Shih Tzu Mini (2022) 13 Things to Know About Your Teacup Shih Tzu

As of late, we’ve all come to know and love Shih Tzu (sheet-zoo). A furry little toy dog that has been known to delight in the arms of celebrities like Beyonce, Bill Gates, and Mariah Carey.

The Shih Tzu, originally from Tibet, is a breed mixed from Lhasa Apso and Pekingese dogs. Their existence goes as far back as AD 624. These days, the tiny teacup version is somewhat of a modern commodity. The Shih Tzu mini has come along and dug its way into our hearts with its sassy and lovable personality.

This little dog has become increasingly popular over the last decade. The Shih Tzu Mini, otherwise known as the tiny teacup Shih Tzu or Imperial Shih Tzu, is perfect for apartment living and small spaces.

Keep reading below to learn more about how to care for these dogs. You’ll discover more about them and their dietary requirements, how to keep them healthy, and some fun facts about the Shih Tzu mini. 

13 Things to Know about the Shih Tzu Mini

1. Physical Characteristics and Appearance of a Shih Tzu Mini

You’ll know it’s a Shih Tzu mini if it has beady black eyes, a square-shaped muzzle, and a tail that curls upwards. Although, these pups are better known for their distinct flat faces and top-knot hairstyles.

Their sturdy bodies usually mature at about 10 months and are classified as a teacup Shih Tzu if they’re about six inches tall and under seven pounds. The Shih Tzu mini has a round head, long slender body, and short legs.

All of this is packed into a teacup-sized dog with a whole lot of charisma. These wonderfully adorable dogs have lots of hair that can grow quite long if not taken care of appropriately.

2. What Do Shih Tzu Mini’s Like to Eat?

The first thing you need to know about your Shih Tzu mini relates to their diet, which is the most important contributor to a healthy dog. A Shih Tzu mini has all of the regular organs dogs have compacted into a tiny body, resulting in some common digestive concerns.

You may need to be a bit more conscious of what your dog eats, how often they eat, and how fast they eat. Since their stomachs are a little bit smaller, your Shih Tzu mini may not be able to digest its food properly and won’t be able to digest certain solid foods at all.

It may be wiser to invest in a special brand of dog food that caters to sensitive stomachs. When you decide to try something new with your dog, it’s best to be observant and have a vet on hand, just in case. Keep an eye out for when your dog sneaks around the house sniffing around for snacks.

As they’re so tiny, they are prone to hypoglycemia. This means that you will have to feed your dog more times a day for it to maintain blood sugar levels. Your dog is not able to regulate how much it eats and is susceptible to overeating and becoming overweight.

You’ll find that your Shih Tzu eats often but won’t necessarily eat as much as other dogs. There are specially formulated foods for smaller dogs like the Shih Tzu mini that may make feeding them a little bit easier. Be sure to consult with your vet.

While your pup is eating, you may also want to watch them or be around them to ensure that they’re not eating too quickly. Because of their flat faces and tiny noses, this adorable Shih Tzu mini may also accidentally inhale air with their food which can cause digestive issues.

3. Shih Tzu Mini Has Intense Grooming Needs

As a breed so well known for fringes and ponytails, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these pups require an intense grooming regimen.

Their fur can become matted, so it is important to groom them with regular washes, brushing their luscious strands, and of course, a regular trim.

Most people leave their fringe to grow out, such that it can be pinned up in a top-knot style ponytail. On the other hand, you can cut their hair shorter to allow for ease of care and to ensure that hair doesn’t constantly get in their eyes.

You can groom your puppy on your own with some quality dog clippers or try to get your dog to a groomer as often as once a month or every second week. This is helpful to avoid any matting of their hair and ensure that their locks remain as beautiful as possible.

4. Shih Tzu Minis Make Lovely Companions

Shih Tzus were created as lap dogs. They form part of the toy dog category and are quite sociable by nature. Their true purpose was to accompany the ancient Chinese Royals and can be quite loyal to their favorite caretakers.

Since Shih Tzus are easy to train, love being around people, and can fit anywhere, they make for a solid companion.

5. Shih Tzus Make a Good Watchdog

These pups are lovingly called the Lion dog. While they aren’t naturally ferocious, they can be quite protective of the things and the people they love.

You may notice that your Shih Tzu could bark you away from their favorite toy or alert you of someone unfamiliar to them. They aren’t necessarily possessive or territorial, but they are dogs, after all.

So, the Shih Tzu Mini will be a lovely addition to your home security system. Just note that this is not their main or intended purpose.

6. It’s a Regular Shih Tzu, Just Smaller

The common misconception about teacup dogs is that they are a true breed different from that of the normal-sized breed. Although, according to science and all dog associations, they are considered the same breed.

This misconception is easily perpetrated by vocal canine activists. The theory is that a smaller version of a specific breed is considered different from the original because the size of the dog could increase underlying health conditions and change various personality traits.

However, the breeding process is essentially a feat of selective breeding. Breeders may use the runt of the litter for breeding Shih Tzu minis, and while it may change the size of the dog, this process doesn’t change the basic genetics.

7. Shih Tzu Mini’s Can’t Breathe Well While Swimming

While selective breeding is a fun way for humans to ensure their favorite canine traits have been amalgamated into new breeds like a Chihuahua-Shih Tzu mix or the ever-trendy Pomapoo, there can be certain side effects.

