Appearance of the Smooth Fo-Tzu
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| The Smooth Fo-Tzu, a hybrid mix of Shih Tzu and Fox Terrier Smooth, can inherit appearance traits from one or both of its parent breeds. The Smooth Fo-Tzu hybrid can measure from 20.5 to 41 centimeters at the shoulders and weigh from 4 to 9 kilos. It can have a dense, double-layered coat, long and silky or dense, short, fine, flat, hard, rough and coarse, the most common colors being tricolor (white, black and shades of tan), black, brown, tan, white or brindle. The eyes may be dark and the nose black, with a pincer or scissor bite. Ears may be pendulous or V-shaped, folding forward. The body is solidly built, and the tail is set high and can curl over the back or be carried gaily without curling. |
Temperament of the Smooth Fo-Tzu
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| Your Smooth Fo-Tzu is a hybrid mix of Shih Tzu and Fox Terrier Smooth and may have the temperament and personality traits of either or both of its parent breeds. Your hybrid may be affectionate, alert, energetic, friendly, gentle, independent, intelligent, loyal, playful, lively, social, outgoing, territorial and courageous. He will need to be properly socialized from an early age to ensure that he will be kind to children, the family cat, other dogs and strangers. He is intelligent and independent, which makes training moderately difficult due to his stubbornness at times. It is a moderately energetic canine that will need daily exercise for proper management of this energy. It can be frequently noisy, an important trait to remember if you live in a noise-restricted area. His personality and temperament make him a good choice for new or novice dog owners. It has a moderate tendency to chase and roam, so all owners will need to keep it on a leash when outside the house, fenced garden or other secure enclosure. |
Needs and activities of the Smooth Fo-Tzu
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| Your Smooth Fo-Tzu is a moderately active dog who will need to exercise 1 to 2 hours a day to manage his energy. You can meet this need for exercise with several daily walks, play in a dog park or fenced yard, interactive games such as fetch, frisbee, flyball, indoor or outdoor search and find, agility and obedience training. He has a moderate tendency to wander and hunt, which is why it's important to keep him on a leash whenever he's outside the house, fenced garden or other safe enclosure, unless you feel like chasing him down the street, over hills and through streams in search of a small animal or strange scent that has caught his eye. His small size makes him perfect for apartment or condominium living, provided he's offered appropriate exercise opportunities. He can also live very well in a family home with or without a fenced yard, in an urban or rural environment in a temperate climate, provided that extra protection and precautions are available when temperatures are extreme, whether hot or cold. |
Maintenance of the Smooth Fo-Tzu
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| Your Smooth Fo-Tzu hybrid falls into the moderate maintenance and shedding category. His coat may or may not be hypoallergenic, as only the Shih Tzu parent contributes to this characteristic. He will be a moderate barker, with moderate energy levels, moderate hunting and wandering tendencies. He is classified as a drooling, smelly dog. He should be brushed at least once a week, but the ultimate frequency will depend on which parent of the breed has the greatest influence in the biological mix. His ears should be checked weekly and cleaned with a cotton ball and a dog-approved ear cleaner, if necessary. Be sure to check and trim his nails at least once a month, unless he's able to keep them worn down by his normal exercise activities. His teeth should be brushed at home two or three times a week to help prevent the development of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. |
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