I have chosen not to breed the so called teacup or Imperial sized Shih tzu. I support the American Shih tzu Club in their belief that the Shih tzu should not be downsized to super tiny sized dogs and I breed to the AKC standard for a correct sized Shih tzu of 9-16 pounds as ideal. In breeding to the standard some dogs may end up smaller or larger, but the standard is the ideal we aim for. Most of mine are 8-14 pounds fullgrown. Average is 10-12. I have nothing against a beautiful and healthy dog which may be a little smaller or larger than the standard. It will happen even when breeding parents that are correct sized. I do not believe in breeding the so called imperial Shih tzu that are often bred by money hungry breeders with no regard to health and correct Shih tzu type . I have seen too much heartbreak from people who spent big bucks only to be ripped off and end up with sickly puppies who died or who appeared to be mixed breeds. I was contacted by a woman last year who bought a super tiny sized puppy and paid 2500.00 for it. It was shipped to her by plane and was barely a pound when it was shipped to her. The poor puppy arrived sick and shaking. It could not eat on its own and the breeder told them this was normal for a teacup and told them how to force feed it and give nutrical. They signed a contract saying they knew a tiny teacup was fragile and would have to be force fed if necessary to survive. The contract also said they would be entitled to no refund or replacement puppy if the puppy died due to something like that. The puppy ended up having seizures and died on the way to the vet. They had the puppy less than a week. They were heartbroken over the loss of the poor puppy and sick over losing 2500.00 too. This puppy was supposed to have been about 3-4 pounds full grown. I felt sorry for the woman . I didnt have any puppies at that time, but suggested some breeders i had heard good things about nearby her. It is this type of breeder sending people super tiny and fragile puppies that cant survive or are sickly , that bother me. I think breeders should breed for what is correct and healthy for their breed. Not downsize too much and breed sickly dogs just to make big bucks. I have heard similar stories from heartbroken people so many times over the years, If you want a puppy that is a lot smaller than standard please be very careful to buy from an ethical breeder that will stand behind their dogs . Sometimes breeders who breed regular size puppies get some tiny size ones. Some breeders who breed the super tiny sized ones on purpose are out to make big money and are not concerned with the health and well being of the puppies.
Tiny size puppies can and do happen in litters born to regular sized parents. I get some from time to time myself. They are more fragile than the regular size and not always the best for families with children. Sometimes the tiny sized ones may be small because of underlying health problems rather than just being tiny. That is why it is important to choose an ethical breeder who will be honest and stand behind their dogs if there is a problem. I do know tiny sized ones who lived long and healthy lives, and it is true the regular sized dogs can also have health problems.
