Appearance of the Silky Tzu
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A hybrid dog generally takes the characteristics of both parents and mixes them. However, the nature of the gene pool also means that some puppies may take after one parent more strongly than the other. So there's no guarantee of what a young puppy will look like as an adult. The typical Silky Tzu is a small dog about the size of a toy. Since both parents have long coats, it's certain that they too will have long hair with a cute, furry look. They have earflaps and long fur. Their head is a mix of the Shih Tzu's flatness and the Silky Terrier's arrogant muzzle. They have well-proportioned bodies and legs, which are neither too short nor too long. This is complemented by a happy tail with a tendency to curve over the back. Common colors include black and tan, cream and tan, red, brown and white. |
Temperament of the Silky Tzu
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The Silky Tzu's temperament makes it an excellent choice as a family dog for moderately active households. The relaxed loyalty of the Shih Tzu blends with the independent spirit of the Australian Silky to form a lively yet cuddly dog. One point to bear in mind is that the Silky Terrier has a strong prey drive. If this manifests itself in the Silky Tzu, then they may pursue other members of the fur family, such as cats or rabbits. The Silky Terrier side of the family tree will want to alert you to the presence of a stranger by barking, while the Shih Tzu is more likely to roll over for a belly rub. The result is that the Silky Tzu is not a guard dog, but a scary one when the mood strikes. A charming aspect of the Silky Tzu character is their sense of fun and love of play. They make cheerful companions who are gentle and friendly with children. |
Needs and activities of the Silky Tzu
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Silky Tzus are energetic, active little dogs, but they don't need strenuous exercise. They'll enjoy a short walk around the neighborhood or to the dog park or beach. They are very playful and will happily play with their toys or ball indoors. They are adaptable dogs who will live just as easily in a house with a large garden or an apartment, provided they are taken out regularly for exercise. They are sensitive to heat and cold, so should not be exercised when it's very hot in summer. In winter, they should spend more time indoors. |
Maintenance of the Silky Tzu
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Silky Tzus need regular brushing to prevent tangling of the thick, silky, wavy coat. They shed very little and, as both breeds are hypoallergenic, the Silky Tzu will also be perfect for allergy sufferers. These dogs don't have a strong dog scent, so there's no need to bathe them regularly. It can also dry out the skin, so try to avoid bathing them unless absolutely necessary. Good habits include checking ears for dirt and infection, and trimming nails if necessary. Try to brush your dog's teeth every day to prevent dental problems. |