Tinypawz Chinese Imperial Shih Tzus, Chinese Imperial Breed Standard & Breed Profile

Tinypawz Imperial Shih-Tzus

Breeders of Imperial & Small Shih tzu puppies in all colors.
Beautiful, Healthy & well Socialized.

Gary, Cindy & Gaylon Hendrix
PO Box 27
202 East 7th
Almyra, Ar 72003

(501) 251-8039

This is the Chinese Imperial Breed Standard & Chinese Imperial Breed Profile as per the Chinese Imperial Dog Club Of America.

Chinese Imperial Shih Tzu breeder of Chinese Imperial & Standard Shih Tzu puppies, teacup shih tzus & tiny shih tzu puppies at Tinypawz Imperial Shih Tzus

Chinese Imperial Dog Breed Standard

The purpose of the Chinese Imperial Dog is that of personal and family pet and companion. They are sturdy, happy, playful little dogs with an affectionate and loving temperament that is ideal for their role in life. They are intelligent, out-going, trusting and energetic little dogs that will also be content to sit quietly on a lap for as long as it is allowed. They are vivacious and cooperative with a streak of independence. Their facial expression is sweet, wide-eyed, and innocent. They are compact, well boned, and muscled dogs with substance appropriate to their size.

SIZE PROPORTION AND SUBSTANCE

For both Dogs and Bitches, the ideal will weigh between four and seven pounds. The Chinese Imperial Dog should weigh less than 8.5 pounds and will be disqualified from the show ring if more than 9.0 pounds. The Chinese Imperial Dog measures less than 8.5 inches at the top of the shoulder and will be disqualified from the show ring if more than 9.0 inches. The length of the back from the shoulder to the junction of the spine and tail should be slightly longer than the measurement of the length from the shoulder to the ground. Bitches may be slightly longer that Dogs. The Chinese Imperial Dog should be penalized in direct proportion to the deviation thereof.

When viewed from the front the chest is broad, the legs straight, with elbows close to the body and feet pointed straight to the front. The rib cage should be well rounded with or without a slight tuck up behind the ribs. Over all, there should be sturdy bones and well-developed muscle and this dog is neither coarse nor delicate. The Chinese Imperial Dog is an efficient mover with good drive in the rear and reach in the front.

HEAD

The head of the Chinese Imperial Dog is the most distinctive part of the dog. It is large and round with the eyes set wide apart with a high forehead. It is carried high, well above the shoulders. Hair between the eyes or the top of the head should be either trimmed or pulled back and secured with an unassuming attachment of a simple elastic band, barrette or small bow. If the hair on the head is trimmed, small bows may be used on the ears.

EXPRESSION - Warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly, and trusting. An overall well-balanced and pleasant expression supersedes the importance of individual parts

Fault - Narrow Head

EYES - Large and round placed well apart, neither deep set nor protruding. It is preferred that no eye white be showing when the dog is looking straight ahead. A small amount of eye white is acceptable, only when adding to expression.

Fault - Small eyes

Lack of roundness

Close set eyes

Walleyed or cross eyed

EARS - Dropped ears, well coated, slightly below the top of the skull above eye level. Size is appropriate to the over all size and head size. The hair on the ears should have natural ear fringes with no evidence of trimming.

SKULL - Domed

MUZZLE - Wide and short, set no lower than the bottom eye rim and set at a 90-degree angle to the forehead. There is a definite stop. Straight and level from the stop to the tip of the nose. The length should be no more than 2/3 inch but may be slightly more on a large dog and should be less on very small dogs. The muzzle front should be flat with no protruding lower lip or chin.

Fault - Lack of definite stop

Receding Chin

Long Muzzle - A curved or down sloping muzzle

BITE - Undershot. The jaw is broad and wide. Straight teeth are preferred but slightly misaligned or missing tooth is acceptable.

Fault - Overshot bite

Teeth showing when the mouth is closed

Tongue which constantly protrudes from the mouth

NOSE - Appropriate size for the face with nares opening adequate for the size of the dog. Hair on the top of the nose should be trimmed close to the skin.

PIGMENTATION - The nose, lips, eye rims and pads of feet are black on all colors except lighter pigmented dog such as; cinnamon, chocolate and platinum. Permanent or temporary color changes and cosmetic enhancements are not allowed.

Fault - Pink spots and or lack of pigment on nose, eye rims and lips.

NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY

NECK - Long, graceful and sturdy, in proportion to the overall size of the dog.

BODY - Short-coupled and sturdy with or without a slight tuck up. The topline is level and straight. Bitches may be slightly longer than dogs.

