Basically if a shih tzu is "under 9 lbs" (remember the AKC standard calls for 9 - 16 lbs) it is considered an "imperial". In this case "imperial" = small, tiny, and "special". They do just like they do with the word "teacup" in the yorkie world. Slap that word in front and charge and extra $500 - $1000 for a super tiny dog with potentially a lot of health problems.
__________________ Aerrica, and Norman  RIP my sweet Poopanut |