Standard Auss-Tzu

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
U.S.A. <> Tibet -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Standard Auss-Tzu

The Standard Auss-Tzu is a medium-sized breed designed to be a hybrid companion dog. Its parent breeds are the Australian Shepherd and the Shih Tzu, making it a very unique and intelligent animal. Thanks to the thick, silky coat of both parent breeds, the Standard Auss-Tzu's coat is beautiful and full, with a beard around the muzzle and eyebrows above the eyes. The coat comes in many colors and sheds very little. As for personality, the Standard Auss-Tzu has a heart of gold. He's wonderful with children of all ages, very affectionate, intelligent, playful and very charming. If raised with other animals from an early age, the Standard Auss-Tzu will adapt well to a multi-pet family. Overall, this is a great breed for those looking for an affectionate, playful pet, but it may be better suited to those with previous canine experience. This is because he can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. With a steady, gentle hand, the Standard Auss-Tzu will have no problem learning good manners and behaving well in many different situations. Because of its high energy level, the Standard Auss-Tzu may not be comfortable in an apartment and generally needs plenty of space to run and play.

History of the Standard Auss-Tzu

The Standard Auss-Tzu is a recent hybrid dog that combines features of the Australian Shepherd and the Shih Tzu.

 

        

A little of the Australian Shepherd

        
The Australian Shepherd has been around for some time. It was first developed in the American West, not Australia as its name suggests, to help farm workers with tasks such as rounding up stray livestock, pulling carts, fetching game and helping horses load and unload trailers. This breed is extremely intelligent and full of energy, making it perfect for all these tasks and more. With a background of Collie and a few other German Shepherd types, the Australian Shepherd is a handsome, hard-working dog that makes an excellent working dog and an even better companion. It was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1993 and has been popular at sporting events, shows and rodeos ever since.
Standard of the Australian Shepherd

 

        

A little of the Shih Tzu

When it comes to the Shih Tzu, we may not know much about its origins, but we do know that it is one of the oldest breeds in existence today. In its early days, its primary function was to serve as a pet and guard animal for the monks of Tibet. Eventually, the Shih Tzu was presented to the Emperor of China, and from then on, these carefree little dogs became a staple in Chinese palaces. There, they were bred to have a more stylized appearance and have been described as part lion, part owl, part phoenix, part frog, part flower petal, and much more. It's true that the Shih Tzu has a very poetic appearance and is not easily forgotten. For this reason, myths and legends follow the little dog, and when he's presented at an exhibition, his grace and uniqueness captivate people everywhere. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 and has been gaining in popularity ever since, thanks to its affectionate, playful and gentle personality, which makes it an excellent companion for people of all ages.
Standard of the Shih Tzu

Appearance of the Standard Auss-Tzu

The general appearance of the Standard Auss-Tzu can vary considerably from dog to dog, as it is a hybrid breed. However, it generally has a thick, silky coat that can come in a variety of colors, from white with multicolored markings to tan with black markings. It has the traditional, well-loved lion face of the Shih Tzu, with fur around the muzzle and eyes. With sturdy legs, a small muzzle and curved tail, the Standard Auss-Tzu will probably resemble a larger Shih Tzu with Australian Shepherd coloring. Its ears are folded and its eyes are a beautiful brown color, full of mischief, intelligence and love. Because of its thicker coat, the Standard Auss-Tzu doesn't mind cold temperatures, but prefers mild climates.

Temperament of the Standard Auss-Tzu

The Standard Auss-Tzu is a very affectionate dog. Because of the loyalty and affection found on both sides of its ancestry, it's not surprising that this dog is a companion dog. However, it's important to note that the Standard Auss-Tzu's primary aim is not to please its owners, no matter how much it loves them. This can make training a little difficult, but he will respond well to consistency and a firm but gentle hand. In addition, the Standard Auss-Tzu gets on very well with children of all ages, and gets on well with other dogs provided they are supervised. It is not a barker and is perfectly content to spend time alone; so, although it is a primary companion, it can be left alone for some time without worrying too much about separation anxiety. Overall, this breed is a very happy, easy-going, playful dog that would make an excellent companion for anyone.

Needs and activities of the Standard Auss-Tzu

Thanks to the Australian Shepherd's high energy level, you can expect your Standard Auss-Tzu to need a good two hours of playtime a day. This may involve activities such as agility training, a long walk, a game of ball in the garden or obedience training. When it comes to any kind of training, this is a key element in keeping your dog mentally and physically tired. The Standard Auss-Tzu is not the easiest dog to train, but with perseverance and patience, he can learn many obedience tricks and signals that will make life easier for both of you. Although the Standard Auss-Tzu is not a very large dog, it's his high energy level that makes him unsuitable for apartment living. He needs a garden to play in and daily exercise to avoid problems.

Maintenance of the Standard Auss-Tzu

Although the Standard Auss-Tzu doesn't tend to shed often, it is considered to be low-maintenance due to its longer, silky coat. To keep this coat tangle-free and clean, regular brushing should be carried out two to three times a week. Ear cleaning should be carried out half as often as brushing, to prevent foreign bodies or excess moisture from entering the ears. This helps prevent ear infections or irritations that might otherwise occur. Bathing should only be carried out every two months, unless the coat is particularly dirty. Trim your dog's nails twice a month to keep his paws healthy, free from snags and excessive scratching. If you brush his teeth thoroughly three times a week, tartar will be kept to a minimum.

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