Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu Mix: Characteristics, Care, and More

The Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu mix is a delightful companion dog that combines the best qualities of its parent breeds. This adorable mix is often referred to as a Shih Tzu Silky Terrier or Silky Shih Tzu.

The Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu mix typically weighs between 9 and 16 pounds. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great choice for families with children. This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate towards their owners.

The Silky Tzu is a designer breed that was developed by crossing a Silky Terrier and a Shih Tzu.

The Silky Terrier has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century when it was bred from Yorkshire Terriers and larger Australian Terriers in Australia. The breed was later standardized in 1926.

The Silky Terrier is an efficient hunter of small vermin, thanks to its long, flowing silky coat. Other ancestors of the Silky Terrier include the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Cairn Terrier.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, has been a devoted companion since ancient times. They are among the oldest dog breeds and were highly regarded in China, where they were given as gifts to royalty.

The Shih Tzu was first introduced to England in 1928 and later to the United States. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group in 1969.

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu mix.

Silky Tzus are prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, a condition that affects the hip joint, and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which can cause back problems. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.

Otitis Externa, a common ear infection, is another health concern for Silky Tzus. Patellar Luxation, a kneecap dislocation, can also occur in this breed. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch these issues early on.

Related reading: Silky Terrier Health Issues

To monitor your dog's health, keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as vomiting or lethargy. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help identify any potential problems before they become serious.

Here are some common health issues to watch for in your Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu mix:

Silky Tzus have a strong hunting instinct due to their terrier heritage, making them prone to chasing small animals like cats, rabbits, and other pets. This behavior is difficult to train out because it's deeply ingrained in their genetic makeup.

Their hunting instincts can be triggered by even the slightest movement or scent, leading to unpredictable behavior.

Silky Tzus can get "small dog" syndrome, a trait that's not uncommon in toy-sized breeds.

They're still very playful and competitive with other dogs, which can sometimes lead to challenging interactions.

It's essential to train them as puppies to interact appropriately with other canines.

If not trained, they might end up challenging the biggest dog at the park.

The Silky Tzu is a small, toy-sized dog, and since both parents have long coats, it's a certainty they too will have long hair with shaggy, cute looks.

Their drop ear flaps are also endowed with long fur, adding to their adorable appearance.

They have a well-proportioned body and legs that are neither too short nor too long, making them a delight to look at.

A happy tail with a tendency to curve over their back is the perfect finishing touch to their charming appearance.

The Silky Tzu's appearance is a unique blend of its parent breeds. They are typically small, toy-sized dogs with long coats that are a certainty due to their parents' long hair.

Their heads are a combination of the Shih Tzu's flatness and the Silky Terrier's perky snout. Their ears are drop ear flaps with long fur.

Their bodies are well-proportioned with legs that are neither too short nor too long. Their tails are happy and tend to curve over their backs.

The most common colours of the Silky Tzu include Black & Tan, Cream & Tan, Red, Brown, and White.

Expand your knowledge: Tan Shih Tzu

The Australian X Shih Tzu Mix is a small dog with a big personality.

They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand between 8-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their compact size makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.

Their short, fine coats require minimal grooming.

They come in a variety of colors including white, black, brown, and gray.

Their friendly, outgoing nature makes them a great choice for families with children.

To keep your Silky Tzu mix's hair clean, brush them twice a week to prevent tangles.

Their double coat requires regular grooming, so make sure to bathe them when they get dirty.

Cleaning their ears and eyes from time to time is also important to keep them healthy and happy.

Exercise is essential for your Silky Tzu's physical and mental well-being.

Just take your dog out daily for a short-distance walk, or a little jogging, to keep it fit.

Leashing your dog with your cycle is a great way to provide gentle exercise.

This will help keep your Silky Tzu physically and mentally fit.

Grooming is a crucial part of your Silky Tzu's care and maintenance. You must keep their hair clean, especially because they have a double coat.

Brushing your Silky Tzu twice a week is essential to prevent their coat from getting tangled. This will make their grooming sessions a lot easier.

Cleaning their ears and eyes from time to time is also important. Regular cleaning will help prevent infections and keep their eyes and ears healthy.

Bathe your Silky Tzu when they get dirty, but make sure to do it regularly to keep their coat clean.

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The Silky Tzu is a trainable breed, but it does require patience and consistency. They thrive on reward-based training methods.

Their parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Silky Terrier, both have their own trainability issues. The Shih Tzu is notoriously hard to toilet train.

However, the Silky Tzu's strong desire to please their owner can make up for these challenges. With the right encouragement, you'll succeed in training your Silky Tzu.

Their independence can sometimes make training a bit tricky, but it's not insurmountable.

Silky Tzu puppies are known to be friendly, confident, and affectionate.

They are highly social animals that enjoy being around people, and they sometimes referred to as “velcro dogs” because they tend to stick close to their owners.

Silky Tzus are intelligent and trainable, but they can be quite independent, so they may require consistent training and positive reinforcement.

They are not typically wary of strangers, but they may be aloof with people they don’t know, so socialization from an early age is important.

Silky Tzus are moderate energy dogs, making them an excellent choice for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Their long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

A Silky Tzu's expressive face and shaggy coat make them a distinctive breed.

Recommended read: Shih Tzu Coat Type