The Skip Shzu: Tiny Dog with a Big Personality
Are you looking for a petite pooch with the bold spirit of a big dog? Meet the Skip Shzu! This unique designer breed combines the spunky Schipperke with the affectionate Shih Tzu to create an active, intelligent, and utterly adorable little companion. Whether you‘re seeking an adventure buddy or a cuddle partner, the Skip Shzu has you covered. But before you fall head over heels for this cutie, let‘s take an in-depth look at what makes the Skip Shzu tick and how to provide them with the best possible care.
Skip Shzu Breed Overview
The Skip Shzu is a relatively new hybrid breed believed to have originated in Belgium around the 1990s by crossing the Schipperke and Shih Tzu. As a very rare breed, their full history is a bit of a mystery. But to understand the Skip Shzu, it helps to get to know their parent breeds:
The Schipperke hails from Belgium where they were bred to be excellent ratters and watchdogs on canal barges – in fact, their name means "little captain" in Flemish! Compact, muscular and nearly tailless, the Schip is known for being extremely active, clever, curious, and headstrong.
The ancient Shih Tzu, on the other hand, was developed in China as a prized companion to emperors and nobles. Bred for their sweet, playful, people-pleasing personality, the Shih Tzu is less active than the Schipperke but makes a loyal, affectionate lapdog.
By crossing these two distinctive breeds, the Skip Shzu inherits an fascinating blend of physical and behavioral traits:
Physical Characteristics
Standing 10-13 inches tall and weighing just 10-15 pounds, the Skip Shzu is a diminutive dog with a sturdy, slightly elongated body. They have a rounded head with a short muzzle, dark expressive eyes, and adorable floppy ears. Some may have the Schipperke‘s characteristic prick ears. Their dense double coat is medium in length and comes in solid black, brown, or tan – sometimes with white or cream markings on the chest.
One unique feature is that some Skip Shzus may be born with the naturally bobbed tail of the Schipperke parent. Others will have the fluffier tail of the Shih Tzu. With a lifespan of 15-18 years, this breed is quite long-lived, especially for a small dog.
Skip Shzu Temperament and Personality
This mighty mite of a dog is bursting with energy, confidence and smarts – perhaps more than their tiny body can contain! Skip Shzus inherit the lively, inquisitive nature of the Schipperke combined with the outgoing, human-oriented personality of the Shih Tzu. The result is a vivacious, friendly, playful pooch who loves being the center of attention.
Skip Shzus bond very closely with their humans and always want to be where the action is. Count on your Skip Shzu to follow you from room to room and be your pint-sized shadow. They can‘t stand being left alone for long stretches. Prone to separation anxiety, they may become destructive if bored or lonely.
Most Skip Shzus are good with kids, other dogs, and even cats if socialized early. However, they may try to chase small pets like rodents or birds. Despite their size, Skip Shzus have strong guard dog instincts and won‘t hesitate to alert bark when strangers approach. But they are too small and friendly to be effective protection dogs.
Energy Level and Exercise Needs
Though pint-sized, Skip Shzus have energy to burn! Expect to give your Skip Shzu at least 45-60 minutes of exercise daily through walks, playtime, trips to the dog park, and romps in a securely fenced yard. Their stamina, agility and eagerness to please makes them excellent candidates for canine sports like agility, lure coursing, rally, and flyball.
Skip Shzus are go-go-go, but their small size means they can definitely be apartment dogs if given enough physical and mental exercise. After an activity session, they are usually content to chill in your lap. Unlike some small breeds, they aren‘t overly yappy and have a moderate activity level indoors. But don‘t skimp on the daily workouts, or your Skip Shzu may create their own entertainment – usually involving your furniture or shoes!
Training and Socialization
Intelligent and quick-witted, Skip Shzus respond well to training – IF you can keep them engaged. Short, positive training sessions with plenty of praise and treats work best for these smart cookies. Aim to start training and socialization early before any bad habits take hold. With consistency and patience, they can excel at obedience, tricks, and even therapy work.
