Auss Tzu Basics
The highly energetic Auss Tzu is a unique mix of the headstrong little Shih Tzu and the fun-loving Miniature Australian Shepherd. This is a wonderful family dog who is the perfect fit for an active family or single who’s looking for a walking or hiking companion and can meet this energetic pooch’s need for physical activity.
The energetic Auss Tzu is a mix of the headstrong little Shih Tzu and the fun-loving Miniature Australian Shepherd.
Origin
While the Auss Tzu is a relatively new breed, his lineage dates back to ancient Tibet with the Shih Tzu and more recent 1960s with the Miniature Australian Shepherd. The Auss Tzu likely goes back to the 1980s or 90s when breeders first began to cross pure-bred dogs to create Designer Dogs. These dogs are typically bred to produce pups that carry desirable traits of some of the more popular breeds such as a gentler personality, smaller size and hypo-allergenic qualities. And to cancel out many of the health issues known to plague pure-breds.
Pedigree
As a Designer Dog, the Auss Tzu isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) listing of pure-breds and while the Miniature Australian Shepherd isn’t currently recognized, the Shih Tzu became a member of the “toy” group in 1969.
Food/Diet
The Auss Tzu is a solid, medium-sized dog that is full-on energy so opt for a food that is nutrient-rich and designed to meet his size, age and activity levels. Because this breed can experience joint issues later in life its crucial to keep him at a healthy weight so plan to feed 2 to 3 times per day versus free-feeding. And opt for a food that is low in fillers that may cause him to want to over-eat to feel full.
The friendly Auss Tzu thrives on human companionship and being part of a family.
Training
The stubborn Shih Tzu personality is likely to present when training the Auss Tzu so expect the process to be slow and gradual. You may opt to just bring in a professional trainer if you feel you aren’t getting results. This dog will respond best to a rewards-based approach that includes praise and treats for a good job. Counter-act any poochie attitude with a firm, fair and consistent, technique that will establish pack leadership from the very start.
Weight
The Auss Tzu will weigh between 25 and 40 pounds when fully grown – dependent on whether he takes after the Shih Tzu or the heavier Miniature Australian Shepherd.
Temperament/Behavior
The Auss Tzu is a friendly, energetic little dog that thrives on human companionship and considers himself to be an integral part of the family. While he has a herding background, this pooch isn’t really suited to guard-dog duty as he gets along well with kids, other pets and strangers. The Shih Tzu in him can result in him being a little stubborn and aloof when it comes to responding to commands, but early training will help bring this loving little dog around.
Common Health Problems
Being a Designer Dog, the Auss Tzu will often be able to side-step many of the health issues known to plague his pure-bred parents. That said, it’s always important to know what your new puppy may one day inherit and with the Auss Tzu that can include eye and respiratory issues as well as joint issues including hip and elbow dysplasia and patella luxation
Life Expectancy
The Auss Tzu has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
This is a high-energy dog who will need regular exercise including long daily walks and active play-time – ideally in a leash free dog park where he can socialize. The Shepherd in him means this dog can be prone to “herding” so will require early socialization to help him learn to not be a nuisance when interacting with small dogs and pets.
Early training will help bring the loving Auss Tzu to heel.
Recognized Clubs
Also known as the Miniature Auss-Tzu, the Auss Tzu’s crossed breed status means he isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Coat
The Auss Tzu’s soft, thick coat can range from medium to long in length and lean towards the moderate-shedding Shepherd’s double-coat or the low-shedding Shih Tzu’s finer, silkier coat. Regardless of which DNA your pooch picks up, he will need brushing 3 to 4 times per week to keep his coat from matting and tangling. Floppy ears will mean this little guy requires weekly inspection and cleaning to avoid potential infection.
Puppies
With small dogs that can experience debilitating joint issues later in life, extra care should always be taken when pups are being handled – particularly around children. Because this dog carries Shih Tzu DNA, he may grow to become a little headstrong so begin his socialization early and establish pack leadership while he is still young so that he is quick to obey when its time to train.
Photo credit: NcikName/Shutterstock; Dan Kosmayer/Shutterstock; Eric Isselee/Shutterstock
