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 first sense of a Shih Tzu puppy is “scent.” The newborn Shih Tzu puppy will be able to smell the scent of the breeder immediately after the sac is broken. The Shih Tzu breeder is familiar with litters of Shih Tzu puppies before their eyes open. Up until the Shih Tzu puppy opens its eyes they became familiar with their breeder’s scent through their dam’s coat. Shih Tzu puppies learn where there is and is not a place of milk and nourishment on their mother through scent.

The Irish Setter is an active, lovable dog. She is full of spirit and needs plenty of exercise. She is a watch dog but not a guard dog. She can get along with other dogs but it is best if she is socialized with other pets early on. She is patient with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

The Irish Water Spaniel is not an apartment dog because of her size and exercise requirements. Acreage or a properly fenced in yard are best for her. If she can get access to a place to swim occasionally, she will be a happier dog. She can be aggressive with other dogs so beware. She is good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

The Irish Wolfhound is a tall, large dog that needs an average amount of exercise. Never push a young Irish Wolfhound to run or exercise when she does not want to as you may injure rapidly growing joints. She is generally not a good watch dog or guard dog as she is very sweet tempered and loves everyone. Her size and looks should deter any prowler. She tends to get along with considerate children, other dogs and other pets. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog.

Once called the Irish Red Setter, this high-spirited dog with a beautiful red coat is derived from a variety of setters, pointers and spaniels. Once having a red and white coat and much shorter legs to beautiful chestnut red color emerged during the 19th century as a result of very selective breeding. This dog was once used as a great all-around hunting dog as he has a good nose and is also very fast but today is bred mostly as a show dog.