t accidentally hurt by larger or exorbitantly energetic creatures during play.
Are Teacup Shih Tzus Aggressive?
Teacup Shih Tzus aren’t naturally aggressive. They’re generally peaceful, loving tykes that enjoy mortal company. Still, like all tykes, if they aren’t duly mingled, trained, or feel hovered, they may bark, growl, or snap. Proper socialization, training, and a loving environment help minimize any aggressive gestures.
Do Teacup Shih Tzus Bark?
Yes, teacup. Shih Tzus can bark, particularly when they’re waking their possessors to something strange or when they want attention. They aren’t known to be inordinate barkers, but they can develop barking habits if they’re wearied or left alone for long periods. Early training and social commerce help manage gratuitous barking.
Are These Dogs Affectionate?
Absolutely. Teacup Shih Tzus are extremely tender tykes that love to snuggle and spend time with their possessors. They form strong bonds with their mortal families and frequently follow their favorite person around the house. They thrive on attention and love being involved in family conditioning, whether it’s relaxing on the settee or going for a short walk.
Are These Dogs Intelligent?
Teacup Shih Tzus are intelligent, but they also have a band of independence that can occasionally come across as intransigence. They can learn commands and routines snappily, especially when trained with positive reinforcement and tolerance. Their intelligence, combined with their loving nature, makes them a joy to educate and interact with.
Are These Dogs Energetic?
They’re relatively energetic. While they don’t need violent exercise, Teacup Shih Tzus enjoy short walks, gentle playtime, and internal stimulation. They’re sporty and active indoors, but due to their small size, they don’t have enough space to stay entertained. They’re perfect for people who want a small, active companion without high energy demands.
Are Teacup Shih Tzus Easy to Train?
Training a Teacup Shih Tzu can be a bit grueling due to their independent and occasionally stubborn nature. Still, with harmonious, gentle training and positive underpinnings (like treats and praise), they can learn commands and routines well. Early training is essential, especially for restroom training, to develop good habits from a young age.
Are These Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Though small in size, Teacup Shih Tzus are alert and can be good trolls. They will bark to warn their possessors of strange sounds or people approaching. Still, they aren’t aggressive or defensive in a threatening way. Their part as a watchdog is further about waking rather than defending.
Are These Dogs Good Service Dogs?
Due to their small and fragile size, Teacup Shih Tzus aren’t suitable as traditional service dogs for physical tasks. Still, they can make excellent emotional support animals (ESAs) due to their tender nature and capability to form deep emotional bonds. Their comforting presence can help reduce anxiety and stress.
How to watch for a teacup Shih Tzu?
Minding a teacup Shih Tzu involves feeding them a high-quality, balanced diet suitable for small types; furnishing regular exercise and internal stimulation; and scheduling regular warhorse visits. Their delicate bodies bear redundant protection from harsh rainfall, injury, or rough running. Creating a routine and, icing, they admit, diurnal love and attention is crucial to their happiness and health.
Do You Need to Groom a Teacup Shih Tzu?
Yes, fixing is veritably important for a Teacup Shih Tzu. Their long, luxurious fleece requires regular brushing, immaculately diurnal to help with tangles and mats. Numerous possessors choose to give them a “puppy dog cut” for easier conservation. Regular bathing, observant cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing are also essential to keep them looking and feeling stylish.
Do Teacup Shih Tzus Shed?
Teacup Shih Tzus have hair rather than fur, which means they exfoliate very little. They’re frequently considered hypoallergenic or mislike-friendly, although no canine is fully allergen-free. Their fleece needs regular conservation to stay healthy, but they’re a great choice for people who want a low-slipping companion.
What Health Problems Do These Dogs Have?
Because of their tiny size, Teacup Shih Tzus are prone to several health problems, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), dental issues, heart blights, liver problems, and fragile bones. They may also witness breathing difficulties due to their short snouts. Regular warhorse visits, a proper diet, and careful monitoring can help manage these pitfalls.
How Long Do They Live?
With proper care, a Teacup Shih Tzu can live between 10 and 16 years. Genetics, diet, life, and healthcare play a significant part in their life. Keeping them on a healthy routine and avoiding injuries are essential to ensure a long and happy life.
What should this dog eat?
Teacup Shih Tzus should eat high-quality canine food formulated for toy or small types. Their diet should include essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They should be fed small, frequent meals (about 3-4 times a day) to help prevent low blood sugar. Avoid giving them mortal food, especially bones, chocolate, or anything poisonous to tykes.
Is a Teacup Shih Tzu the Right Dog for Me?
A teacup Shih Tzu might be the right canine for you if you are looking for a small, tender, inner companion. They are perfect for mates, couples, or families with older children. However, enjoy fixing and want a loving lapdog that doesn’t need inordinate exercise if you are home frequently. Still, if you have veritably youthful kiddies, large tykes, or need a more rugged strain, a Teacup Shih Tzu might not be the stylish choice.
