Mary Allen
Meet the Adorable Toller Shih Tzu Mix
If you’re looking for a lovable, energetic, and friendly dog breed, the Toller Shih Tzu mix might be the perfect breed for you. This hybrid breed is a result of breeding a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and a Shih Tzu. The Toller Shih Tzu is a relatively new breed that was created to produce a smaller version of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever while retaining its hunting and retrieving skills.
The Toller Shih Tzu mix is a small breed, weighing between 20 to 45 pounds and standing at a height of 12 to 18 inches. This breed is known for its long and shiny coat, which can be of various colors, including red, brown, black, and white. Toller Shih Tzu dogs have an adorable face with a cute button nose and expressive eyes that melt hearts.
Understanding the Toller Shih Tzu’s Parent Breeds
To understand the Toller Shih Tzu mix, it’s essential to know about the two parent breeds. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized dog that originated in Nova Scotia, Canada. This breed was developed to lure and retrieve waterfowl by mimicking the movement of a fox along the shoreline. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is a small-sized dog breed that originated in China. They were bred as companion dogs for Chinese nobility and have a friendly and affectionate personality.
Toller Shih Tzu’s Appearance: A Sweet and Lovable Mix
The Toller Shih Tzu mix is a sweet and lovable breed known for its adorable appearance. They have a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. This breed sheds moderately, so regular brushing of their coat can help to prevent matting and tangling. The Toller Shih Tzu has a compact body with a round head and a curly tail that adds to its cuteness.
The Toller Shih Tzu’s Temperament: Friendly and Energetic
The Toller Shih Tzu mix has a friendly, energetic and outgoing personality that makes them great family pets. They are known for their love of people and are very affectionate with their owners. This breed is excellent with children and other pets and loves to play and go on walks. The Toller Shih Tzu mix is also intelligent and easy to train, making them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.
Caring for Your Toller Shih Tzu: Grooming and Exercise Tips
To keep your Toller Shih Tzu healthy and happy, they require regular grooming and exercise. Their long and silky coat needs regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting and tangling. They also need regular exercise and playtime to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. This breed enjoys going on walks and playing in the yard, so it’s important to provide them with regular exercise opportunities.
Training Your Toller Shih Tzu: Experience and Patience Required
The Toller Shih Tzu mix is intelligent and easy to train, but it’s essential to have patience and experience when training them. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work well with this breed. Early socialization is also crucial to ensure they are well-behaved around other pets and people.
Health Issues to Watch Out for in Your Toller Shih Tzu
Like all dog breeds, the Toller Shih Tzu mix is prone to certain health issues. Some of the health issues to watch out for in this breed include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular visits to the vet and proper nutrition can help to keep your Toller Shih Tzu healthy.
Is a Toller Shih Tzu the Right Dog for You? Consider These Factors
The Toller Shih Tzu mix is a great family pet for those who are looking for a friendly and energetic dog that loves people. If you have experience with dog training and are willing to provide regular grooming and exercise, this breed may be the right choice for you. However, if you have allergies or are looking for a low-maintenance breed, the Toller Shih Tzu may not be the best choice. It’s essential to consider these factors before bringing a Toller Shih Tzu into your home.