Shih Tzu by Pembroch-About Us

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xxxThank you so very much for visiting with us at Pembroch Shih Tzus.

xxxxWe are located in Northern Kentucky on five acres of land, twenty-five minutes
south of Cincinnati, Ohio.

xxxxPembroch was established in 1969 in Rehoboth, Massachusetts breeding, raising
and showing Collies. Each weekend from September through May we would pack our
old Ford Van with the three children and at least two Collies and travel throughout the
Eastern third of the United States to the Dog Shows. During a ten year period, we
bred several Champions, and were fortunate enough to show two of our Collie
Champions at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

xxxxIn 1979, we decided we wanted a small breed for a house dog; just one, mind you!
We wanted a breed that was loving, calm, not overactive, good with children and
adults, even strangers. We read every published book concerning Toy Breeds, and
talked to numerous breeders at the shows. After a long three month period, we
decided to buy a Shih Tzu. That was the BEGINNING of Pembroch Shih Tzus!

xxxxIn 1992, we moved to Northern Kentucky and concentrated our efforts totally on
breeding and raising only Shih Tzus. Although we no longer show, we are
committed to breeding to the Shih Tzu Standard recognized by the American
Kennel Club, AKC.   Size 9 to 16 Lbs., temperament, personality and
conformation to the Standard are foremost in importance. Please be sure to read the
article below on this page concerning the Myth about Imperials, Tiny and Teacup
Puppies written by the American Shih Tzu Club.

xxxxAll of our Shih Tzus puppies are totally house raised, along with our adults who
live in our home with us; or I should say, we live in their home. Our dogs are
never crated or kenneled.

xxxxPlease browse through our pages to see our dogs and puppies. We hope that you
enjoy visiting with us, and feel free to email or call with any comments,
questions or inquiries.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxSincerely,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDiane L. and Bill Woodmancy Smith

Pembroch Sophie's Choice

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859-689-5837

Diane L Smith

x Welcome to Pembroch

Home of Pembroch Shih Tzus

Burlington, Ky

Pembroch Touch of Class

Pembroch Once In A Blue Moon

Twana's Pe-Kae Pembroch Hi-Jack

Photos by Heather L Smith, Photographer

Pembroch

Shih Tzus

xxxThe terms "Imperial" and "Tiny or Teacup" have been used interchangeably when describing
Kennel Club (AKC) recommend and accept as the true representation of the breed. The myth of
the "Imperial and Tiny Teacup" is just that-A MYTH.

xxxPerhaps you have read an ad or searched the Internet, or know of someone who has acquired a
Shih Tzu described by these words inferring how unusual and special (and even more expensive)
their dog may be.

xxxThe official Breed Standard for the Shih Tzu calls for a weight range of 9-16 lbs. Why would
anyone want to steer away from the weight called for in the AKC approved breed standard or call
the breed anything but its AKC recognized name? Could it be a fad they have created in order to
obtain a higher price? These particular breeders have deliberately down sized an already
designated toy breed. By doing this, they risk the overall health and wonderful distinguishing
characteristics of our breed. Many of these disreputable breeders claim their Shih Tzu possess the
"imperial" gene. There is no proof that such a gene exists. Size reduction occurs by breeding the
smallest dog in a litter to another small dog of another litter, and so on and so forth. This not only
creates an abnormally small Shih Tzu, but also increases the likelihood of producing puppies with
health problems. This is not indicative of an "Imperial" gene but rather poor breeding practices.

xxxA responsible breeder does not advertise an occasional "runt" as an "imperial" or "tiny
teacup" Shih Tzu. Rather, it is sold as a pet, solely as a companion dog that is not used for
breeding. Responsible breeders strive to breed healthy dogs that conform to the breed standard.
The ideal Shih Tzu is a sturdy, active, healthy dog, with good substance for its size. Those desiring
a very tiny pet should choose another breed, rather than destroying the very characteristics that
make the Shih Tzu such an ideal companion.

xxxIn summary, there is no such thing as an AKC "Imperial" or "Tiny Teacup" Shih Tzu. The
American Shih Tzu Club does not recognize any registry other than the AKC. Breeders using
alternative registries may be unable to register their litters with the AKC, having lost their
privileges for a variety of reasons. The American Shih Tzu Club would like to caution everyone
reading ads, searching the Internet or who have heard the Shih Tzu described as "Imperials" or
"Tiny Teacup" to conduct further research before making a purchase.

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Telephone:

859-689-5837

Diane L Smith

Telephone:

Updated 8-31-10

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Pembroch Shih Tzus

Breeders of Shih Tzus for 31 Years

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AKC Registered Shih Tzus

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We are empty nesters at the moment

But Love is in the air