Saussie Breed Information
The Auss-tzu, also affectionately known as the Saussie, is a hybrid dog breed that brings together the charming Shih Tzu and the intelligent Miniature Australian Shepherd. This delightful mix results in a small-to-medium-sized dog that is both playful and affectionate, making it a perfect companion for various households. Known for their endearing personalities and distinctive looks, Auss-tzus are gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts who seek a loyal and loving pet with a touch of spunk.
The Auss-tzu is a relatively new designer breed, but it has quickly made a name for itself due to its engaging temperament and adaptable nature. These dogs are known for their bright eyes, fluffy coats, and lively demeanor, making them a joy to have around.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Shih Tzu crossed with a Mini Aussie
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimal
Entrenamiento
Responsive
TEMPERAMENTO
Friendly, Intelligent, Affectionate
PESO DE ADULTO
10-20 lbs
ALTURA DEL ADULTO
10-15 inches
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs.
Características
- Tamaño : Auss-tzus are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds and standing about 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Pelaje: They have a soft, fluffy coat that can be straight or slightly wavy, often requiring regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
- ColoresSus colores de pelaje pueden variar ampliamente, incluyendo combinaciones de negro, blanco, marrón, azul y patrones merle heredados de sus razas parentales.
- Eyes: Auss-tzus usually have expressive, almond-shaped eyes that can come in a range of colors, including blue, brown, and sometimes a combination of both (heterochromia).
- Temperamento: Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Auss-tzus are great with families and tend to get along well with children and other pets.
- Nivel de energia Estos perros tienen un nivel de energía moderado, disfrutando tanto del tiempo de juego como de la relajación. Prosperan con ejercicio regular, pero también son igualmente felices descansando junto a sus dueños.
- Inteligencia: Thanks to their Miniature Australian Shepherd heritage, Auss-tzus are quite intelligent and eager to learn, making them relatively easy to train.
- Esperanza de vida.: With proper care, an Auss-tzu can live a healthy and happy life ranging from 12 to 15 years.
Apariencia
The Auss-tzu's appearance is a charming blend of its parent breeds, resulting in a unique and appealing look. Here are some key aspects of the Auss-tzu's appearance:
Size and Build: Auss-tzus are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds and standing about 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a sturdy build, with a well-proportioned body that reflects the robust nature of the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the compactness of the Shih Tzu.
Pelaje: One of the most striking features of the Auss-tzu is its coat. Their fur is usually soft and fluffy, with a texture that can range from straight to slightly wavy. The coat length varies, often requiring regular grooming to keep it looking its best and to prevent matting.
Colors and Patterns: Auss-tzus come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, thanks to the diverse coat options of their parent breeds. Common colors include black, white, brown, blue, and merle patterns. These unique and vibrant color combinations make each Auss-tzu distinct.
Face and Eyes: The face of an Auss-tzu is typically expressive, with almond-shaped eyes that can be brown, blue, or even a mix of both. Their eyes often reflect their playful and intelligent nature. The breed may also inherit the Shih Tzu's characteristic short muzzle.
Orejas y colaLos Auss-tzus generalmente tienen orejas caídas que aumentan su aspecto adorable. Sus colas pueden variar, pero a menudo son esponjosas y pueden curvarse sobre la espalda, un rasgo común en los Shih Tzus.
Temperamento
Los Auss-tzus (saussies) son amigables y sociables, lo que los convierte en excelentes compañeros para familias con niños y otras mascotas. Disfrutan conocer nuevas personas y animales, y su naturaleza amable los hace ideales para diversos entornos sociales.
Auss-tzus have a playful side that is sure to bring joy to any household. They love engaging in fun activities, whether it's playing fetch, going for walks, or participating in interactive games. Their moderate energy levels mean they enjoy both active playtime and quiet relaxation.
Thanks to their Miniature Australian Shepherd lineage, Auss-tzus are quite intelligent and eager to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and are quick to pick up new commands and tricks. This intelligence also means they can sometimes be a bit stubborn, so consistent training is key.
While not typically aggressive, Auss-tzus are alert and can be protective of their families. They make good watchdogs, often barking to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activities. This trait adds an extra layer of security to their homes.
Cuidado
Grooming
El cuidado del pelaje de un Auss-tzu requiere atención regular para mantener su abrigo sano y en su mejor estado. Su pelaje suave y esponjoso puede variar de liso a ligeramente ondulado, lo que significa que puede ser propenso a enredos y nudos si no se mantiene adecuadamente. Se recomienda cepillar a tu Auss-tzu al menos tres o cuatro veces por semana para prevenir los nudos y mantener su pelaje limpio y suave. Los baños regulares, aproximadamente una vez al mes, ayudarán a conservar la suavidad y el brillo de su pelaje. Usar un champú suave para perros evitará que su piel se irrite.
