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Breed Information
Saussie
Overview
Meet the Saussie (Auss-Tzu), also known as the Auss-Tzu, a captivating blend of the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Shih Tzu. This charming hybrid offers the best of both worlds, combining the Mini Aussie's sharp intelligence and energetic spirit with the Shih Tzu's affectionate and friendly demeanor.
Saussies (Auss-Tzus) are versatile dogs, equally at home in a bustling city apartment or a peaceful suburban house. Their adaptable nature, combined with their loyalty and playfulness, makes them an ideal companion for families, singles, and seniors alike.
MIX / BREED TYPE
Hybrid / Shih Tzu crossed with a Mini Aussie
ADULT WEIGHT
10-20 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
10-15 inches
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs.
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimal
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Sweet, Playful, Loyal, Friendly
Characteristics
- Size: Saussied (Auss-Tzus) are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 10 to 20 pounds and standing about 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them suitable for various living spaces, including apartments and houses.
- Hypoallergenic: Thanks to their Shih Tzu lineage, Saussie dogs (Auss-Tzus) tend to have a lower shedding coat, which can be more suitable for people with allergies. Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and reduces allergens.
- Temperament: These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are loyal to their families and enjoy being part of household activities. Their playful disposition makes them great companions for children and other pets.
- Exercise Needs: Saussies (Aussie-Tzus) have moderate to high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being.
- Grooming Requirements: Their coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Professional grooming every few months is recommended to keep their fur in top condition.
- Lifespan: With proper care, Saussies (Auss-Tzus) typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, offering many years of companionship and joy to their owners.
- Trainability: Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Saussies (Auss-Tzu dogs) are highly trainable. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed, making training sessions enjoyable and effective.
Appearance
Saussie dogs (Aussie Tzus), with their distinctive blend of Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shih Tzu traits, have a unique and charming appearance. Here’s what you can expect in terms of their looks:
Size and Build
Saussies (Auss-Tzus) are small to medium-sized dogs, generally weighing between 10 to 20 pounds and standing about 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a sturdy yet compact build, making them agile and capable of various activities.
Coat and Colors
The coat of a Saussie (Auss-Tzu) is typically medium-length and can range from straight to slightly wavy or curly. This breed often inherits the Shih Tzu’s softer, hypoallergenic fur, which makes them suitable for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming helps keep their coat in good condition and reduces shedding.
Saussie puppies (Auss-Tzus puppies) come in a variety of colors, reflecting the diverse palette of their parent breeds. Common coat colors and patterns include black, white, brown, blue merle, red merle, tricolor (black, white, and tan), sable, and brindle.
Their coats can also feature striking patterns, including spots, patches, and marbling, adding to their unique and eye-catching appearance.
Facial Features
Saussies (Auss-Tzus) have an expressive face with dark, alert eyes that convey intelligence and curiosity. Their eyes are typically round and can range from brown to blue, sometimes with one of each color, a trait often seen in Miniature Australian Shepherds. They have a well-proportioned muzzle and may inherit the Shih Tzu’s shorter snout, giving them a slightly flatter face.
Ears and Tail
Their ears are usually medium-sized and can be floppy like the Shih Tzu’s or slightly erect like the Mini Aussie’s. This gives them an endearing, alert look. The tail of a Saussie (Auss-Tzu) is often feathered and can be carried high or curled over their back, showcasing their playful and energetic nature.
Temperament
The Saussie (Auss-Tzu), also known as the Auss-Tzu, inherits a blend of temperaments from its Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shih Tzu parentage, resulting in a delightful and well-rounded companion. Here are some key aspects of their temperament:
Affectionate and Loving
Saussies (Auss-Tzus) are known for their affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their family members and thrive on human interaction. Whether it's cuddling on the couch or playing in the yard, they enjoy being close to their loved ones and are eager to please.
Intelligent and Quick Learners
Thanks to the Miniature Australian Shepherd lineage, Saussies (Aussie-Tzus) are highly intelligent dogs. They have a sharp mind and are quick to learn new commands and tricks. This intelligence makes them responsive to training and eager to engage in activities that challenge their mental faculties.
Energetic and Playful
Saussie dpgs (Auss-Tzus) have a playful and energetic spirit. They love to engage in games, whether it's fetch, tug-of-war, or running around the yard. Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy activities that allow them to expend their energy and keep them physically fit.
Friendly and Social
These dogs are generally friendly and get along well with other pets and children. Their social nature means they enjoy meeting new people and animals, making them great companions for families with children and other pets. Early socialization helps ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
Alert and Protective
Saussie dogs (Auss-Tzu dogs) can be quite alert and protective of their family. They inherit the watchdog instincts of the Miniature Australian Shepherd, which makes them vigilant and aware of their surroundings. They may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activities, providing a sense of security for their home.
Adaptable and Versatile
One of the standout traits of the Saussie breed (Auss-Tzu breed) is their adaptability. Whether you live in a city apartment or a house with a yard, they can adjust to various living environments. Their moderate size and flexible nature make them suitable for different lifestyles, as long as their exercise and companionship needs are met.
Loyal and Devoted
Saussie breed dogs (Auss-Tzu breed dogs) are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families. They enjoy being part of family activities and are often seen following their owners around the house. This loyalty makes them excellent companions, always ready to provide comfort and companionship.
Gentle and Patient
Inheriting the Shih Tzu’s gentle demeanor, Saussie pups (Auss-Tzu pups) are typically patient and calm. They can be a soothing presence in the home, making them great therapy dogs or companions for individuals looking for a calming influence.
Independent Yet Attentive
While Saussies (Auss-Tzus) enjoy being around their family, they also have an independent streak. This independence can sometimes make them a bit stubborn, but their attentive nature means they are usually quick to respond to their owner's commands and needs.
Care
Grooming
Saussies, with their medium-length coats, require regular grooming to keep their fur healthy and clean. Here’s a comprehensive guide to their grooming needs:
- Brushing: Brush your Saussie’s (Auss-Tzu) coat several times a week to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat shiny.
- Bathing: Bathe your Saussie (Auss-Tzu) every 4 to 6 weeks, or as needed, using a dog-friendly shampoo. Regular baths help maintain a healthy coat and skin.
- Haircuts: Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to trim their coat and keep it manageable. Discuss the best haircut style for your dog with your groomer.
- Ears: Check and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls.
- Teeth: Brush your Saussie’s (Auss-Tzu) teeth several times a week to prevent dental issues. Dental chews and regular vet cleanings are also beneficial.
- Nails: Trim their nails every few weeks to avoid overgrowth and discomfort. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
Exercise Needs
Saussie dogs (Auss-Tzu) are energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy:
- Daily Walks: Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of walking each day. This helps them burn off energy and stay fit.
- Playtime: Engage in interactive play sessions with toys like fetch, tug-of-war, or puzzle games to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Socialization: Regular trips to the dog park or playdates with other dogs can help them socialize and expend energy.
- Training Sessions: Incorporate short training sessions into their daily routine. This not only provides mental stimulation but also reinforces good behavior.
Health
Saussies (Auss-Tzus) are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain conditions. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are key:
- Common Health Issues: Watch for signs of skin or food allergies, ear infections, dental issues, and eye problems. Regular vet visits can help catch and manage these issues early.
- Diet: Feed them a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age. Consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.
- Vaccinations and Preventatives: Keep up with vaccinations, flea and tick preventatives, and regular deworming to ensure overall health.
Lifespan
With proper care, Saussie dogs (Auss-Tzu dogs) typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Providing them with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventive veterinary care can help ensure they live a long and happy life.
Training
Training Saussie puppies (Auss-Tzu puppies) can be a rewarding experience due to their intelligence and eagerness to please:
- Basic Commands: Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.
- House Training: Consistent routines and positive reinforcement are crucial for effective house training. Crate training can also be beneficial.
- Socialization: Expose your Saussie (Auss-Tzu) to various environments, people, and other animals from a young age. This helps them become well-rounded and confident.
- Advanced Training: Once basic commands are mastered, consider advanced training or agility courses to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
- Behavioral Training: Address any behavioral issues early with positive reinforcement and consistency. Seeking the help of a professional trainer can be beneficial for more challenging behaviors.
History
The Saussie, also known as the Auss-Tzu or Aussie-tzu, is a relatively new hybrid breed, created by crossing the Miniature Australian Shepherd with the Shih Tzu. While the exact origins of this breed are not well-documented, their development follows the trend of creating designer dogs to combine the best traits of two purebred parents.
Origins of Hybrid Breeds
The trend of hybrid breeds, or designer dogs, gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Breeders aimed to produce dogs with desirable characteristics from two different breeds, often seeking to combine the health benefits of hybrid vigor with specific physical and behavioral traits.
Development of the Saussie (Auss-Tzu)
The Saussie dog breed (Auss-Tzu dog breed) likely emerged in the early 2000s when breeders began experimenting with crossing the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Shih Tzu. The goal was to create a small, intelligent, and affectionate companion dog that would be well-suited for various living environments. The resulting Saussie puppy (Auss-Tzu puppy) inherited the Mini Aussie’s keen intelligence and energetic nature, along with the Shih Tzu’s loving and friendly temperament.
Parent Breeds’ History
To understand the Saussie breed (Auss-Tzu breed), it’s helpful to look at the histories of its parent breeds:
Miniature Australian Shepherd: The Miniature Australian Shepherd, also known as the Mini Aussie, was developed in the United States in the late 1960s. It is a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, bred to maintain the same working dog abilities in a more compact size. Known for their intelligence, agility, and herding instincts, Mini Aussies have become popular as both working dogs and family pets.
Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed with roots tracing back to China, where they were bred as companion dogs for royalty. Known for their affectionate nature and distinctive appearance, Shih Tzus have long been cherished as lap dogs and companions. Their friendly and outgoing personality makes them a favorite in many households.
Popularity and Recognition
While the Saussie (Auss-Tzu) is not recognized by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC), they are acknowledged by several hybrid and designer dog registries, such as the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). As more people discover the unique blend of traits the Saussie (Auss-Tzu) offers, their popularity continues to grow.