You’re looking for a dog. Specifically, a Shih Tzu. You start scrolling through breeder websites and suddenly you're drowning in terms like "Teacup," "Imperial," "European," and "American." It’s overwhelming. Honestly, it’s mostly marketing fluff designed to make you pay more for a dog that might actually have serious health problems. If you want to understand the types of Shih Tzu dogs, you have to separate the official breed standards from the creative labels breeders use to sell puppies.
The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. They were the pampered lapdogs of Chinese emperors. They didn't have "types" back then; they just had small, regal dogs that looked like little lions. Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes one single breed: the Shih Tzu. There are no official sub-types. However, because of how they’ve been bred in different parts of the world and how some breeders try to "miniaturize" them, we ended up with these unofficial categories.
The Standard Shih Tzu: The Only One That Officially Counts
This is the blueprint. When people talk about the "Standard" or "Classic" version, they’re talking about a dog that fits the AKC or Kennel Club (UK) guidelines. These dogs should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. They stand about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
They are sturdy. You shouldn't feel like you’re going to break them if you pick them up. The "Standard" is what you’ll see in dog shows like Westminster. They have that flowing double coat that requires a ridiculous amount of brushing. If a dog is significantly smaller than 9 pounds, it isn't a different "type" of dog—it's just a small Shih Tzu that technically falls outside the breed standard.
The Myth of the Teacup and Imperial Shih Tzu
Here’s where things get sketchy. You’ll see "Teacup" or "Imperial" types of Shih Tzu dogs advertised for thousands of dollars. You need to be really careful here. Neither the AKC nor any reputable breed club recognizes these terms.
Essentially, "Imperial" is a fancy word for a runt.
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Breeders specifically pair the smallest dogs in a litter to create even smaller puppies. While a 5-pound dog might look cute on Instagram, it’s often a recipe for medical disaster. These tiny dogs frequently suffer from "Luxating Patella" (kneecaps that pop out of place), dental crowding because their mouths are too small for their teeth, and hypoglycemia. Their bones are fragile. One jump off a standard couch can result in a broken leg.
If a breeder tells you an "Imperial" is a rare, specialized breed, they are lying to you. They are simply breeding for size at the expense of the dog's long-term health. It’s a controversial practice that many veteran owners find unethical.
American vs. European Shih Tzu: Is There Actually a Difference?
Yes, actually. But it’s subtle. It's like the difference between a New York accent and a London accent—same language, different vibe.
The American Shih Tzu tends to have a slightly higher set of legs and a shorter neck. Their eyes are usually set a bit further forward. On the flip side, the European (or UK) Shih Tzu often has a broader chest and a more prominent "stop" (that little indentation between the forehead and the snout).
- American Style: High head carriage, slightly more "glamorous" in the show ring, longer legs.
- European Style: Sturdier build, slightly lower to the ground, often looks a bit more "square."
Most pet owners won't even notice the difference unless they stand two dogs from different lineages side by side. It doesn't change their personality. They’re both still stubborn, affectionate, and incredibly charming.
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Coat Types and the "Teddy Bear" Look
Technically, all Shih Tzus have the same coat type: a long, dense, double coat that grows continuously. It's hair, not fur. This is why they are often labeled as "hypoallergenic," though no dog truly is.
However, you’ll hear people talk about the Teddy Bear Shih Tzu.
This isn't a genetic type. It’s a haircut.
When you take a Shih Tzu to the groomer and ask for a "puppy cut" or a "teddy bear cut," they trim the hair short all over the body and leave the face round. It makes the dog look like a permanent puppy. It’s incredibly popular because maintaining a full "show coat" (where the hair touches the floor) is a part-time job. If you don't brush a show-length coat every single day, it turns into a matted mess that can actually pull on the dog's skin and cause infections.
Rare Colors and Markings
Sometimes people categorize types of Shih Tzu dogs by their colors, claiming some are "rare."
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Black, white, gold, and brindle are common. Then you have the "Liver" Shih Tzu. A "Liver" isn't actually a color of hair, but a color of skin pigment. If a dog has a chocolate-colored nose, paw pads, and eye rims, it’s a Liver. They often have lighter, amber-colored eyes.
Then there's the "Blue" Shih Tzu. Again, it’s about pigment. The skin looks charcoal or diluted grey. These aren't separate breeds; they’re just genetic variations in coat and skin color. Don't let a breeder charge you an extra $1,000 because a dog is "Blue." It’s a color, not a diamond.
Why Personality Matters More Than Category
Regardless of the "type," the Shih Tzu temperament is consistent. They are "Lion Dogs." They are brave, but they aren't fighters. They are lapdogs, but they aren't lazy.
I’ve met 15-pound standard Tzus that think they are Great Danes and 7-pound "Imperials" that are terrified of their own shadows. They are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Their stubbornness is legendary. If you tell a Golden Retriever to sit, he asks "Why?" but eventually does it. If you tell a Shih Tzu to sit, she looks at you, looks at the floor, and decides if you’ve provided enough incentive (usually in the form of chicken) to make the effort worth her while.
Actionable Steps for Choosing the Right Shih Tzu
Don't get caught up in the labels. If you’re looking to bring one of these dogs into your life, focus on these specific steps to ensure you’re getting a healthy animal rather than a "marketing type."
- Ignore the "Teacup" Label: If a breeder is pushing "Teacup" or "Imperial" puppies, ask about their health testing. Specifically, ask if the parents have been cleared for hip dysplasia and eye issues (CERF exams). If they haven't, walk away.
- Check the Weight: A healthy adult should ideally be over 9 pounds. This ensures they are hardy enough for daily life and less prone to the "fragile dog" syndromes that plague the tiny ones.
- Visit the Parents: You can tell a lot about what your puppy will look like by looking at the mom and dad. If the parents have pinched nostrils (Stenotic Nares), the puppies likely will too, which leads to expensive surgery later so the dog can actually breathe.
- Adopt if Possible: Because people get overwhelmed by the grooming requirements, many "types" of Shih Tzus end up in rescues. Organizations like the Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. or local shelters often have purebred dogs that need homes.
- Budget for Grooming: Whether it's a "Teddy Bear" or a "Standard," you’re going to spend money at the groomer every 4 to 6 weeks. It’s a non-negotiable part of owning this breed.
Choosing between the unofficial types of Shih Tzu dogs really comes down to whether you want a dog that fits the historical standard or a smaller companion that might require extra medical care. Stick to the middle ground. A sturdy, 10-to-12-pound dog with a clear lineage will almost always provide a better ownership experience than a "designer" miniature.