Shih Tzu vs Schnauzerdor - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

The Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

With these modern day mixed-breeds, there is no history or records of when they came into being so we assume the USA. And so it it with the Schnauzer Lab mix breed. Each of the parent dogs – the Schnauzer and the Labrador, have their own histories.

It is uncertain how the Schnauzerdor came into being. Not so long ago, puppies born from different parents were simply labeled mongrels, but today they have been specifically bred. With these dogs you are never really sure how the puppies will turn out, and even within one litter, the puppies can be different looking.

This is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

• The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

• The eyes face the front and are very large.
• The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
• The shoulders are frontal.

A Schnauzer Labrador or Schnauzerdor is much the same size of the Labrador if the parents were a Labrador and a standard Schnauzer.

You can expect the height to be roughly between 50 to 62cm and weight could be anything from 20 to 35kg. Everything will depend on the size of the Schnauzer really as there are 3 kinds – miniature, standard and giant.

There’ is no way of knowing what physical characteristics the Schnauzerdor will get from each parent. The coat of these dogs can be anything from smooth to wiry and they can also be in a number of different colors, from yellow to cream, grey, black, brown.

Temperament:

Schnauzers and Labradors are intelligent dogs so the Schnauzerdor is guaranteed to turn out smart. Make sure that your Schnauzerdor receives training and socialization. Clever dogs like this won’t battle with training and it can ensure your pet is obedient and balanced, knowing how to behave around different people and in different situations.

Schnauzers are considered non-shedding and hypoallergenic, so it could be that your Schnauzerdor ends up with a low shedding coat.

Your dog is likely to be social, playful, energetic and a good watchdog. They are loving and loyal to their human family members.

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

The Schnauzer Lab is a crossbreed so this essentially means that your dog can have behavioral traits from either of the parents.

They're social, friendly, loving dogs that can also make good watchdogs. The Schnauzerdor gets on well with children and can get on with other dogs too. With training and socialization he becomes much more amicable and obedient, making a super family companion.

You can be sure that he is going to make your family a great playmate, friend and pet.

For many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

• Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

• Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
• Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
• Epilepsy.
• Ear infections.
• Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

Your Schnauzerdog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age if looked after well. There are some dog illnesses that many dogs succumb to, regardless of breed or age -

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints don’t develop properly. You notice your dog is reluctant to play and even battles to get up again after lying down. Hip dysplasia can lead to painful arthritis and you will need to get him to the vet for pain relief and a treatment plan.

Obesity:

This dog loves his food, and because you love him so much, it will be tempting to pop treats into his mouth all the time. It is so easy to overfeed these dogs and obesity is a big problem and can contribute to joint problems with a dog as well as strain on the heart and other organs.

1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

Check your Schnauzerdor’s ears and eyes for infection. Look inside his mouth and check for bad teeth. When you brush him twice a week, check him over for new lumps.Trim his claws.

Your Schnauzerdor is an active dog and he will require vigorous exercise every day. A daily walk won't be enough for this dog. He will want runs in the park off his leash as well as rope- and ball games.

Give your Schnauzerdor the best chance to enjoy good health by providing him with good food.

There are some good commercially manufactured dog foods out there and they can be a good, convenient choice, especially if you choose the high quality ones known for their wholesome, natural ingredients.

Give him some home-made food too which can be added into the dry kibble twice a week. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and as a treat, add some of this into the dry kibble.

Your dog’s wagging tail will be all the thanks you need. Try to also include some raw meat occasionally. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.