Care-Tzu

15-20 lbs
9-13"
Unknown
Cairn Terrier
Shih Tzu

With a friendly, social, and intelligent disposition, it's no wonder the Care-Tzu is becoming increasingly popular with families. The Care-Tzu originated from the Cairn Terrier and the Shih Tzu. This small breed was developed in order to create a healthier and more social companion for families. This lovable canine has a height between 9 and 13 inches and weighs appropriately 15 to 20 pounds. While it is an occasional barker, the breed is more interested in knowing what your next activity will consist of. The Care-Tzu was developed in order to be an affectionate and ideal companion for all. With its soft and straight coat, regular grooming will need to be completed in order to maintain the fur mat-free. Regular exercise will be required due to ensure your Care-Tzu is content and at his best physically.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu

Care-Tzu Health

Average Size
Male Care-Tzu size stats
Height: 9-13 inches Weight: 15-20 lbs
Female Care-Tzu size stats
Height: 9-13 inches Weight: 15-20 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Globoid-Cell Leukodystrophy
Minor Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Occasional Tests
  • MRI
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Complete Blood Count
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • DNA Test
  • F-Wave Analysis
  • Peripheral Nerve Conduction Rate

Care-Tzu Breed History

While the history of the Care-Tzu is relatively recent, it is suspected that the hybrid breed was created as a result of the designer dog trend. The Care-Tzu was developed from its two parent breeds – the Cairn Terrier and the Shih Tzu. While its original purpose is unknown, this affectionate canine makes a wonderful companion. The Cairn Terrier originated from the Isle of Skye over 200 years ago. Captain Martin MacLeod is credited with the development of the breed. Originally, the Cairn Terrier was categorized as a Scotch Terrier which was then switched to the Skye Terrier. In the early 1900s, the Cairn Terrier finally came to have its own name and was named after Scottish burial sites. In the early 1900s, the Cairn Terrier was also said to have been imported to the United States. This alert and loyal breed was bred to be a happy-go-lucky dog with a social and independent streak. It was known as a dog who loved to bark, dig, and chase after animals. Its purpose was to hunt small game and it effectively completed its tasks. The Shih-Tzu is believed to be one of the oldest breeds that originated in Tibet or China. The Shih-Tzu was a prized and revered breed that dominated paintings and appeared in documents across history. The Shih-Tzu was a loyal breed that was treasured as a companion dog. Throughout history, the Shih Tzu was referred to as a “little lion dog” and was often described as a docile and happy creature. In 1928, the first Shih Tzu breeding pair left China and arrived in England. In 1969, the Shih Tzu was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Care-Tzu Breed Appearance

The Care-Tzu stands between 9 and 13 inches tall and weighs 15 to 20 pounds. Its body is longer than it is tall. Its long tail is usually carried high and over. The Care-Tzu's ears are said to commonly consist of one ear standing up and another one flopping down. Its straight, fluffy coat will come in gray, black, tan and silver colors. The coat will usually grow to medium-length. His appealing expression is one of a playfulness and fun. The eye shape of this perky canine is more similar to the Shih Tzu and the eyes are dark brown with a sparkle that allows his personality to shine through.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Care-Tzu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Care-Tzu nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
gray Care-Tzu coat
Gray
black Care-Tzu coat
Black
silver Care-Tzu coat
Silver
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Care-Tzu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Care-Tzu Breed Maintenance

While it is said that the Cairn Terrier is hypoallergenic, the Care-Tzu is not generally considered to be hypoallergenic. There may be cases where a specific pup may end up being hypoallergenic but it would not be the standard. The Care-Tzu has low shedding levels due to its medium-length coat. He is not said to drool or contain any significant odor. This breed requires regular grooming maintenance to prevent mats from developing. To accomplish this, the coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and then combed with a Greyhound comb. Special attention should be given to leg, face, and tail areas that tend to mat up easily. Your dog should be brushed prior to any baths since water will tend to tighten up any knots. Bathing should be limited to every 6 to 8 weeks. Teeth should be brushed weekly to prevent tartar buildup. Ears should be plucked, wiped and cleaned weekly. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks.

