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Shepherd Tzu Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany China flagChina
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed German Shepherd and Shih Tzu mix

Shepherd Tzu Size and Weight

Size
Is a Shepherd Tzu small, medium or large dog?

How big do Shepherd Tzu get?

What is the average size of a Shepherd Tzu?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Shepherd Tzu weigh? How much should a Shepherd Tzu weight? What is the normal weight of a Shepherd Tzu? How much does a full-grown Shepherd Tzu weight?
30-60 pounds (13-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Shepherd Tzu?
45 pounds (20 kg)
Height
How tall is the Shepherd Tzu? Shepherd Tzu height:
14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Shepherd Tzu?
19 inches (47.5 cm)

Shepherd Tzu Price and Availability

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

Where to buy a Shepherd Tzu with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shepherd Tzu gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Shepherd Tzu? How many Shepherd Tzu are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Shepherd 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.

Shepherd Tzu Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Shepherd Tzu? Is the Shepherd Tzu breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Shepherd Tzu ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Shepherd Tzu dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Shepherd Tzu?
Shepherd Tzu dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Shepherd Tzu good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Shepherd Tzu dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Shepherd Tzu dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Shepherd Tzu dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Shepherd Tzu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Shepherd Tzu can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Shepherd Tzu will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Shepherd Tzu Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Shepherd Tzu have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveCuriousPlayfulHappyAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyOutgoingObedientLoyalLivelyGentleWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Shepherd Tzu sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Shepherd 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 a Shepherd Tzu a good family dog?
High: Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu need? Shepherd Tzu social needs:
Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Shepherd Tzu roam?
Shepherd Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Shepherd Tzu have high prey drive?
Shepherd Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Shepherd Tzu dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Shepherd Tzu Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Shepherd Tzu bark?
Average to High: The Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Shepherd Tzu in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Shepherd 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.

Shepherd Tzu Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Shepherd 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 a Shepherd Tzu be left alone? How long can you leave a Shepherd Tzu alone?
Shepherd 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.

Shepherd Tzu Bite Characteristics

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shepherd Tzu bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Shepherd Tzu measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Shepherd Tzu is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Shepherd Tzu bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Shepherd Tzu bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Shepherd Tzu puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Shepherd Tzu, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Shepherd Tzu bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Shepherd Tzu can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

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

Low 🔽

The Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu do?
Shepherd Tzu dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shepherd Tzu dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Shepherd Tzu Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Shepherd Tzu dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Shepherd Tzus are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Shepherd Tzu breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Shepherd Tzu breed? Most common health risks of Shepherd Tzu:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Umbilical HerniasVon Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessEar InfectionsCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyDistichiasisWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisPortosystemic Liver ShuntBladder StonesHemophilia BEctopic CiliaMegaesophagusReverse SneezingCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationDry EyeExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligoProptosisJuvenile Renal DysplasiaKeratitisRetained Baby TeethSnuffles
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Shepherd Tzu breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Shepherd Tzu see the vet?
Rare
The Shepherd Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Shepherd Tzu dogs live? How old can a Shepherd Tzu be? What is the age limit of the Shepherd Tzu? How many years can the oldest Shepherd Tzu live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Shepherd Tzu?

How long is the lifespan of a Shepherd Tzu?

10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shepherd 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.

Shepherd Tzu Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Shepherd Tzu have? What is the activity level of the Shepherd Tzu?
Shepherd Tzu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Shepherd Tzu need? How much exercise do Shepherd Tzu dogs require per day?

Do Shepherd Tzu dogs need a lot of exercises?

Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu breed need?
Shepherd Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shepherd Tzu Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Shepherd Tzu need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Shepherd Tzu breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Shepherd Tzu? How much food should I feed my Shepherd Tzu?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Shepherd Tzu risk for obesity:
Average: The Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu weight regularly.

Shepherd Tzu Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Shepherd Tzu have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseFuzzy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Shepherd Tzu coats?
BlackTan Red Blue Silver Brindle LiverGold
Grooming
How to groom the Shepherd Tzu and how often? How often should I take my Shepherd Tzu to the groomer?
Advanced: The Shepherd Tzu requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

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

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Shepherd Tzu, search for the best 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 Shepherd Tzu dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shepherd Tzu? Do Shepherd Tzu dogs shed a lot?
Shepherd Tzu dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Shepherd Tzu need a bath? How often should you give a Shepherd Tzu a bath? Can I bathe my Shepherd Tzu every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. 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.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Shepherd Tzu breed hypoallergenic?
No
Shepherd Tzu dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu drool?
The Shepherd Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu.

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

Shepherd Tzu Good With

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

Shepherd Tzu As a Working Dog

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

Yes

This breed makes good 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).

Shepherd Tzu breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Shepherd Tzu be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Shepherd 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.

Shepherd Tzu breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. 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.

Shepherd Tzu breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 in locating missing people.

The Shepherd Tzu breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

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

Not really

Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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.

Shepherd Tzu is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

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

Not really

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

Shepherd Tzu Reproducibility

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

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Shepherd 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 Shepherd Tzu have in a litter? How many puppies can the Shepherd Tzu breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Shepherd Tzu have? How many puppies can a Shepherd Tzu give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Shepherd Tzu Recognition

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

Shepherd Tzu Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Shepherd Tzu dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Shepherd Tzus are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Shepherd Tzu breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Shepherd Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Shepherd Tzu dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Shepherd Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Shepherd Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Shepherd Tzu dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Shepherd Tzu dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Shepherd Tzu dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Shepherd Tzus are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Shepherd Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Shepherd Tzu dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Shepherd Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
  • Mouthiness: Shepherd Tzu dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Shepherd 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.
  • Office Friendly: Shepherd Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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