Imperial Shih Tzu: A Great Family Pet
The origin of Shih Tzu emerges to be interwoven in the mystery of prodigies of China and Tibet. There are several theories propounded by different anthropologists. One theory suggests that the Manchu dynasty was the origination of the modern Shih Tzu.
Another theory suggests that the Shih Tzu was originated in the Imperial Courts of China via silk trade routes. Many theorists believe that Tibetan sleeve dogs are the forms of modern Imperial Shih Tzu. For decades the Shih Tzu has been typed as ‘Imperial size’ or ‘Teacup size’, however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) defines it as standard size.
The Chinese Empresses Dowager in the Imperial Palace of China advocated the breeding of the Shih Tzu. Unfortunately, there was no room for bigger sized Shih Tzu. The bigger sized Shih Tzu dogs were either marketed or killed. However, the smaller ones were well respected and well maintained by the breeders. When diplomats arrived, a tiny sized Shih Tzu was given to them, representing an honor from the Empresses.
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 very nice and adorable. It is generally a happy, spunky and hardy type of dog. They are magnificently decorous, daring and occasionally bigheaded. The tender and temperate Shih Tzu makes friends without any difficulty and offers good response with lots of patient training. A very alert dog, the Shih Tzu prefers to bark outside, while inside the house it prefers to stay calm and quiet.
The market for the Imperial Shih Tzu is significantly vast. Because of its small size, many families and individuals around the world adore the Imperial Shih Tzu. You can easily carry it with you. In fact, you can take it anywhere you wish. Only exquisite jewels can be a compared to such a living treasure. They need extra care and attention, additional nutritional supplements and may also need to be hand-fed.
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.