Brushes for Care-Tzu
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Care-Tzu requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Care-Tzu Temperament

The Care-Tzu's energy levels are considered moderate compared to its parent breeds. It is a docile companion that would be more than happy to please its family. This eager-to-please canine is a great addition for owners and strangers. This breed is considered outgoing, friendly, and generally happy at all times. Due to its Cairn Terrier nature, it is a curious breed that would enjoy getting to know you and others. The Care-Tzu is pleasant with children as well as other animals. Smaller animals might have to be cautious when in proximity to the breed due to its hunting nature. Early training would suppress hunting instincts but constant supervision is essential. This happy canine is eager to learn and is considered relatively easy to train. It is important to continue teaching your dog commands and to remain consistent, allowing your pet to practise focusing skills. Ensuring your dog's energy levels are expended through playtime, exercise and companionship will help prevent property destruction and boredom. 

Care-Tzu Activity Requirements

The Care-Tzu contains moderate levels of energy and must be provided with the proper amount of exercise daily. Recommended exercise sessions should last between 30 to 40 minutes per day in order to ensure your dog is not at risk for obesity. Walks, jogs, runs, and activities like obedience classes would be enjoyed by your Care-Tzu. Apartment living is perfectly fine for your lovable canine since it is a small breed and contains moderate energy. There should be access to yards, parks, and other outdoor activities for your dog as well; visits to the dog park will encourage your hybrid to learn that other canines are friends. While the Care-Tzu would be able to tolerate mostly any weather, a warm climate is best.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
40 minutes
activity minutes

Care-Tzu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Care-Tzu Owner Experiences

Prince Boosie Titus Himothy-Haynez
8 Weeks
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing in the snow
Dressing up
Shopping
Eating Snacks
Brushing
Watch tv
Bath time
cuddle
Chew Toys
Play with kids
Off-leash
Hide & Seek
Tug-of-war
Nap
Play
Groom
Bike ride
Playdate
Spa day
I have a male Care-tzu. He’s so sweet. Surprisingly he is very calm for his age. Boosie loves to follow around while being observant. I like to bath him once every week and a half or so. Along with brushing or combing his hair. His eating regimen is simple and very minimal, making it easy to maintain a natural diet with a few added supplements to keep his hair full, shiny, and a healthy vibrant shade. He’s amazing with children (from age 8 months - 2yr old) no aggression whatsoever, followed by a relaxed temper and a baby like energy himself. Perfect fit for first time dog parent, or if you have children in the home. Good size for apartment and city living, as a yard isn’t a necessity due to his size he can run his energy off on the balcony or playing inside the home.
1 year, 1 month ago
Rosey
8 Years
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rosey I got when I was 4 as a birthday present from our neighbors, she is a great dog, from the day I got her to now.
2 years, 2 months ago
Gracie
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is very mild, rarely barks, loves to play, good w/ other dogs, & children. She sheds slightly; regular brushing eliminates this. She is easy to train, but often chooses not obey.
6 years, 10 months ago
Blue
8 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Playing in the snow
We love her... Got her free at the farm store
6 years, 5 months ago
Lana
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Her name is Lana but My 5 year old calls her “Sweet Lana”. She is very loving and sleeps with my 5 year old ever night. She was easy to train but she does like to bark at anything in the yard that moves. When walking she wants to chase rabbits or squirrels. She loves daily walks but is just as quick to snuggle. She gets groomed every three months to avoid knots in her coat. Lana is sensitive and can give a little huff and puff when you scold her, it’s like she’s an argumentative teenager sometimes. Her health has been perfect so far.
6 years, 4 months ago
Paco
2 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loves to chase and be chased
He loves to play fetch
We got Paco as a rescue and he was found on the streets. We don't know much about his history or his past experiences but he seems to be a bit aggressive around other dogs. We are considering training for him.
5 years, 11 months ago
Kipu
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Got him from a person that was not ready for a dog. Loves to play, chase squirrels, take long walks and to the park. Likes to go to camping areas and trails.
5 years, 7 months ago
Phoebe
8 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
wonderful bundle of friendliness; is a star in the neighborhood with many human fans; is a full member of the pack and dislikes being alone but does not bark, chew, etc.; socialized around other dogs and is very willing to play
5 years, 3 months ago
Gizmo
2 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Running
Very friendly and playful
4 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd