Chinese Imperial Dog Breed

No matter the debate over the Chinese Imperial Dog, they are without a doubt lapdogs. These lovable little companions can also make decent watchdogs. You'll know by their size that when it comes to guarding, the best they can defend against are small stuffed animals! They are best for people who have some experience and understand how to be very careful with such tiny dogs. First-time families with well-taught, mature children can handle Chinese Imperial Dogs too.

Here are some things you should know about these miniature dogs:

PROS

• Playful
• Double coat
• Little barking
• Somewhat laid back
• Minimal exercise needs
• Extremely loyal to master
• Great for apartment living
• Like to sit quietly for long periods
• Can be good with other pets if socialized

CONS

• Rare
• Expensive
• Not hypoallergenic
• Small Dog Syndrome
• Can be overly curious
• Might not tolerate kids
• Very sensitive to touch
• Significant grooming needs
• Training can be challenging
• Low tolerance to hot climates
• May be bossy with bigger dogs
• Housebreaking can be difficult
• Possibility of being very stubborn

If you are familiar with the Shih Tzu, then you will know the Chinese Imperial Dog (CID) as they are the same in every way save size. The CID is much smaller and is defined as being approximately 4 to 7 pounds but no larger than nine. Regardless whether the CID is merely a miniature Shih Tzu or actually a breed apart, this is a proud and active dog whose devotion to a single master is exceptional.

These dogs are very intelligent. Properly trained, they can be great with obedience tricks and agility play. They are sometimes too smart for their little britches, however, and they can be stubborn and exhibit Small Dog Syndrome. The trick is let them figure out who is truly the master; trying to coerce them into this understanding will be resisted.

The CID is a tiny dog, but they tend to not want to be handled. They'll happily sit in your lap for hours on end, but picking them up (or carrying them) tends to prompt an unfavorable reaction. They are also loyal, and they will follow you around most of the time; care should be taken to not step on them.

Chinese Imperial Dogs will want to know their environment and will patrol it frequently. Still, they do need short daily walks as well as time off the lead to run around outside in a very secure area free of predators — especially winged ones!

There is little health information available specifically regarding the Chinese Imperial Dog. Although they are said to be a separate breed from the Shih Tzu, they are reported to have the same health concerns. You should be especially aware of their brachycephaly, especially as they are such small dogs. This intentionally bred condition causes a great many complications, and it means that constant monitoring is necessary to prevent overheating and chills as well as to make sure these dogs don't over-exert themselves.

Here are some of the other health issues that you should be aware of if you are planning on adopting a Chinese Imperial Dog:

• Snoring
• Allergies
• Cherry eye
• Slipped stifle
• Eye problems
• Hypoglycemia
• Hip dysplasia
• Ear infections
• Heart problems
• Early tooth loss
• Open fontanels
• Pinched nostrils
• Patellar luxation
• Rapid weight gain
• Skeletal concerns
• Umbilical hernias
• Reverse sneezing
• Spinal disc disease
• Other respiratory problems

These teacup-sized dogs have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years but it is not unusual for them to live only to 10 years.