Shirley's Shih Tzus ~ Hernias

Do NOT buy a puppy younger than eight weeks old. I have heard very sad stories of puppies dying of hypoglycemia because they were too young to leave their mothers!

The words “imperial” and “tiny teacup” have been used interchangeably when describing undersized Shih Tzu. This is not what the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommend and accept as good breed representation. The terms “imperial’ or ‘tiny teacup’ should be regarded as ....A MYTH.

Maybe you read an ad in your local newspaper, searched the Internet, or know of someone who acquired a Shih Tzu using these words to describe how unusual and special (and even more expensive?) their dog may be. The official breed standard for the Shih Tzu calls for a weight range of 9-16 pounds. Why would anyone want to steer away from the weight called for in the AKC. approved breed standard or to call the breed by anything but its AKC. recognized name? Could it be a fad they have created in order to obtain a higher price? These particular breeders have deliberately downsized an already designated toy breed. By doing this, they risk the overall health and wonderful distinguishing characteristics of our breed.

Many of these less reputable breeders claim that their Shih Tzu possess the ‘imperial’ gene. There is no proof that such a gene exists. Size reduction occurs by breeding the smallest dog in a litter to another small dog of another litter, and so on and so forth. This not only creates an abnormally small Shih Tzu, but also puppies that may have health problems. This is not indicative of an ‘imperial gene’ but rather of poor breeding practices.

A responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional ‘runt’ as an ‘imperial’ or ‘tiny teacup’ Shih Tzu. Rather, it is sold as a pet, solely as a companion dog that is not used for breeding. Responsible breeders strive to breed healthy dogs that conform to the breed standard. The ideal Shih Tzu is a sturdy, active, healthy dog with good substance for its size. Those desiring a very tiny pet should choose another breed rather than destroying the very characteristics that make the Shih Tzu such an ideal companion.

There is no such thing as an AKC Imperial or Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu. Any registry other than the American Kennel Club is not recognized by the American Shih Tzu Club. Breeders using alternative registries may have lost their AKC registration and breeding privileges for various reasons.

I would like to caution everyone reading ads, searching the Internet or who has heard the description of Shih Tzu as “imperial” or “tiny teacup” to conduct further research before making a purchase. This American Shih Tzu Club website (http://www.shihtzu.org) is a good place to begin or continue your research on our breed. There also are many good books about dog breeds, care and training to be found in most public libraries. Especially recommended is the AKC’s “The Complete Dog Book” which has a chapter on every recognized breed of dog.

Note: I sell ONLY AKC registered dogs and I do not sell "Imperials" or "Teacups". I will not let my puppies go to their forever homes until they weigh at least 2 lbs. I warn against anyone buying a puppy who weighs less than 2 lbs.

HERNIAS IN SHIH TZU PUPPIES as well as other breeds is very common, and is not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern. Please be informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your SHIH TZU PUPPY.

The following information is copied from Bullwrinkle.com and is being offered as an educational tool:

"A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.

A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian."

The most common types of hernias in Shih Tzu puppies are:

"An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall when the over-zealous mother is pulling at the umbilical cord. In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. "

"An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in un-spayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy. "