The key is establishing yourself as a firm but fun leader, or your clever Skip Shzu may decide to make their own rules. They can have a stubborn, independent streak (especially during the challenging teenage phase), so don‘t let them get away with naughty antics just because they are cute! Housetraining may require extra time and vigilance.
Skip Shzus also need plenty of early socialization to diverse people, dogs, sights and sounds to prevent shyness, fearfulness or overprotectiveness. Puppy classes are a great way for your Skip Shzu to learn doggie social skills and gain confidence.
Skip Shzu Health and Care
With good care and a little luck, your Skip Shzu may share your life for nearly two decades! But like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Potential concerns include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems, dental disease, hypothyroidism, and allergies. Ask your breeder for health clearances on the parent dogs to minimize risks.
Feeding
Feed your Skip Shzu a high-quality small breed dog food with lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and joint supplements if needed. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, a major health risk for small dogs. Most do well with 1/4 to 1 cup of food per day divided into two meals. Go easy on the treats and people food – a little goes a long way for a 10 pound dog!
Grooming
While not a high-maintenance breed, Skip Shzus do require regular brushing and grooming. Their medium-length double coat is prone to tangles and mats without brushing a few times a week. Baths every 4-6 weeks will keep them clean and fresh. Trim the hair around the eyes, ears and paw pads as needed. Small dogs are prone to dental issues, so brush your Skip Shzu‘s teeth frequently and schedule professional cleanings. Don‘t forget nail trims and ear cleanings too.
Many owners opt to have their Skip Shzu‘s coat clipped short by a groomer, especially in hot weather. Just avoid shaving them down to the skin, as this removes their protective undercoat. A cute teddy bear trim is a popular low-maintenance style for Skip Shzus.
Is a Skip Shzu Right For You?
The Skip Shzu can be a wonderful fit for the right owner. Active singles, couples, families with older children, and seniors who want a tiny but mighty companion may adore this breed. Remember, while they are small and portable, they still need plenty of exercise, training, and attention. Skip Shzus do best with owners who are home often and can give them the interaction they crave.
Inexperienced owners should know that these clever, sometimes stubborn dogs can be a training challenge and may not be a "beginner breed." Families with toddlers should wait, as some Skip Shzus don‘t tolerate roughhousing. Allergy sufferers should choose another breed, as Skip Shzus shed moderately and aren‘t hypoallergenic.
Lastly, if you rent or live in a community with size or breed restrictions on dogs, the Skip Shzu‘s Schipperke heritage may cause them to be banned. Always check your local laws first.
If you feel the Skip Shzu is your dream dog, look for a reputable breeder who health tests and socializes the parents and pups. Avoid pet stores and online sellers, as most Skip Shzus come from puppy mills. You can also search breed-specific rescue organizations to adopt an adult dog. While rare, Skip Shzus sometimes end up in shelters when an owner can‘t meet their needs.
One last tip: if you have a strong preference for a male or female, let your breeder know. Females tend to mature faster and may be mouthier. Males are often slightly larger and more playful. But each Skip Shzu is an individual, so focus more on finding one with a temperament that clicks with your lifestyle.
Skip Shzu Fun Facts
– The Skip Shzu‘s nickname is "Schipshzu" (pronounced "Skip-shoo")
– Some speculate the breed got its start when a traveling Schipperke breeder‘s dog accidentally mated with a local Shih Tzu while in Belgium
– No one knows exactly how many Skip Shzus exist in the world due to their rarity, but their popularity is slowly growing
– An athletic little speedster, the Skip Shzu can excel at the sport of Barn Hunt, using their ratting instincts to locate a "quarry" hidden in a hay bale maze
– Famous fans of Schipperkes include Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium and Jaws author Peter Benchley, while Shih Tzus have been owned by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Gates
The Bottom Line
The spirited Skip Shzu proves that the best things really do come in small packages! With their beautiful looks, endearing personality, and zest for life, this designer dog is capturing more hearts every day. Their compact size makes them adaptable to many living situations, but they need committed owners who can match their energy and outsmart their mischievous mind.
If you are up for the challenge, your reward will be a pint-sized firecracker of a best friend who will never let you feel alone. So what are you waiting for? Your new partner in fun, adventure and cuddles awaits!
