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Italian Tzu Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Italian Tzu so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1558
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Italian Tzu dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly China flagChina
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Italian Greyhound and Shih Tzu mix

Italian Tzu Size and Weight

Size
Is an Italian Tzu small, medium or large dog?

How big do Italian Tzu get?

What is the average size of an Italian Tzu?

Small
Weight
How much does the Italian Tzu weigh? How much should an Italian Tzu weight? What is the normal weight of an Italian Tzu? How much does a full-grown Italian Tzu weight?
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Italian Tzu?
12.5 pounds (5,5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Italian Tzu? Italian Tzu height:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Italian Tzu?
13.5 inches (34 cm)

Italian Tzu Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Italian Tzu puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Italian Tzu in the United States? How much money is an Italian Tzu?

Where to buy an Italian Tzu with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Italian Tzu, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Italian Tzu for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Italian Tzu gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Italian Tzu? How many Italian Tzu are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Italian Tzu is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Italian Tzu Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Italian Tzu? Is the Italian Tzu breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Italian Tzu obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Italian Tzu ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Italian Tzu dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Italian Tzu?
Italian Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Italian Tzu good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Italian Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Italian Tzu dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Italian Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Italian Tzu Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Italian Tzu have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulHappyAgileCourageousIntelligentFriendlyOutgoingAffectionateLivelyGentleCompanionableAthleticMischievous
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Italian Tzu sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Italian Tzu dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Italian Tzu a good family dog?
High: Italian Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Italian Tzu need? Italian Tzu social needs:
Italian Tzu dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Italian Tzu to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Italian Tzu roam?
Italian Tzu dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Italian Tzu have high prey drive?
Italian Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Italian Tzu dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Italian Tzu Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Italian Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Italian Tzu dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Italian Tzu bark?
Average to High: The Italian Tzu is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Italian Tzu good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Italian Tzu in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Italian Tzu breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Italian Tzu Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Italian Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Italian Tzu be left alone? How long can you leave an Italian Tzu alone?
Italian Tzu dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Italian Tzu Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Italian Tzu has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Italian Tzu? How much bite force does an Italian Tzu have? How strong is an Italian Tzu bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Tzu bite force: Weak. The Italian Tzu bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Italian Tzu measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of an Italian Tzu may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Italian Tzu being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Italian Tzu bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train an Italian Tzu puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, an Italian Tzu can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Italian Tzu bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Italian Tzu? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Italian Tzu? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Italian Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Italian Tzu do?
Italian Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Italian Tzu dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Italian Tzu Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Italian Tzu dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Italian Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Italian Tzu breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Italian Tzu breed? Most common health risks of Italian Tzu:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesEye ProblemsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Umbilical HerniasDrug SensitivityEar InfectionsDistichiasisThyroid ProblemsPortosystemic Liver ShuntBladder StonesEctopic CiliaReverse SneezingDry EyeAlopeciaProptosisJuvenile Renal DysplasiaKeratitisRetained Baby TeethSnuffles
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Italian Tzu breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Italian Tzu see the vet?
Average
The Italian Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Italian Tzu dogs live? How old can a Italian Tzu be? What is the age limit of the Italian Tzu? How many years can the oldest Italian Tzu live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Italian Tzu?

How long is the lifespan of an Italian Tzu?

10-16 years
The average lifespan of Italian Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Italian Tzu Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Italian Tzu have? What is the activity level of the Italian Tzu?
Italian Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Italian Tzu need? How much exercise do Italian Tzu dogs require per day?

Do Italian Tzu dogs need a lot of exercises?

Italian Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Italian Tzu breed need?
Italian Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Italian Tzu Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Italian Tzu need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Italian Tzu breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Italian Tzu? How much food should I feed my Italian Tzu?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Italian Tzu risk for obesity:
Average: The Italian Tzu has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Italian Tzu weight regularly.

Italian Tzu Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Italian Tzu have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineDense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Italian Tzu coats?
BlackGray Red Blue White SilverBrownYellow Brindle LiverGold
Grooming
How to groom the Italian Tzu and how often? How often should I take my Italian Tzu to the groomer?
Average: The Italian Tzu requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Italian Tzu, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Italian Tzu dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Italian Tzu? Do Italian Tzu dogs shed a lot?
Italian Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Italian Tzu dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Italian Tzu need a bath? How often should you give an Italian Tzu a bath? Can I bathe my Italian Tzu every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Italian Tzu breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Italian Tzu dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Italian Tzu has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Italian Tzu drool?
The Italian Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Italian Tzu could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Italian Tzu.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Italian Tzu Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Italian Tzu dogs get along with other pets? Are Italian Tzu dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Italian Tzu dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Italian Tzu temperament with other people:
Italian Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Italian Tzu dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Italian Tzu temperament with children:
Italian Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Italian Tzu dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Italian Tzu breed live with a cat?
Italian Tzu dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Italian Tzu good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Italian Tzu dogs get along with other dogs?
Italian Tzu dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Italian Tzu can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Italian Tzu breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Italian Tzu breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Italian Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Italian Tzu dogs good office canines? Do Italian Tzu dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Italian Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Italian Tzu dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Italian Tzu temperament with senior people? Are Italian Tzu dogs good for elderly owners?
Italian Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Italian Tzu As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Italian Tzu be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Italian Tzu is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Italian Tzu be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Italian Tzu be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Italian Tzu breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Italian Tzu be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Italian Tzu is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Italian Tzu be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Italian Tzu is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Italian Tzu be a boat dog?

Not really

Italian Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Italian Tzu be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Italian Tzu is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Italian Tzu dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Italian Tzu Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Italian Tzu pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Italian Tzu breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Italian Tzu: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Italian Tzu have in a litter? How many puppies can the Italian Tzu breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Italian Tzu have? How many puppies can an Italian Tzu give birth to?
2-5 puppies

Italian Tzu Recognition

AKC Group
Is Italian Tzu recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Italian Tzu recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Italian Tzu Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic: Italian Tzu dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Italian Tzu breed.
  • Shedding Level: Italian Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Italian Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Adaptability: Italian Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Cat Friendly: Italian Tzu dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Italian Tzu dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Italian Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Mouthiness: Italian Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Italian Tzu dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Child Friendly: Italian Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Italian Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Italian Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

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