CHEST - Broad and deep with a good spring of rib and depth of ribcage should extend to or just below the elbow.

CROUP - Flat

TAIL - Set high and carried over the back in a "teapot handle curve". It is well coated with a flowing plume with no evidence of trimming.

Fault - Low set tail

Kinked tail

Tightly curled tail

Straight tail

FOREQUARTERES

SHOULDERS - Well angulated, well laid back, well laid in and fitting smoothly to the body.

LEGS - Straight, well boned, muscular, set well apart and under chest with elbows set close to body.

PASTERNS - Strong and perpendicular

HINDQUARTERS

The angulations of the hindquarters should be in balance with the forequarters.

LEGS - Well boned, muscular, and straight when viewed from the rear with well-bent stifles, not close set but in line with forequarters. The hair around the anus should me trimmed neat and clean.

Fault - Hyperextension of hocks or cow hocked

DEWCLAWS - May be removed

FEET - Firm, well padded, pointing straight ahead. Feet should be trimmed neat and clean.

Fault - Feet pointing out or in

COAT

COAT - Luxurious, double-coated and dense. Straight in preferable but a slight wave is acceptable. Dogs and bitches must be shown in a simple short to medium cut. The coat on the body and legs should be of equal length. Elaborate grooming is not allowed. The coat is not to be straightened or ironed and use of oil and colognes are not allowed. A light moisturizer/conditioner may be used after bathing.

Fault - Single coat

Curly or kinky coat

COLOR AND MARKINGS - All colors and marking are acceptable and equal.

Fault - Pink spots and/or lack of pigment

on nose, eye rims, and lips.

GAIT - The Chinese Imperial Dog is an energetic little dog that moves straight with good drive in the rear and reach in the front and should be shown at it's own natural speed. A dog that is raced, strung up, or held back will be penalized. The Chinese Imperial Dog should move in a smooth, effortless, and flowing manner with the topline level, the head up and the tail carried over the back.

DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA

For both Dogs and Bitches, the ideal will weigh between four and seven pounds. The Chinese Imperial Dog should weigh less than 8.5 pounds and will be disqualified from the show ring if more that 9.0 pounds. The length of the back from the shoulder to the junction of the spine and tail should be slightly longer that the measurement of the length from the shoulder to the ground. Bitches may be slightly longer than Dogs. The Chinese Imperial Dog should be penalized in direst proportion to the deviation thereof.

The Chinese Imperial Dog is a canine of natural appearance and maintenance. Any Dog or Bitch with evidence of elaborate grooming, anywhere on the body, will be disqualified from the ring. Elaborate grooming is defined as an excessive long coat, or coat with evidence of special grooming techniques such as curlers, irons, hair spray, or hair treatments. The hair between the eyes and top of the head must be natural both in appearance and when felt. The hair should be trimmed or pulled back and secured with no evidence of special grooming techniques or enhancers, with an unassuming attachment of a simple elastic band, barrette, or small bow.

Serious Faults:

Body - Roached back or curved topline

Head - Narrow head

Eyes - Close set eyes, walleye or cross eye, lack of roundness

Muzzle - Lack of definite stop, receding chin, long muzzle, curved or down sloping

Bite - Overshot

Legs - Bowed legs, out at the elbows

Tail - Straight tail

Pigmentation - Pink spots and/or lack of pigment on nose, eye rims and lips

Minor Faults:

Bite - Teeth showing when mouth is closed, tongue protrudes from the mouth

Tail - Low set, kinked tail, tight curled tail

Feet - Pointing out or in

Coat - Single coat, curly or kinky coat

Breed Profile

Overview: The purpose of the Chinese Imperial Dog is that of personal and family pet and companion. They are sturdy, happy, playful little dogs with an affectionate and loving temperament that is ideal for their role in life. They are intelligent, out-going, trusting and energetic little dogs that will also be content to sit quietly on a lap for as long as it is allowed. They are vivacious and cooperative with a streak of independence. Their facial expression is sweet, wide-eyed and innocent. They are compact, well boned and muscled dogs with substance appropriate to their size.

Area of Origin: China

Date of Origin: 700 A.D. in some records.

Original Function: Foot Warmer to the Emperor

Today�s Function: companion

Height: Under 9 inches

Weight: Under 9 pounds

Coat: Trimmed to a puppy cut. Can be a beautiful assortment of colors including black, auburn, copper, champagne, cinnamon, chocolate and many more.

Character: The Chinese Imperial has an temperament and is outgoing, friendly, affectionate, happy and trusting towards all.

