Imperial, Tea-cup and standard Shih Tzu sizes
What the size names mean, how big each is likely to get, and which size fits your home.
Every Puppy Love puppy is a purebred Shih Tzu from AKC-registered parents. "Imperial" and "Tea-cup" are not separate breeds or official AKC classes. They are the names breeders and owners use for Shih Tzus that mature smaller than the breed standard. We tag each listing with the size we expect, based on the parents and on more than 30 years of watching our own lines grow up.
| Size | Expected adult weight | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tea-cup | About 4 to 6 pounds | The smallest we raise, and the rarest. Needs the most careful feeding in the first weeks. |
| Imperial | About 6 to 9 pounds | Smaller than the standard, sturdy enough for most homes. The size most of our families ask for. |
| Standard size | About 9 to 16 pounds | The classic Shih Tzu described in the AKC breed standard. |
These are estimates, not promises. Adult size also depends on diet and exercise, and no breeder can guarantee an exact weight.
Tea-cup Shih Tzu puppies
A Tea-cup Shih Tzu is expected to stay around 4 to 6 pounds full grown. They are easy to carry and happy in an apartment or a house, and they have the same sweet, people-loving temperament as any Shih Tzu. Because they are so small, they are delicate while they are young: they cannot skip meals, and a fall or rough play can hurt them. They are a good fit for adults and for families with older, gentle children.
Imperial Shih Tzu puppies
An Imperial Shih Tzu is expected to be around 6 to 9 pounds full grown, noticeably smaller than a standard Shih Tzu but a little sturdier than a Tea-cup. For most families this is the best balance of a small, portable dog and one that settles easily into a busy home.
Standard Shih Tzus
The AKC breed standard describes an adult Shih Tzu of roughly 9 to 16 pounds. Standard-size Shih Tzus are robust, playful and a great choice for homes with younger children.
Size and price
Tea-cup and Imperial puppies are rarer and need more care in their first weeks, so they are priced above standard-size puppies. Each listing shows its price and a size tag. For current prices, what is included, and how the deposit works, see Shih Tzu puppy prices in Arizona.
Caring for a small Shih Tzu
- Feed on schedule. Small puppies can have low blood sugar if they miss a meal. We send feeding notes home with every puppy.
- Carry them in public until the vaccine series is finished.
- Supervise young children and bigger dogs. A small puppy is easy to drop or step on.
- See a vet in the first week and keep up with the vaccine schedule.
More on our Bringing your puppy home page, and every puppy is covered by the Puppy Love six-month guarantee.
Puppies available now
Loading…
Questions? Call or text 480-256-8543 or email us.