An Imperial Shih Tzu is a terminology that is used to distinguish size. It is a smaller size Shih Tzu, however by being smaller it does in no way whatsoever compromise their health! Imperials range from 4-9 pounds realistically. They are petite and carry all the attributes the standard size Shih Tzu does. We know there is a lot of conflict on the internet regarding "Imperial" Shih Tzu's. No they are not a breed of their own, they are still a Shih Tzu. The word "Imperial" is just a term to separate size groups. Please be advised that anyone trying to sell you an IMPERIAL CHINESE PUPPY OR DOG and saying it is a "separate breed" is not being truthful. A shih tzu is a shih tzu and they all come from the Imperial Dynasties in their ancestry. Imperial is just a word to describe the smaller shih tzus!
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