Imperial Shih Tzu: The Truth About “Teacup” and “Miniature” Shih Tzus
How we researched this article: This guide is based on the official position of the American Shih Tzu Club, the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, and veterinary guidance on toy-breed puppies. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.
The Short Answer
An “Imperial” or “teacup” Shih Tzu is not a separate breed or an official size. It is a marketing label for a Shih Tzu that is smaller than the breed standard.
The American Shih Tzu Club is direct about this. It calls the terms “imperial” and “tiny teacup” a myth that is often used by unethical breeders to sell dogs that do not meet the breed standard. There is no such thing as an AKC-recognized Imperial or Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu.
What Size Should a Shih Tzu Be?
The AKC breed standard calls for an adult Shih Tzu that weighs 9 to 16 pounds. The ideal height is 9 to 10½ inches at the shoulder, and not less than 8 inches or more than 11 inches.
A dog sold as “Imperial,” “teacup,” “tiny toy,” or “miniature” is usually one that is expected to stay well below 9 pounds as an adult. The words are used interchangeably. None of them is recognized by the AKC, the American Shih Tzu Club, or the Canadian Kennel Club.
How Undersized Shih Tzus Are Produced
According to the American Shih Tzu Club, there is no proof that an “imperial gene” exists. Very small Shih Tzus come about in two ways:
- Natural variation. Now and then, a litter of normal-sized parents includes a runt that stays small. This happens in every breed.
- Breeding for small size. Some breeders pair the smallest dog in one litter with the smallest dog from another, over and over. The club says this produces abnormally small dogs and puppies that may have health problems.
The club also says a responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional runt as an “imperial” or “teacup” puppy.
Health Risks of Very Small Puppies
Every toy-breed puppy needs careful care. Extra-small puppies carry extra risk.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Very small puppies have trouble keeping their blood sugar stable. Veterinary guidance notes that tiny puppies often have trouble chewing kibble and keeping warm, and both can lead to low blood sugar. Signs include weakness, trembling, wobbliness, and in severe cases, seizures.
Toy-breed puppies should be fed small meals often. If a puppy is weak or will not eat, call your veterinarian right away. Ask your vet in advance what glucose source to keep at home for emergencies.
Less room for illness
A very small puppy has little reserve. Veterinary guidance warns that diarrhea, parasites, and infections can hit tiny puppies much harder than larger ones. Fleas, worms, or a bout of diarrhea can become serious quickly.
Buying a Shih Tzu in Canada or the US: Red Flags
Be cautious if a seller does any of the following:
- Advertises “Imperial,” “teacup,” or “tiny toy” Shih Tzus.
- Charges more for a smaller puppy.
- Sells puppies younger than 8 weeks. Veterinary guidance suggests 10 weeks is even better for very small toy puppies.
- Cannot show vet records, parent dogs, or registration papers.
- Registers dogs only with little-known registries. The American Shih Tzu Club recognizes the AKC as the US registry. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club is the national registry for purebred dogs.
A good breeder aims for healthy dogs that fit the breed standard. As the American Shih Tzu Club puts it, people who want a very tiny dog should choose another breed rather than shrink this one.
If You Already Have a Small Shih Tzu
A small Shih Tzu is not automatically an unhealthy one. Some dogs are simply on the small end. What matters is regular care:
- See your vet soon after bringing a puppy home, and keep up with checkups.
- Feed small, frequent meals while your dog is a puppy.
- Keep your puppy warm and watch closely for weakness or loss of appetite.
- Handle a small dog gently, and supervise young children around it.
For normal weight ranges, see how much a Shih Tzu should weigh.
Safety first: Very small puppies can develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) quickly. Signs include weakness, trembling, wobbling and seizures. Feed small, frequent meals as your vet advises. If a tiny puppy is weak or hard to wake, rub a little honey or corn syrup on the gums and go to a vet right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Imperial Shih Tzu a real breed?
No. The American Shih Tzu Club calls “imperial” and “teacup” a myth. There is only one Shih Tzu breed, with one size standard of 9 to 16 pounds.
How big does an Imperial Shih Tzu get?
There is no official size. The term is usually used for Shih Tzus expected to weigh well under 9 pounds as adults.
Are Imperial Shih Tzus healthy?
Some small Shih Tzus are healthy. But very small puppies are at higher risk of low blood sugar and have less reserve to handle illness. Dogs bred to be tiny may have more health problems.
Is a miniature Shih Tzu the same as an Imperial?
Yes. “Miniature,” “Imperial,” “teacup,” and “tiny toy” are all used for undersized Shih Tzus. None is an official variety.
Can I register an Imperial Shih Tzu with the AKC or CKC?
A purebred Shih Tzu can be registered as a Shih Tzu. The registries do not recognize “Imperial” as a size or variety.
Sources
- American Shih Tzu Club. The Facts About “Imperial” Shih Tzu and “Designer Dogs”.
- American Kennel Club. Official Standard of the Shih Tzu.
- Veterinary Partner (VIN). Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in Toy Breed Dogs.
- Purina Pro Club. Managing Hypoglycemia in Toy Breed Dogs. 2025.
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
4 Comments
Comments are closed.