Teacup Shih Tzu: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Care

If you‘re looking for a tiny, adorable companion dog, you may have come across the term "teacup shih tzu" in your research. These pint-sized pooches are irresistibly cute with their long, silky coats, round baby-doll eyes, and little flattened faces. But what exactly is a teacup shih tzu, and how much does one cost? As a veterinarian and dog lover, I‘ll share everything you need to know about these miniature shih tzus, including some important warnings, so you can make an informed decision.

What is a teacup shih tzu?
A teacup shih tzu is a shih tzu bred to be significantly smaller than the breed standard. Also called Imperial shih tzus or tiny toy shih tzus, these miniaturized dogs typically weigh less than 4 pounds when fully grown and stand no taller than 7 or 8 inches at the shoulder. In comparison, breed standard shih tzus usually weigh 9-16 pounds.

It‘s important to know that terms like "teacup" and "imperial" are marketing labels invented by breeders and are not official breed varieties. The American Kennel Club and other purebred registries do not recognize these size variations. While some breeders simply use these terms for their smallest pups in a normal size litter, others intentionally breed undersized dogs together to produce extra-small offspring. The methods used to breed extremely tiny dogs are often unhealthy and irresponsible.

A brief history of teacup shih tzus
Shih tzus originated in ancient China, where they were bred as lapdogs and companions to emperors and nobility. It‘s thought they descended from Lhasa Apso or Pekingese ancestors brought from Tibet. Their name means "little lion" in Chinese, perhaps referring to their abundant fur coat or brave personalities.

After being imported to the West in the 1930s, shih tzus gradually gained popularity in the US and Europe. While they were always a small toy breed, the trend of miniaturizing them into teacup sizes is a more recent phenomenon fueled by celebrity pets and social media. Some trace the origins of teacup shih tzus to the 1990s "imperial" lines promoted by Texan breeder Eileen Gregory.

Teacup shih tzu size, appearance, and coat colors
At 3-7 pounds when mature, a full grown teacup shih tzu can easily fit inside a purse or tote bag. They have compact bodies low to the ground, with short legs and fairly large, rounded heads. A short muzzle, big dark eyes, and heavily furred, droopy ears give them a cute, babyish expression.

The hallmark of the shih tzu is a long, dense double coat that‘s soft and silky to the touch rather than wiry. They have an impressive mane of fur around the neck and head, often tied up on top in a small ponytail. Teacup shih tzus come in a range of colors including black, white, brown, red, gold, silver, brindle, and combinations.

Teacup shih tzu personality and temperament
Bred solely as companion dogs, teacup shih tzus tend to be affectionate, playful, and loyal little lapdogs who love being the center of attention. They usually become deeply attached to their owners and make devoted, light-hearted pets. While lively and silly at times, most teacup shih tzus are generally calm dogs content to sit quietly in your lap for much of the day.

Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them a good fit for apartment life and less active owners. Most get along well with other dogs and pets. However, they can sometimes be suspicious of strangers if not properly socialized. Early training is important to prevent unwanted barking, housetraining accidents, and stubborn streaks.

Health issues in teacup shih tzus
All purebred dogs have certain genetic health issues they are prone to, and shih tzus are no exception. Eye problems, respiratory issues, spinal disorders, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and dental disease are seen in the breed. Being a brachycephalic (flat-faced) toy breed, shih tzus may suffer from breathing difficulties, heat stroke, and eye injuries.

Miniaturizing shih tzus into tiny teacup sizes introduces additional health problems. Teacup dogs of any breed are more vulnerable to hypoglycemia, heart defects, collapsing trachea, chronic diarrhea, seizures, and bone and joint deformities. Their small, fragile size also puts them at higher risk of life-threatening fractures if dropped or stepped on.

Unscrupulous breeders trying to produce the smallest puppies may resort to breeding runts with other runts from several generations. While cute, these tiny teacup puppies often have severe congenital birth defects and health issues. Many suffer and die at a young age, breaking their new owners‘ hearts. For this reason, I strongly caution against seeking out teacup sizes in toy breeds like shih tzus.

How long do teacup shih tzus live?
The typical lifespan for standard-sized shih tzus is 10-18 years. In general, miniature and toy dog breeds live longer than giant breed dogs. But selectively breeding them to be even smaller can negatively impact lifespan, especially if it‘s done irresponsibly.

The longevity of an individual teacup shih tzu depends on their overall health, genetic soundness, and luck. Well-bred teacups from a quality breeder might live 12-15 years with proper care. But very tiny (3 pounds or less) shih tzus, or those from irresponsible breeders trying to maximize small size over health, may only live a few short years.

Grooming and caring for your teacup shih tzu
That beautiful, floor-length shih tzu coat comes with extensive grooming requirements. Plan to brush your teacup shih tzu at least 3-4 times per week to keep the fur free of tangles and mats. Many owners opt to keep their shih tzu in a short "puppy cut" to make maintenance more manageable. Regular baths, nail trims, and ear cleanings are also essential.

