8-13 lbs
9-12"
United States
The Pin-Tzu is a designer breed mix of the Miniature Pinscher and the Shih Tzu, which are both toy breeds. Therefore, your Pin-Tzu will be about 11 inches tall and weigh less than 15 pounds. Even though they are small, these dogs are both brave and fierce watchdogs. They get along well with people and animals but do best in a home without small children because they can be snappy when startled. They train fairly easily but it may take a while for housebreaking. Stick to positive reinforcement and your Pin-Tzu should get the message eventually. These little dogs love to cuddle and enjoy hanging out on the couch with you as much as they enjoy going outside.
The Miniature Pinscher is originally from Germany and although they may look like a miniature Doberman Pinscher, they are not even related. In fact, they have been around longer than the Doberman, originating over 2000 years ago according to Renaissance paintings from that time. They are believed to have been bred originally from the German Pinscher but others say they are part Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Dachshund. The name Pinscher actually means Terrier or biter in German. These dogs were originally used for getting rid of rats but they soon became popular as family companions. In the late 1800s, the Pinscher Klub was formed and almost 20 years later, the breed was brought to America, where it was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1925. Five years later, the Miniature Pinscher Club of America was founded and recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Shih Tzu originated in ancient times in China and has been treated as royalty there since the Tang Dynasty. These little dogs were used as both companions and watchdogs to royal families, bred from the Tibetan Mountain Dog, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apso. Sometime during the Ming Dynasty, around 1400 A.D., the Shih Tzu became popular with more common folk and their numbers soared. However, they were nearly made extinct during the Chinese Revolution when there were only seven females and seven males saved. The modern Shih Tzus are all thought to have come from those 14 dogs. The first Shih Tzus to come to America were mistaken for Lhasa Apsos and were not distinguished as their own breed until they were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1969.
The Pin-Tzu is a small hybrid mix that has brown eyes, either a brown or black nose, and their coat can be almost any color including brindle, sable, blue, fawn, Isabella, cream, red, brown, black, white, silver, gray, lilac, or a combination of these. Their fur is typically short to medium, straight, and of medium to fine density. They may have a short, brachycephalic muzzle like the Shih Tzu, making them susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome. Some Pin-Tzus may have floppy ears and others may have perky ears that stand up. They are usually small in stature but sturdy and have fairly long legs and a long tail.
The amount of maintenance required for your Pin-Tzu depends on the length and density of her coat. Some dogs may have a shaggy and fine coat with longer hair that may get matted if not brushed thoroughly every day. In fact, you may need to use both a pin brush and a metal comb to get all the tangles out. Others may only need to be brushed with a slicker brush a few times per week. They will need to be bathed about once a month with a mild dog shampoo recommended by a veterinarian. At this time, you should also trim her nails and clean her ears.
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The Pin-Tzu is a friendly, energetic, alert, and independent dog who enjoys playing as much as they enjoy hanging out with you. They are outgoing and happy most of the time but they can be wary of strangers so they must be introduced to guests to avoid problems. They need a lot of patience when housetraining because they may be a bit stubborn and headstrong. The Pin-Tzu can get along with other pets and older children if socialized properly but must be watched carefully around small children so nobody gets hurt. They should not have a problem with separation anxiety as long as they get enough mental and physical stimulation.
Your Pin-Tzu needs a moderate amount of exercise every day. You should provide at least 45 minutes to an hour of vigorous activity for your dog daily such as a walk in the morning and in the evening with a game of fetch in between. They enjoy playing with sticks and balls and are fairly good at agility and obedience training as well. Some other fun activities that the Pin-Tzu may enjoy include playing with other dogs at the dog park, swimming, and hiking. If your dog does not get enough exercise, they may get anxious or bored, which can lead to discipline problems.
Written by a Shiba Inu lover Patty Oelze
Published: 11/15/2017, edited: 12/22/2021
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