Teacup Shih Tzu

Miniature vs Standard Shih Tzu Dogs

The teacup Shih Tzu is not a separate breed or a variety of the breed. They are simply Shih Tzus who are below the minimum size of the breed standard. Some of these dogs might be just slightly under the normal weight. The problem arises when breeders purposely strive for a miniature Shih Tzu full grown who weighs 5 pounds or less.

Shih Tzus are not meant to be this tiny, and originally the breed was even bigger than the standard dogs of today. An adult Shih Tzu will stand between 9 to 10.5 inches high at the shoulder. They weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Any dog below 9 inches tall and less than 9lbs as an adult is potentially labelled a teacup Shih Tzu.

What’s the Appeal of a Teacup Shih Tzu?

There’s no question that miniature Shih Tzu dogs are unbearably adorable. There’s a certain appeal to having a dog that retains the appearance of a puppy forever. Unfortunately, there’s an underlying ugliness about how these dogs are produced that some unscrupulous breeders don’t want you to know about.

How Do You Get a Mini Shih Tzu Dog?

You can miniaturize a dog by mixing a standard breed with a smaller breed. The gene that causes chondrodysplasia, or dwarfism, can also be introduced to prevent bones from growing to their full size.

Finally you can create a miniature dog by breeding two purebred dogs who are the smallest, or runts, of different litters. This is the most common way of creating teacup Shih Tzu dogs.

Puppies from Runts

Due to their smaller size, runts are usually weaker and more susceptible to numerous health problems. Breeding two underweight dogs together has a high probability of creating puppies with even more serious health issues. Some of the health problems these tiny animals can face in their lifetime include:

• calcium deficiency
• liver shunts
• heart disease
• hypoglycemia
• dental and gum problems
• seizures

Their small bones are very delicate and easily break. You’ll see plenty of advertisements that use terms like imperial, miniature, teacup, and micro mini.

Despite what some breeders would like you to think, these are merely adjectives to describe Shih Tzus who are smaller than the breed standard. The purpose of creating extremely small dogs is to convince buyers that teacup Shih Tzu puppies are rare and worth more money than the standard version of the breed.

Teacup Shih Tzu Health Problems

The standard Shih Tzu is generally healthy with a lifespan of 10 to 18 years. Like any breed, they are susceptible to certain diseases and health conditions.

Unfortunately, some of the things that are so adorable about this breed also cause them the most problems. For the miniature Shih Tzu, it’s their sweet, snubbed faces and short legs that give them plenty of trouble.

Brachycephaly in Teacup Dogs

The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed. This means they have breathing issues related to their shortened skull and flat muzzle that include:

• collapsed trachea
• elongated palate
• stenotic nares

Although not all Shih Tzus dogs are severely affected by brachycephaly, serious cases can require surgery so they’re able to breathe without restriction.

Backs, Eyes and Joints

The combination of a long back and short legs makes the miniature Shih Tzu prone to intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This Japanese study found the Shih Tzu is particularly at risk for intervertebral disc herniation.

Back problems can cause a great deal of pain. It also can result in muscle spasms, problems with coordination, and in severe cases, paralysis. The beautiful, large eyes of the miniature Shih Tzu are also at risk for a host of eye issues.

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that causes the hip’s ball and socket joint to slip out of place. It is a common problem for many breeds, including the Shih Tzu. And patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap is dislocated. It is particularly prevalent in toy and miniature breeds.

Teacup Shih Tzu Breeders

Even with reputable breeding, sometimes puppies are born who are smaller than average. These littler dogs are often referred to as the runt of the litter. A good breeder might sell this dog with full disclosure, but the dog will not be allowed to reproduce.

Seeing the parents and siblings of the puppy is a good indicator of the care they’ve received and the intentions of the breeder. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their breeding practices.

Reputable breeders will be happy to discuss health issues surrounding teacup breeds. Most significantly, responsible breeders will have screened their stock for health issues like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye abnormalities.

Avoiding Unscrupulous Breeders

On the other hand, there are disreputable breeders who will purposely breed two runts together to create an entire litter of smaller than standard dogs. Truly despicable is the practice of depriving puppies of nourishment to intentionally stunt their growth.

The practice of purposely miniaturizing is done without regard for the health or well-being of the dog. You might see advertisements for a miniature imperial Shih Tzu or a miniature teacup Shih Tzu.

This is nothing more than a marketing strategy to attract buyers into thinking they’re getting a dog that’s rare. Their puppies aren’t exceptional or unique. They’re just undersized Shih Tzus who may be looking at a lifetime of health issues.

Teacup Shih Tzu Price

You can expect to pay more than you would for a standard sized dog. Pricing for teacup and micro mini dogs can be $2,000 or $3,000. Additionally, some breeders will ask for astronomical amounts in the 5-digit range. Bear in mind that the initial cost is only the beginning.

You will have the usual outlay for food, vaccinations, grooming, annual checkups, toys, and treats. It’s also not unlikely that your pint-sized pup will have more than his share of expensive visits to the vet.