Dental hygiene is another important component of shih tzu care. Small breeds are notoriously prone to dental decay and gum disease. Prevent painful, costly dental problems by brushing your teacup shih tzu‘s teeth daily and scheduling professional dental cleanings as needed.

Due to their small stomach capacity, teacup shih tzus tend to have high metabolisms and low blood sugar. Feed them a nutritious, easy-to-digest small breed puppy food split into 3-4 mini meals per day. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and don‘t let them skip meals.

While they don‘t need strenuous exercise, a couple short walks and some indoor playtime each day will keep your teacup shih tzu healthy and content. Mental stimulation through interactive toys and food puzzles is important too. Just remember not to overdo it – these little guys tire easily!

Teacup shih tzu price range
So what can you expect to pay for a teacup shih tzu puppy? Currently, prices range anywhere from $500 to over $5,000 depending on your location and the breeder. On the extremely high end, some teacup puppies are priced at $10,000 or more, especially unusual color combinations. But in general, the average price for a pet-quality teacup shih tzu is around $1,500-$3,000.

Show quality teacup shih tzu puppies with superior pedigrees may cost $5,000-$7,000. But it‘s important to understand that an extremely high price doesn‘t necessarily indicate higher quality. Sometimes it‘s just a marketing tactic. Do thorough research before paying top dollar for a teacup shih tzu.

The cost of owning a teacup shih tzu
Besides the initial purchase price, budget for the following expenses when getting a teacup shih tzu:

Food and treats: $200-$400/year
Preventative vet care (vaccines, checkups, flea/heartworm meds): $200-$800/year
Grooming: $300-$1,000/year
Training classes: $25-$300 for group classes or private lessons
Dog sitting/boarding: $15-$50/day
Toys, beds, crates, and other supplies: $50-$500/year
Emergency vet bills: $200-$5,000 (pet insurance can help offset these costs)

On average, the annual cost of owning a teacup shih tzu is around $1,500. Of course, this varies based on your particular dog‘s needs and your lifestyle.

Red flags in teacup shih tzu breeders
When shopping for a teacup shih tzu puppy, watch out for these red flags in breeders:

No health testing or genetic screening of parents
No health guarantee for puppies
Breeds multiple toy and teacup breeds rather than specializing
Doesn‘t let you tour their facility or meet the parents
Has puppies always available and offers to ship them sight unseen
Pressures you to make a deposit immediately
Can‘t provide pedigree and registration papers for puppies

Responsible teacup shih tzu breeders will:

Health test all their breeding dogs and provide proof
Give a written health guarantee for at least a year
Specialize in shih tzus and breed to the standard rather than exaggerated sizes
Raise puppies in their home with socialization and early training
Carefully screen prospective buyers and educate them about the breed
Allow you to meet the parents and tour their facility
Provide AKC or CKC registration papers and a 3-5 generation pedigree
Offer lifelong support and will take a puppy back at any time if needed

The importance of health testing
Since teacup shih tzus have numerous potential health issues, it‘s critical to find a breeder who does thorough health testing on their dogs before breeding. Some of the most important tests for shih tzus are:

Hip and patella evaluations
Ophthalmologist eye exam
Cardiac exam
Thyroid test
Brucellosis test

Avoid breeders who claim their teacup shih tzus are "vet checked." That‘s not enough. Insist on seeing the official test results from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). Bonus points if the breeder tests for more than the bare minimum recommended tests.

Adopting vs buying a teacup shih tzu
Can‘t afford the high price of a teacup shih tzu puppy, or don‘t want to support the breeding of extreme sizes? Consider adopting an adult shih tzu from a rescue organization instead. While most won‘t be "teacup" sized, you can still find plenty of small shih tzus in need of good homes.

Adopting has several benefits:

Lower upfront cost ($50-$500 adoption fee)
Usually already spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines
May already be housetrained and know basic obedience
Temperament is established so you know what you‘re getting
Immense satisfaction of giving a homeless dog a forever family

Search Petfinder.com or contact local and regional shih tzu rescue groups to see available dogs.

Teacup shih tzu fun facts

The Chinese royals used to feed palace shih tzus a special diet of shark fins, quail breasts, and antelope milk. Today‘s shih tzus are happy with kibble!
A pair of shih tzus survived the sinking of the Titanic and safely made it to New York City.
Famous shih tzu owners include Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Gates, and Miley Cyrus.
A Texas shih tzu named Smokey saved his owner by barking when a venomous coral snake entered their home.
The smallest shih tzu on record was only 3.9 inches tall and weighed less than 1.5 pounds.
Marnie the shih tzu has 1.8 million followers on Instagram. Her cute head tilt is actually caused by a vestibular disease.

I hope this gives you a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about teacup shih tzus, including how much one costs, what to look for in a breeder, and some of the health issues to be aware of. While impossibly cute, these tiny dogs are definitely a case of "buyer beware." In the end, your best bet is to look for a shih tzu puppy that meets the normal breed standard rather than an extra-small teacup version.