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Skip-Shzu |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Belgium <> Tibet -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Skip-Shzu |
| The Skip-Shzu is a rare hybrid of the Schipperke and the purebred Shih Tzu. Despite its rarity, the Skip-Shzu is recognized by five different breed registries, including the Designer Breed Registry and its sister international registry, the International Designer Canine Registry. Skip-Shzu is also recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the American Canine Hybrid Club. Skip-Shzu tends to be an active hybrid and needs plenty of exercise to lead a happy, healthy life. It also has a long lifespan, between 15 and 18 years, and is considered a healthy hybrid. |
History of the Skip-Shzu |
| The Skip-Shzu is a hybrid of the Schipperke and Shih Tzu with little history. Designer dogs, unless they're excessively popular, don't have much of a history, which is partly due to their recent appearance as breeds. Historical accounts are also lacking because breeding standards are not yet developed for most hybrids. Owners who want to know more about their Skip-Shzu can overcome the lack of detailed history by learning about the history and respective characteristics of the parent breeds. |
A little of the Schipperke |
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| The Schipperke is a small dog, developed in Belgium, with a long history. The breed developed from the Belgian Shepherd Dog, a member of the Spitz family, and is sometimes referred to as the "Dutch Dog", although the breed has no connection with the Netherlands. The Schipperke was first bred as a small watchdog for the docks and canals between Antwerp and Brussels, and takes its name from its position as a watchdog and vermin control dog. The name Schipperke means Little Captain in Flemish. Despite their size, these little dogs are tenacious, spirited protectors that became popular at court when Queen Marie-Henrietta first saw the breed at a dog show in 1885. Shortly after its discovery, the breed was imported to the United States and the first Schipperke Club was founded in 1905. The American Kennel Club subsequently recognized the breed in 1929, and today the Schipperke is considered moderately popular, but by no means rare. | ||
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| Standard of the Schipperke |
A little of the Shih Tzu |
| The Shih Tzu is a small, ancient breed that originated in China. Archaeological evidence in the Chinese region suggests that the Shih Tzu may be as old as or older than 10,000 years. Much of the ancient history, as well as the recent history of the Shih Tzu, is shrouded in mystery as the Chinese maintained strict and well-guarded breeding practices. The West only learned of the Shih Tzu's existence when trade routes opened up in China. The Shih Tzu's popularity increased at the Chinese imperial court during the reign of Empress T'zu Hsi. The Dalai Lama had given the empress a pair of quality Shih Tzus, and she maintained a pack of these little dogs throughout her life. After her death, Chinese noble families competed to produce a superior life of Shih Tzu. Breeding practices were, once again, kept very secret, and only the best specimens were kept for breeding. All other dogs were sold on the market. Some superior dogs were then taken out of the country and brought to England, where the West had the opportunity to breed them. The Shih Tzu was imported into the United States in the 20th century, but was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1969. Once in the U.S., the Shih Tzu's popularity soared, and today the breed is ranked in the top 20 most popular breeds. |
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu |
Appearance of the Skip-Shzu |
| The Skip-Shzu is a small dog, measuring no more than 33 centimeters when fully grown. It generally has a round head with a shorter muzzle and round, dark-brown eyes. Its ears are small and triangular in shape, and may stand up at the tip or fold back slightly. The Skip-Shzu's coat is soft and generally black, but it can have white or cream on the chest. The legs are slender and straight, supporting a quick gait. The tail is heavily feathered and curls over the back. |
Temperament of the Skip-Shzu |
| The Skip-Shzu is a moderately energetic hybrid with a fiery temperament. He's affectionate with his family, enjoys a good lap and settles in quickly. As a small companion dog, Skip-Shzu does well on its own, but should not be left alone for long. Skip-Shzu loves children, but its size and sometimes feisty nature may not make it well suited to small children who might tease or accidentally hurt it at playtime. Despite its small size, the Skip-Shzu is an excellent watchdog and will alert its owners to the approach of strangers. Otherwise, the Skip-Shzu is a relatively calm dog. The Skip-Shzu is curious about strangers and opens up to new people as soon as it senses there is no danger. The Skip-Shzu is an intelligent but somewhat stubborn dog. This makes the hybrid more difficult to train, and this designer dog is not recommended for novice dog owners who cannot devote time and patience to training and exercise. |
Needs and activities of the Skip-Shzu |
| The Skip-Shzu is an energetic dog that needs moderate exercise. The Shih Tzu parent helps to soften the intensity of physical activity, but both parents also have active minds that must remain engaged to prevent the development of negative behaviors. The Shih Tzu needs daily exercise that stimulates both body and mind, which will also help strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs. It is small and can do most of its exercise indoors, making it a good apartment dog. The Skip-Shzu has a slightly higher tolerance for cold than heat, but prefers temperate climates. |
Maintenance of the Skip-Shzu |
| The Skip-Shzu is considered a moderate shedder, and requires daily brushing to keep its beautiful coat knot-free and soft. Daily brushing also helps reduce the amount of dead or loose hair on the Skip-Shzu. Shih Tzu parenting increases the chances of Skip-Shzu having dental problems. Owners can reduce the risk of dental disease by brushing their dog's teeth three times a week. The Skip-Shzu is not known for drooling or having a doggy odor; however, grooming and teeth cleaning will ensure the dog smells fresh with a healthy coat and mouth. It's also possible that the Skip-Shzu has hypoallergenic qualities, thanks to the genes of the Shih Tzu parent. |
English (United Kingdom)