History
The Silky Tzu was developed by crossing the Silky Terrier and the Shih Tzu breed. They share their bloodlines with the Yorkshire Terriers, Australian Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier and the Cairn Terrier mixes. These small and compact creatures are immensely cute and affectionate, and easily gets mixed with people and animals. They have a round face with two bright and beautiful eyes and a dark nose. Most of the dogs have a double coat, with a small muzzle and a furry tail.
Interesting Facts
1.This breed as a member of the Toydog group is registered in the American Kennel Club.
2.They are suitable for first-time dog owners, who are willing to give their dog an ample amount of time.
Temperament & Personality
The Silky Tzu is best suited for families with older children, and they love being cuddled. They are prone to wheezing and snoring and are also sensitive to extreme weather conditions. They would comfortably fit into small apartments and are incredibly playful and fun-loving. This dog will bark occasionally, so makes an excellent watchdog for the family.
Exercise
The Silky Tzu is an energetic breed but does not need a heavy dose of exercise on a daily basis.Instead, they will fulfill their exercise needs by constantly maneuvering themselves in the house, and will also appreciate if the owner takes it to the neighborhood, dog park, or the beach for a small walk or a short run. They are naturally playful and will spend their leisure time playing with their soft toys or the ball in the house.
They are an adaptable breed, and will easily live in an apartment with a small garden or a home with a big yard. These dogs are susceptible to extreme weather conditions and should not be taken out during extreme summer days and winter nights.
Grooming
The Shih Tzu and the Silky Terrier mix needs a regular brushing in the coat area to prevent the silky and thick coat from tangling and matting. These dogs don’t shed a lot, just like their parents, thus makes an excellent pet for those who suffer from allergies.
This breed does not have that typical doggy aroma, so regular bathing should be ignored. Frequent bathing can damage the natural distribution of oils throughout its entire body.
Health Problems
The Silky Tzu can suffer from health issues such as; Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, Brachycephalic Syndrome, Spongiform Leukodystrophy, Intervertebral Disc Diseases, Otitis Externa, Patellar Luxation, Urothiliasis, Tracheal Collapse, and Eye problems. Occasional tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT Scan, Full physical examination, Joint health tests, and Blood and Urine protein screens will prevent various kind of health problems.
Training
To prevent the dog from barking and growling at larger dogs, as a consequence of the Small dog syndrome, the owner can imbibe the policy of safe distance from larger dogs into the Silky Tzus. To prevent anxiety pangs from the dog’s side when the owner is away, the owner can decide a trick.
The owner when he is at home, can hide in a place and engage it with soft toys. Slowly, this negative trait will get suppressed. Lastly, the trainer should always remember to praise and reward the dog with foods frequently, to accelerate the training process.
Feeding
Half to one full cup of dry dog food will be an excellent option for the dog. The diet of the small pups should be selected after consulting a proper Vet doctor.