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I did not create the "labels" Imperial or "Teacup." These words were already set in stone before I ever came on board. I picked up the terms only because potential customers were asking me for "Imperial Size" or "Teacup Size." I RARELY get a request for a "Standard" size shih tzu as defined by the American Kennel Club. Since these words of Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu were so common to describe a particular size of shih tzu and I was seeing these are the terms people place in search engines boxes looking for the size THEY WANT in a shih tzu, I began using the terms as well mainly to be able to communicate with potential customers in their own language.

The smaller size shih tzu are NOT smaller just because they are UNHEALTHY. This is a downright myth or lie being spread by those who are in favor of only one size shih tzu, which they say, is the only size shih tzu that should be on the market. And the ill-will I have heard from this group of people against these little guys is almost unreal, as if these smaller size shih tzus should not have the same rights as the "standard" size, maybe not even the "right to live" if this side of the poll had its ultimate way about things. And......as if people who have these little guys for sale command a higher price, that this is proof the breeder is doing something outrageously WRONG. Well........like I said.......RARELY does anyone ask me for a "standard" size shih tzu. There is a huge market of individuals and families who prefer these smaller sizes including me. I like all the sizes, but the smaller ones are my favorite. They are like little tiny treasures, almost always sweeter than the bigger guys. To me, they are like a rare exquisite jewel in the midst of all kinds of other jewels. They do require more work on the part of the breeder. Often, to keep them going at first because they are so small they have to be hand-fed and fed extra supplements like Nutri-cal daily. For these reasons of being that tiny treasured, exquisite jewel, rare and unique from all the rest, and because of the all extra labor involved in raising them, they command a higher price.

And.......I still say, from all I have read.......the smaller size shih tzu.......most likely the under 6 pounds, the 7 and 8 pounders were the very first shih tzu to ever be brought into this world by the Chinese Emporess Dowager in the Imperial Palace of China. The bigger sizes were rejected by these early day breedings conducted in the Palace. They were often sold to the peasants in the streets. The smaller ones were kept under careful guard, were the ones actually very much pampered that slept on satin pillows in the palace, that were owned by the elite and wealthy of that period of time, were given as gifts to the diplomats that visited the Imperial Palace as the most ultimate gift of all to ever receive from the Princess. They were the shih tzu that was highly reverened and cherished. These little under the table dogs were sometimes so small the Chinese could carry them in their sleeves. Try getting a 9 to 16 lb. dog in your sleeve? Won't work no matter how big that sleeve is. We owe all our bloodlines to these early breeders. The Princess was mean and ruthless and was known to have little regard for anyone else but her shih tzu. She was burned out several times and eventually I suppose when all the chips were down, she felt beaten, and was found to have committed suicide with all her little shih tzu around her. So the legends of the shih tzu are steeped in mysterious myths and stories that it is no wonder there is still so much controversy about them and......it is about these little guys the most it seems. They seem to be the most mysterious of all - another reason why they command a higher price tag. They are EXQUISITE LITTLE CREATURES.

They actually do belong recognized in a class all their own. I hope to see The American Kennel Club someday do just that. New breeds are being created everyday. I don't know why this group of people against the little guys try to make such a fuss over them not being appropriate to be anything but a PET and they imply any breeder having them are doing something outrageously wrong to the breed. I wonder do people carry on the same about Teacup Poodles? These little under 6 pounders would be so cute in the showring and in fact, I have a picture of one who was 6 pounds who won a championship (one of my shih tzu books). They belong in a class all their own. Name them Imperials. Name them Teacups. Do away with the Teacup name. Don't matter to me on that.

At first very few people got hold of these little guys. Why? Because they were one of a kind - like a very precious jewel in the midst of all kinds of other jewels.

I also think that because so many other people were able to get hold of the bigger sizes in those days is where these bigger sizes now came from. They went out all over to other countries - but not the tiny treasures of the Imperial Palace. They were the secret of that period of time. They are still fairly rare, fairly scarce. Anything that can be produced in vast numbers is always "cheaper." I remember when VCR's and Microwaves first came out, they were so expensive I thought I could never own one. But then......they started being manufactured by the millions, which brought the prices down, and many other people could afford them.

Right now, these little guys are still fairly scarce, which makes their value go up also. And they are many times just as healthy as the bigger guys.

I wonder don't these people who are against the little guys know that even humans come in all sizes and shapes......what if suddenly there was some kind of a stamp put on humans and if every person was not the weight of 170 pounds and 6 foot tall, they were deemed INAPPROPRIATE to be alive.......There are big people and little people and I am so grateful because I am one of the little people standing about 5 feet 2 inches tall. My weight has gone up through the years, so I might qualify as a person based on weight.......

I cherish the smaller sizes. All of mine have been extra joy to have around!!!! I don't in-breed them or have some kind of special formula to create them. Size is created by genes of the bloodlines. And yes, you could call the smallest in the crew a runt just the same. Personally though, I like the word "teacup" better. I think it more closely describes them and is a cuter term. If I were breeding Police Dogs, or Alaskan Working Dogs, I would call the smallest one in the crew, the runt. But I choose to call the smallest shih tzu - teacups and imperials. In my mind, that simply means a certain size. Rather than saying, I want a dog 6 pounds or under. A person can say I want a Teacup, and I know the size they are asking me for.

Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies. Purchase online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Sign up for our newsletter.

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Clean teeth and gums are very important to the overall health of your Shih Tzu. Here is some information on the most common dental problems in dogs and ways of treating them.

Common dental problems

- Periodontitis

It is very common among Shih Tzu and all dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.

The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results in a film characterized by milky-white on the dog's teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.

- Gingivitis

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone loss, and ultimately, loss of teeth.

- Tooth fractures

Tooth fractures occur when Shih Tzu or any dog chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.

How to prevent dental problems

Your Shih Tzu can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your Shih Tzu in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your Shih Tzus breath smell sweeter. Make it a habit of brushing your Shih Tzus teeth on a daily basis.

Toothpaste: There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your Shih Tzus teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick dog toothpaste that is safe enough for your Shih Tzu to swallow.

Toothbrush: Using a toothbrush in its teeth will take some time for the Shih Tzu to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your Shih Tzu taste and chew it. Your Shih Tzu will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until he feels comfortable brushing with it.

Finger brush: You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one's fingertip and can let you brush the Shih Tzus teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your Shih Tzus teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gum lines margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.

Professional cleaning: If you don't want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your Shih Tzu to a veterinarian and have his teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your Shih Tzus clean teeth by anesthetizing your Shih Tzu, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gum line areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.

Home checkup: Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your Shih Tzu for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.

Home safety: Of course, cleaning your Shih Tzus teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your Shih Tzu chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.

Mouthwash: There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog's mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.

Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Shih Tzu and all dog breeds also have dental issues. It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.

Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletter. We are the largest privately-owned informational Shih Tzu site on the World Wide Web.

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