Teacup Shih Tzu: Your Complete Guide

With its small size and sweet disposition, the teacup shih tzu is a miniature version of the shih tzu breed. This dog shares the friendly and outgoing personality of the shih tzu. Their affectionate nature makes them a top choice for a family dog or an individual who wants a small, loving pup to add to their lives.

If you are considering adding a teacup shih tzu to your home, it’s important to be informed about what it takes to properly care for this dog and ensure they stay happy and healthy. Our complete guide tells you more about the teacup shih tzu and how to keep this dog thriving.

Quick Look at the Teacup Shih Tzu

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Teacup Shih Tzus?

The shih tzu breed has a history that dates back at least a thousand years, as this dog was popular in some form among Chinese royals since 1,000 B.C. The first ancestors of the shih tzu are described as short, square dogs, with popular theories that this dog is a descendant of a mix between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso dog breeds.

Originally, this dog is likely from Tibet, and they became more well-known in their current form around the 1900s. The name ‘shih tzu’ comes from the Chinese word for ‘lion.’

In 1930, the first shih tzu made their way into Europe, and the breed became more refined. Over the years, it was registered in a number of kennel clubs around the globe, and breeders started experimenting with an even smaller size for this small dog.

The teacup shih tzu doesn’t have an exact date of origination, and it’s important to note that the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize shih tzu dogs that weigh less than the breed standard of 9 to 16 pounds.

There are breeders who will choose the smaller-sized shih tzus of each litter to further breed teacup or ‘imperial’ sized shih tzus. However, there is a debate about breeders purposefully choosing to breed shih tzus below 5 pounds, as this may result in significant health issues for the dog.

In general, a smaller than average shih tzu dog may be called a teacup shih tzu, but you should use caution when it comes to breeders that specialize in abnormally small versions of this wonderful breed.

What Do Teacup Shih Tzus Look Like?

Teacup shih tzus come in solid coat colors, bi-color, or multicolored. Occasionally, you may see one of these dogs in a brindle pattern. The most common coat color for a teacup shih tzu is white with accents of brown, red, and black.

Teacup shih tzus are very small, and they have a fluffy, soft, long coat. Their fur is generally silky and straight, and it does require a fair amount of brushing to keep in shape.

The face of a teacup shih tzu has often been described as a ‘chrysanthemum flower’ due to its round shape. They have a pair of dark eyes and a small button nose, and their expression is often perceived as very sweet and open.

What Size Is a Teacup Shih Tzu?

The average height of a teacup shih tzu is between 5 and 7 inches, and they weigh between 6 and 9 pounds. This is a bit smaller than the typical shih tzu breed standard of 9 to 11 inches and 9 to 16 pounds.

What Is a Teacup Shih Tzu’s Coat Type and Length?

The teacup shih tzu has a long silky double coat that may be straight or somewhat wavy. Their coat will need to be brushed often, and many individuals choose to have their teacup shih tzu’s fur trimmed into a ‘puppy cut’ which gives this breed an almost teddy bear-like appearance.

What Is a Teacup Shih Tzu’s Temperament?

Teacup shih tzus are known for being cheerful and charming. This breed is friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, and they enjoy spending time with their families. You can expect your teacup shih tzu to be lively and playful, though they also enjoy spending time cuddling indoors or relaxing with their owners.

Teacup shih tzus are intelligent and learn new things quickly, and they are perfect companion dogs as they enjoy sitting next to their owner when possible.

This breed may be mischievous if they aren’t getting enough attention, or if they feel bored and under-stimulated mentally and physically. Training and spending plenty of time with your teacup shih tzu is the best way to keep your pup happy.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Good With Kids?

Teacup shih tzus are friendly and sweet, and they enjoy playing with children. However, they are quite small and fragile, and they should only be around children who know how to play with them properly and won’t treat them roughly. Older children and children who have been taught how to interact with such a small dog are the best choice of companions for this pup.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Good With Other Animals?

Teacup shih tzus are generally friendly with other animals, though it’s important to note their small size when it comes to introducing them to other dogs and cats. They don’t have a particularly high prey drive, and they likely won’t chase other animals.

Teacup shih tzus are friendly and may enjoy living in a home with other dogs or cats around as long as interactions are monitored to make sure your small dog stays safe.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Aggressive?

Teacup shih tzus aren’t prone to being aggressive, though they may be a little destructive if they are left alone for long hours or if they aren’t being properly mentally and physically stimulated.

Your teacup shih tzu is unlikely to develop aggressive behaviors such as growling, biting, and snapping, though they might develop behavioral issues as a result of things like separation anxiety. Proper training and care can help curb these problems.

Do Teacup Shih Tzus Bark?

A teacup shih tzu may be fairly vocal, as they like to make their needs known and one of the most effective ways to do this is through their bark. Teacup shih tzus might yap quite a bit and they might need training to stop their unnecessary barking habits.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Affectionate?