In the ancient days, the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso came together to create a flat-faced little munchkin with lots of hair called the Shih Tzu. Having a flatter face ultimately restricts the dogs’ airways, which makes it harder for them to breathe while doing physical exercise.

8. Teacup Shih Tzu Has Spunk

Shih Tzu minis are, by nature, pack dogs. They will continue to follow their instincts regardless of which pack they’re moving with. To ensure your dog’s personality remains friendly, you’ll have to mimic certain aspects of the pack.

If they feel like there is no order or no clear leader in the pack, your dog will develop an extremely spunky personality. While we all love a little bit of attitude, a Shih Tzu Mini can start biting, barking incessantly, and become blatantly disobedient. This can easily be avoided with the right puppy training and a consistent routine with clear pack leaders. 

A Shih Tzu needs that kind of support and societal construct because of how naturally sociable it is. It is important to ensure that your dog receives adequate behavioral training. However, a little attitude is expected when you’re taking too long with treats, or they don’t necessarily feel like playing fetch.

9. Mini Shih Tzus Love Walking

While most of their exercise requirements can be met through regular play, they must go on regular walks as well.

Your Shih Tzu needs to walk around with the pack to maintain their temperament and, my guess, their sanity. Even if it’s just a short walk through the neighborhood or down the road, they do need to get out of the house a little bit.

This exercise and a good run around an enclosed, safe area can help them stretch their legs.  Like humans, exercise can help them stay healthy. Try to get a good and comfortable dog leash to help your Shih Tzu mini roam the area somewhat freely while maintaining a good sense of control of where they’re headed.

10. Shih Tzu Mini Is Prone to Certain Health Conditions

Shih Tzu minis are wonderful for their size and cuteness; however, caring for them is not always sunshine and rainbows. Mini Shih Tzu dogs are prone to lots of health issues simply because of their size. While this is still debated across the internet, some sources like PetMD mention that some health conditions a Shih Tzu mini may acquire can be fatal.

It may be a bit menacing to think of everything that could go wrong with your beloved pooch.  However, it is essential to keep an eye out for signs and symptoms to prevent or treat whatever conditions they may face.

In order to avoid a hypoglycemic dog, they’ll need to feed a few times throughout the day to maintain blood sugar levels. They also need help keeping warm in winter as they won’t always be able to regulate their body temperature. So, you may want to consider investing in a few dog outfits that will keep your dog snug during the colder seasons.

Another concern is their small and fragile bones. Most teacup Shih Tzus won’t be able to tolerate a fall, slip from a high couch, or fight with bigger dogs. This means that as an owner, you’ll have to stay vigilant and ensure that your dog is safe in its environment.

The list of health problems for teacup Shih Tzus can be as long as your arm. It’s important to work with reputable breeders or vetted rescue organizations to ensure the health of your puppy at a young age. This will make looking after your puppy a lot easier as many defects are detectable from a young age. 

Make sure to supplement your dog’s diet with useful vitamins as prescribed by a vet or to treat and alleviate some of their ailments with natural CBD oil if necessary. Having a Shih Tzu mini means that you’ll have to pay attention and remain dedicated to keeping them healthy and happy.

11. They Don’t Make Good Breeders

Teacup dogs are bred through a process of unnatural selection. Most breeders would use the runt of the litter to breed with another purebred runt to produce the teacup variety.

This can cause some genetic complications or other health issues like dental and gum problems, sliding kneecaps, seizures, and respiratory issues.

This means that the genetics of teacup dogs aren’t completely stable, which makes it difficult to predict how a litter of these puppies will fare after being born. Many veterinarians believe that a Shih Tzu mini can manage only one pregnancy in her lifetime. Any more after that, and she is put at a much higher risk.

12. Shih Tzus Can Be Quite Finicky

First and foremost, your Shih Tzu Mini is not as simple as a goldfish. They do need a firm hand and a consistent routine. They’re quite pack-minded and need someone to take charge of their pack. Once this aspect of their instincts has been met, they won’t bother you with uncouth behavioral habits.

Ensure that you’ve got lots of dog toys that encourage stimulation so that your Shih Tzu mini doesn’t get overcome with boredom. A good stimulus can make a big difference in puppies that are as intelligent as Shih Tzu minis.

13. Shih Tzu Minis Are Easy to Train

The Shih Tzu Mini breed is an intelligent species. They’re quick to learn new tricks and do well with consistency and proper training.

There is a whole hoard of tricks that you can teach your new dog without having to pull your hair out. As long as you’re offering them positive reinforcement for everything they do correctly, you’ll be on your way to instilling good behavior.

Is the Shih Tzu Mini a Good Fit for You?

Getting your first, second, or twelfth dog is always a wonderful and exciting experience. Some people swear by one breed, while others love to explore the different kinds of canines out there.

The Shih Tzu Mini is a great choice for dedicated first-time dog owners and anyone that lives in an apartment. They have a specific set of needs that can easily be met through love and understanding.

If you’re happy to go for walks every day, have the patience to care for someone else’s hair more than your own, and are extremely loving and enjoy snuggles – the Shih Tzu Mini is a great choice for you.

As long as you’re attentive and can offer your new canine friend a safe space to become one of the pack, they’ll reward you with just as much love and protection.

I covered all of the costs associated with the Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix post. However, it does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase, I may receive a small commission. It won’t affect the price that you pay. Just wanted to let you know.

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