Temperament: This dog is a playful, energetic little dog that also loves to lay quietly on a lap for as long as it is allowed.

Care: If the coat is kept according to the standard: occasional bathing, ear care and regular clipping.

Training: Easy, these dogs just want to please. They do well in puppy classes.

Activity: Low, but loves to play.

Special Interest: The Chinese Imperial Dog was first bred in China in the Imperial Palace where the smaller ones were carried by the nobility in their kimono sleeves. After coming to the USA there were always breeders that bred the smaller dogs but the Chinese Imperial Dog did not receive recognition until March of 2005.

Classifications:
NCA: Toy Group

written by Karen Christensen Zhen Yi Chinese Imperials RIP
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Imperial Shih Tzu & Chinese Imperial Dog Health Facts

Written by Karen Christensen RIP

Imperial Shih Tzu have very few health issues but I have listed the ones that people may have or

may not of heard of. My goal here is to dispel the myths concerning the health of the Imperial Shih

Tzu.

There are many myths involving the health of Imperial Shih Tzu commonly known as the Chinese

Imperial Dog. Most of these are unfounded. This article will address the most common ones and

dispel the myths.

Umbilical Hernias

An umbilical hernia is a small bubble like protrusion of fat at the navel. This is very common in the

breed as the Imperial Shih Tzu has a flat face with an under bite. This does not allow the dam to

cut the cord with her teeth. The breeder must cut the cord for her. If the cord is tugged on

excessively it will cause an umbilical hernia. Most are very small and will close over time as the

puppy grows. This can take up to one year. Some small ones do not ever close. This is not a cause

for concern and will not effect the health of the dog as long as you are able to push the fat back

into the hole. If the bubble becomes hard or the hernia is quite large you should have it surgically

repaired. A great time to have this done is when you spay or neuter your pet.

Pinched Nostrils

Your puppy may have snorty sounding breathing. This may be caused by tightly closed nostrils.

This is called pinched nostrils. When your puppy is teething, it causes the gums and the lining of

the nostrils to swell. They may also have a clear discharge coming from the nose. This clears up

after the adult teeth grow in. As long as the puppy is eating, drinking and playing normally then the

puppy is just fine and healthy. If the puppy is not eating or playing then there may be and infection

and should be seen by your Veterinarian.

Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is when your puppy seams to be unable to breath easy and making a honking or

snorting sound. The cause may be allergies, nasal irritants or even nasal inflammation. Also a

slightly elongated soft palette can suck against the throat when inhaling. This can be a bit alarming

to witness as it seams that the dog is not able to breath. This is actually very common in the flat

nosed and toy breeds. Reverse sneezing is not life threatening and will last a very short time.

Open Fontanels

Most all Imps have open fontanels.

Sometimes the smaller Imperial puppies will mature slower than the larger Shih Tzu and will have

an open fontanels longer. This is will most likely close as the puppy gets older. This does not

predispose the dog to a condition called hydrocephalus. However, the puppy should be protected

from hitting it's head as this could cause injury or death whether or not they have an open fontanel as they are a small

breed.

Hypoglycemia

In our tiny dogs hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a very common problem. Signs of

hypoglycemia are a wobbly gait, confusion, lethargy and if it is allowed to progress without

treatment can even lead to seizures. Tiny dogs suffer from this more often than the larger breeds.

This is due to their larger brains and smaller livers compared to their body size. Also in the way

that the smaller dogs process blood sugar. The larger breeds use blood sugar stored in their

muscles. Our tiny dogs get their blood sugar directly from the blood on which their larger brains

are completely dependant. Puppies are at a greater risk of hypoglycemia and should be fed at least

a minimum for 4 times a day with small snacks. The puppy should grow out of this but should

never miss a meal even as an adult. A stressful situation, such as a trip to the groomer or Vet. can

also bring on an attack. To prevent this have a product called Nutri-Cal or even Karo syrup on

hand at all times. This will help bring up the blood sugar. You may also want to give your it to

your puppy at bedtime and first thing in the morning. Get to know your puppy�s signals and you

should be able to prevent all issues with hypoglycemia. Your tiny dog should able to go on to live a

perfectly healthy life with only the slightest adjustment in their feeding schedule.

Conclusion

Many people unfamiliar with our precious breed have alarmed new comers to the breed

unnecessarily. The Imperial Shih Tzu also known as the Chinese Imperial Dog is quite a healthy

little breed and will make a wonderful pet without concern for it's health. As stated above the afore mentioned issues are

quite common and we in no way guarantee your puppy against having or experiencing these issues.

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