Teacup shih tzus are very affectionate, and this is a dog breed that will love spending as much time as possible with their families. They’re ideal as companion dogs, and they are both playful and lively, bringing a certain sense of joy with them wherever they go.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Intelligent?

Teacup shih tzus are considered quite intelligent, and these dogs are generally curious about the world around them. They love to learn new things, and they can be trained fairly easily.

You might find that your teacup shih tzu learns your routine and expects you to stick to it. They may become mischievous if they aren’t being properly mentally stimulated with toys and playtime.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Energetic?

Teacup shih tzus are lively and playful, but due to their small size, their energy needs aren’t as extensive as other dogs. You will need to take your dog out on walks at least twice a day, though these walks won’t need to be super long. Your teacup shih tzu will need playtime each day, and they will enjoy time spent in dog parks running around with other small dogs.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Easy to Train?

Teacup shih tzus can be easy to train as they are intelligent, curious, and eager to please their owners. These dogs are able to learn basic tricks and more complex tricks, and they will likely enjoy the chance they get to spend time with their owner during training sessions.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Good Watchdogs?

Teacup shih tzus aren’t the best watchdogs, as they are a little too friendly. They may bark at strangers or other things they see, but they have a generally vocal nature, and it can be hard to tell when things are a real threat. If a stranger approaches them, they are more likely to seek affection than they are to attempt to be aggressive.

Are Teacup Shih Tzus Good Service Dogs?

Teacup shih tzus aren’t the best candidate for working as service dogs due to their small size. They aren’t able to complete tasks that are related to mobility support or guidance. They’re also not the best option for retrieving items, stopping negative behaviors, and opening or closing doors, among other important service dog tasks.

This breed may be a good choice for an emotional support animal or a therapy dog, as they love to spend time with their owners, and they enjoy giving and receiving affection. They easily warm up to people, which makes acting as a therapy dog a good choice.

How to Care for a Teacup Shih Tzu?

Caring for a teacup shih tzu involves making sure that this dog gets their exercise needs met, that they are groomed properly, and that they aren’t left too long alone. This dog does need a lot of time spent with their owners to stay happy, and they shouldn’t be left home alone for more than six hours.

You will need to give your teacup shih tzu interactive toys and play with them each day, in addition to walking them twice a day, to ensure they stay mentally and physically stimulated.

Your teacup shih tzu will need to be fed a high-quality diet of wet or dry food, and they will need regular veterinary care to ensure they stay healthy. Make sure your teacup shih tzu has their own space in your home complete with a bed and other items to make them happy.

Regular grooming and daily brushing are both essential to make sure your teacup shih tzu’s coat stays looking and feeling its best.

Do You Need to Groom a Teacup Shih Tzu?

Teacup shih tzus do require a fair amount of grooming, as these dogs have long silky fur and a double coat. They will need to be brushed on a daily basis to keep their fur free of tangles and mats, and you will need to bathe them semi-often.

Professional grooming is also required on a regular basis, especially if you want to keep your dog’s fur trimmed into a specific cut, like the popular teddy bear cut.

Do Teacup Shih Tzus Shed?

Despite their longer fur, teacup shih tzus are not prolific shedders. Their fur may be trapped by their double coat, which is why brushing and regular grooms are necessary to keep their fur feeling silky and looking its best.

What Health Problems Do Teacup Shih Tzus Have?

As a breed, teacup shih tzus are healthy. However, they are prone to certain health conditions due to genetics, like many other dogs. Health problems that teacup shih tzus are prone to include bladder problems, allergies, hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, and patellar luxation.

Ensuring that you monitor your teacup shih tzu’s health, taking steps to feed them a healthy diet and keep them happy, and regular veterinary visits will help to prevent issues and catch health problems before they become too serious.

How Long Do Teacup Shih Tzus Live?

On average, teacup shih tzus will live between 10 and 15 years. Regular veterinary care, ample exercise, and a healthy diet will help your dog live their longest and happiest life.

What Should a Teacup Shih Tzu Eat?

Your teacup shih tzu should be eating around a half of a cup to one cup of high-quality wet or dry food each day. You may need to adjust this amount based on their size, their exercise needs, and the caloric content of their food. Speak to your veterinarian if you have any questions about how to properly feed your teacup shih tzu.

Is a Teacup Shih Tzu the Right Dog for Me?

The teacup shih tzu is a wonderful, loving, and friendly pup, and they are perfect for individuals who want a companion animal. Families with children and other animals may be a good fit for a teacup shih tzu as they easily warm up to other animals. Individuals looking for a companion that loves to spend all their time with them are also great fits for this breed.

Proper training, lots of time spent with your teacup shih tzu, and days playing or snuggling together on the couch ensure you and your dog live a happy and healthy life together.