Además del cuidado del pelaje, otras tareas de aseo son esenciales para la salud general de un Auss-tzu. Revisa y limpia sus orejas regularmente para prevenir infecciones, recorta sus uñas cada pocas semanas para evitar el crecimiento excesivo y la incomodidad, y cepilla sus dientes varias veces a la semana para mantener una buena higiene oral.
Necesidades de ejercicio.
The Auss-tzu has moderate exercise needs, making them adaptable to various living environments, from apartments to houses with yards. To keep your Auss-tzu healthy and happy, aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. This can include walks around the neighborhood, playtime in the yard, or visits to the dog park. Regular physical activity helps maintain their fitness and prevents boredom-related behaviors.
Los Auss-tzus prosperan con el juego interactivo y los desafíos mentales. Juegos entretenidos como atrapar la pelota, el tira y afloja y los juguetes tipo rompecabezas son excelentes para mantener sus mentes ágiles y sus cuerpos activos. Estas actividades no solo brindan ejercicio físico, sino también estimulación mental, lo cual es esencial para esta raza inteligente.
Health
Los Auss-tzus son generalmente perros saludables, beneficiándose del vigor híbrido, lo que puede reducir la probabilidad de algunos problemas de salud genéticos comunes en perros de raza pura. Sin embargo, aún pueden ser propensos a algunos problemas de salud leves. Los problemas dentales son relativamente comunes en razas pequeñas, incluidos los Auss-tzu, por lo que el cuidado dental regular, como cepillar sus dientes y proporcionarles golosinas dentales, es esencial para mantener una buena higiene oral y prevenir enfermedades periodontales.
Allergies can also affect Auss-tzus, manifesting as skin irritations, itching, or gastrointestinal issues. It's important to monitor their reactions to different foods and environmental factors and consult a veterinarian if any allergy symptoms appear.
Esperanza de vida.
The Auss-tzu typically enjoys a long and healthy life, thanks to the benefits of hybrid vigor, which often result in fewer genetic health issues compared to purebred dogs. On average, Auss-tzus live between 12 to 15 years, making them a long-term companion for their owners.
To maximize your Auss-tzu's lifespan, provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. Keeping up with vaccinations, dental care, and annual check-ups will help detect and address any health concerns early on.
Training
Training an Auss-tzu can be a rewarding experience due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. These dogs often inherit the Miniature Australian Shepherd's sharp mind and the Shih Tzu's affectionate nature, making them responsive to positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency, patience, and plenty of treats will go a long way in training your Auss-tzu.
Start training early with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Auss-tzus benefit from socialization from a young age, so exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals can help them grow into well-rounded adults. Obedience classes can be particularly beneficial, providing structured learning and socialization opportunities. Remember, keeping training sessions fun and engaging will help maintain their interest and ensure successful learning outcomes.
History
The Auss-tzu, also known as the Saussie, is a relatively new designer breed that has quickly captured the hearts of dog lovers. This hybrid breed is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Miniature Australian Shepherd, blending the best traits of both parent breeds to create a unique and endearing companion.
Origins: The exact origins of the Auss-tzu are not well-documented, as is common with many designer breeds. However, it is believed that the breed began to emerge in the early 21st century in the United States, where breeders aimed to combine the playful, friendly nature of the Shih Tzu with the intelligence and herding capabilities of the Miniature Australian Shepherd.
Razas Progenitoras : To understand the Auss-tzu's history, it helps to look at the backgrounds of the parent breeds. The Shih Tzu, an ancient breed, originated in China and was favored by royalty for its charming personality and adorable appearance. The Miniature Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, is a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd and was developed in the United States. Known for their herding skills and intelligence, these dogs have become popular for their versatility and trainability.
Purpose of the Breed: The aim of creating the Auss-tzu was to develop a companion dog that combines the best features of both parent breeds. Breeders sought to create a dog that is small yet sturdy, intelligent yet playful, and friendly yet alert. The resulting breed has inherited the affectionate nature of the Shih Tzu and the keen intelligence of the Miniature Australian Shepherd, making it an excellent family pet and companion.
PopularidadAunque todavía es una raza relativamente nueva, el Auss-tzu ha ido ganando popularidad entre los amantes de los perros. Su combinación única de características los hace adecuados para una variedad de estilos de vida, desde familias activas hasta personas que buscan un compañero leal. A medida que más personas descubren las alegrías de tener un Auss-tzu, es probable que la popularidad de la raza siga creciendo.