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Silky Tzu -- Australian Silky Terrier X Shih Tzu

Silky Tzu

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.
Origin
 Australia <> Tibet -> U.S.A.
Translation
 Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Silky Tzu
The Silky Tzu is a hybrid dog that combines the placid nature of the Shih Tzu with the Australian Silky Terrier's sense of adventure. The result is a compact, affectionate and inquisitive little dog. The Silky Tzu is a friendly dog, but can be prone to barking and even snoring. Their small size means they do well in an apartment, provided they are regularly walked. But their size makes them vulnerable to accidents due to rough play. This means that their human companions should be older children or adults rather than infants. With its cute appearance and cuddly nature, the Silky Tzu is an excellent canine companion for moderately active people who like a dog that likes to be constantly in their company.

History of the Silky Tzu
The Silky Tzu is part of the new trend of mixing two different breeds of purebred dog. Their short history is that of scattered breeders who decided to reproduce and, as such, no one can be credited with their evolution. However, the two parent breeds have distinct histories, so let's take a brief look at them.
        

A little of the Australian Silky Terrier

         
This is in contrast to the Australian Silky Terrier, which came from working stock and retains the prey drive of its Terrier ancestors. This breed was developed in Australia in the 19th century from dogs brought over from England. Indeed, if the silky-haired Australian Terrier reminds you of the Yorkshire Terrier, it's no surprise that the latter is the founding stock of the Silky. Other Silky breeds include the Cairn Terrier, the Skye Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont. If the Shih Tzu is a pocket dog, the silky-haired Australian Terrier is an action hero. They love to be active, have a strong adventurous streak and an even stronger prey drive.
Standard of the Australian Silky Terrier

A little of the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed of dog that originated in China. Tibetan monks are credited with founding the breed by crossing the Lhasa Apso with Pekingese. The result was a dog fit for royalty. Indeed, the Dalai Lama is legendary for giving a pair of Shih Tzus to Empress Tzu-Hsi. She was so enamored of the dogs that they lived in their own palace. The Shih Tzu was so prized by the Chinese that for a long time they refused to sell or give these dogs to foreigners. Part of the reason for this devotion was the gentle, loving nature of this breed whose main purpose was to be a companion.
Standard of the Shih Tzu

Appearance of the Silky Tzu
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
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
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
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.
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