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The Chinese Imperial dog is a breed of Companion Dog. The breed is a source of immense debate among Chinese Imperial Dog fanatics, Shih Tzu Phansians, leading kennel clubs, veterinarians and dog specialists. Fans of the Chinese Imperial Dog and some rare breed kennel clubs insist that the dog is a unique breed, while most other dog experts claim that it is nothing more than a Shih Tzu-shaped version. The origin of the breed is also disputed, with some claiming that dogs have existed for centuries and others claiming that the breed is a very modern creation, having developed only in the last 50 or so years. Regardless of the actual condition of the breed, it is almost identical to the Shih Tzu in all aspects other than its small size. The Chinese Imperial Dog is also known as the Chinese Imperial Shih Tzu, Imperial Shih Tzu, Miniature Shih Tzu, Tchey Shih Tzu and Tiny Toy Shih Tzu.
There are two competing theories in the history of the Chinese Imperial Dog. The Chinese Imperial Dog Club of America (CIDCA) and many breed fans insist that the breed has existed in China for centuries. He claims that the breed was considered distinct from Shih Tzu in China, due to its small size. There is believed to be a tapestry dating before the birth of Jesus, depicting a Pingingis a Shih Tzu and a Chinese Imperial Dog, which the CIDCA claims is the definitive proof that the Chinese Imperial Dog existed for 2000 years Is in In the opinion of this writer, that tapestry is not nearly so decisive and the depiction of a dog on it is certainly not as different as those three modern breeds.
Fundamentalists of the breed convinced of the uniqueness and ancient history of Chinese Imperial dogs that the Chinese Imperial Dog was only allowed to be kept by the Chinese nobility and that it was a great honor to receive one as a gift. However, this is far from conclusive evidence of dogs of ancient origin as a similar situation was given to Shih Tzu, Peking, Lhasa Apso, Hapa Dog, and Pag. One of China’s largest dynasties, Dodger Queen Cixi, was one of the biggest Chinese dog fans. The Daujar Empress and subsequent rulers gave many small Chinese palace dogs to foreign dignitaries as gifts. Most of these dogs went to England, the United States, and the Netherlands where they formed the base of the Shih Tzu breed. The CIDCA claims that many Chinese Imperial dogs were also given as gifts. Because Westerners were unaware that the two breeds are different, they lured Chinese Imperial dogs as a breed of Shih Tzu. Reportedly, largely pure lines of Chinese Imperial dogs were maintained in Australia and the Netherlands. These lines were then imported into the United States, where the AKC refused to recognize them as anything other than Shih Tzus. While these claims may be true, this author was unable to find any independent verification or evidence to support them. The Chinese nobility have certainly raised very small dogs, but it is unclear whether they considered them to be a separate breed. For example, the famous sleeve Pekingese, which were so small that they were carried around the sleeve, were still considered Pekingese. In this writer’s opinion, China probably had very small Shiz Tzus for many centuries, but was not considered a separate breed. Additionally, even though the Chinese Imperial Dog was considered a separate breed at one point, it has been fully subscribed to the modern Shih Tzu breed for centuries.
The Chinese Imperial Dog is nearly identical to the Shih Tzu, differing mainly in size and shape of the head relative to the body. It is a very small dog. The Chinese Imperial dog is about half the size of a shih tzu. Breed members ideally stand 8½ below the shoulder, and are disqualified if they stand more than 9 . Breed members should weigh between 4 and 7 pounds in good condition. The head of the Chinese Imperial Dog is much larger in proportion to its body size than Shih Tzu’s, looking almost unnatural in some animals. The round eyes of this breed are also quite large in proportion to body size, making many breed members almost look like children’s toys.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
It is a breed with a soft undercoat and a stiff outer coat. They shed, and brushing them frequently will minimize dead hair on your floor. Basically, they require good enough grooming and bathing maintainence. As with all breeds, nails should be trimmed regularly, as prolonged nails can cause discomfort and problems with walking.
As with all breeds, initial socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. This breed has a reputation for being difficult to house. However, in every other case, it is very easy to train them. For example, They like to perform tricks and learn new ones quickly. They respond very well to training based on positive rewards rather than harsh or negative methods. This breed is required to live with his family and is likely to result in undesirable behaviour if he is regularly left alone for long periods of time.
This breed is classified as “somewhat active”, but is average. Long segments of quiet activity are often spread with brief bursts of high activity, often simply moving around the house or yard. In addition to walking, daily play sessions are required. Another dog can be a good exercise partner, but they will still need quality playtime with his owner. A fence-backed backyard is a good idea; Bichons are surprisingly fast, and if someone makes a dash for freedom, it can be difficult to catch or call you back. They enjoy obedience, agility and participating in rally competitions.
They should perform well on high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, freshwater must be available at all times.
It does not appear that any health studies have been conducted specifically on the Chinese Imperial Dog, which makes it impossible to make a definitive statement about the breed as a unique entity. However, thousands of Chinese Imperial dogs have been included in the Shih Tzu Health Survey, so any health information about Shih Tzu is likely to apply to the Chinese Imperial Dog as well. The health of this breed is a big controversy. ASTC claims that Chinese Imperial dogs are generally very unwell, and CIDCA claims that their dogs are generally in very good health. Due to the lack of dedicated health surveys, it is impossible to say which side is correct. A large part of the veterinarian community is probably in agreement with ASTC based on past experience with other chachi dogs. However, the Chinese Imperial Dog is much larger than many other Techi variants such as the Techi Chihuahua and the Techi Yorkshire Terrier and may not be at risk of health problems as those breeds.
Because skeletal and visual problems are known to occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pets tested by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) . OFA and CERF perform genetic and other tests before identifying potential health defects. This is particularly valuable in detecting conditions that do not appear until the dog has reached an advanced age, it is especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog , Which has tested them to prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to their offspring.
The Chinese Imperial Dog is very closely related to Shih Tzu and suffers from all health problems at similar rates. However, this breed is considered more susceptible to many conditions than Shih Tzu: