Australian Shepherd Care Guide: The Cowboy’s Favorite Breed
Breeds / 2024
Schweenie: The Perfect Teddy Bear Mix?
The Schweenie is a unique cross between a Dachshund and a Shih Tzu.
A protective hunting hound mixed with a lovable toy breed makes for one of the most loyal friends you can ask for.
Dachshunds and Shih Tzus are two very different dogs, so you can never really know what to expect when you mix the two.
What you can be sure of is they are highly intelligent and very in tune with their owners.
Are you thinking of keeping this mix? Read on for a complete guide on how to keep this mix healthy and happy…
Contents and Quick Navigation
- What is a Schweenie? (Overview)
- Pros and Cons
- Schweenie Appearance
- 5 Fun Facts About The Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix
- Schweenie Personality and Temperament
- Caring for a Schweenie
- How To Train A Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix
- Quick Breed Summary Table
- Summary
What is a Schweenie? (Overview)
The Schweenie is a companion dog that is created by crossing a Dachshund and a Shih Tzu.
Their parents are a hunting hound and a toy breed. Crossing them results in a cute, cuddly lap dog with high intelligence and a hunting instinct.
This dog was bred to be a companion dog for apartment dwellers and on-the-go professionals.
These loyal and loving friends have the protective streak that comes with any hunting dog.
They have a funny wiener shape, a button nose, and the sweetest dark eyes.
A Schweenie has something for just about everybody and are generally very easy to care for.
- Overview: Hybrid (Shih Tzu/Dachshund).
- Purpose: Companion.
- Weight: 9-20 pounds.
- Size: 11-20 inches.
- Temperament: Social, watchful and loving.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Does well being left alone.
- Good indoor dog for apartment living.
- Friendly and social with others.
- Adapts to most homes, owners or lifestyles.
Cons:
- Expensive and difficult to find.
- Body shape can cause spinal problems.
- Likes to bark a lot.
- Their personality is unpredictable.
Schweenie Appearance
Any mix of the Shih Tzu and Dachshund is acceptable as there is no specific breed standard.
However a defining characteristic of this mix is their classic elongated body.
Most of these mixes look like a very furry wiener dog. Another give away is their long floppy ears. These ears look especially charming alongside large eyes and big button noses.
When they walk, they will trot and bounce on their stumpy little legs!
Height and Weight
An adult male stands at 15-20 inches tall and will weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.
Females usually do not grow over 15 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 15 pounds.
Breed Colors and Coat
These pups can come in many colors.
Rust or tan brown against a white background is the most common.
However brown, black or merle are also possible.
In some cases you might get a mix of every possible breed color.
This dog has an attractive long or medium length single coat. It may be coarse, shaggy, or silky depending on which parent they take after.
5 Fun Facts About The Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix
- This dog’s parent breeds come from very different backgrounds. The Dachshund is a German hunting hound, while the Shih Tzu started out as a palace pet in Tibet.
- It might surprise you that the little Shih Tzu dominates agility competition. Unfortunately this hybrid is not quite so good at running and jumping.
- The Dachshund’s endearing appearance and personality make it a popular choice for crossbreeding. Other well known Dachshund hybrids include Doxles (Dachshund/Beagle) and Dachshund/Weimaraner Mixes.
- A Dachshund’s comical wiener shape is known to cause Intervertebral Disc Disease, but it is much rarer in this mix due to their smaller size and proportions.
- The Shih Tzu is one of many breeds historically prized by royalty. Today they are one of the most popular toy breeds around.
Schweenie Personality and Temperament
Schweenies are generally calmer and more even tempered than their parents, but it is still tricky to predict their exact personality.
Their temperament is a luck of the genetic draw.
Toy breeds are generally made to be lap dogs rather than playful furry athletes. However this mix has just the right amount of energy to keep its family amused without tiring them out. Their modest energy level make them ideal for owners with less space and lower activity levels (city dwellers will find them to be the perfect indoor dog).
The Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is quite intelligent and very empathetic towards their owners. Unfortunately this means they can manipulate you into giving them what they want.
Shih Tzus are known for their big voices.
So when you add in the vigilance of a hunting dog, you get a very noisy dark.
However these dogs are easy to train out of excess barking (more on this later).
As both parent breeds are a bit on the shy side, you will need to socialize your puppy straight away.
Cats, small dogs and other small animals make good roommates for a Schweenie, but large dog breeds should be kept away.
Is The Schweenie A Good Family Dog?
Schweenies make great family dogs because they fit in to so many lifestyles.
When surrounded by their family and friends they expect love and attention from everyone – they will not tolerate being ignored.
Children must be taught to be gentle with this dog and respect their boundaries as they can be hurt easily.
Caring for a Schweenie
A Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is the perfect friend for just about anyone.
They are easy to manage compared to other breeds and are suitable for all backgrounds and skill levels.
This mix is suitable for city life as much as the great outdoors.
Grooming and managing their large appetites are the biggest challenges of raising one of these pups.
However it will not take very long for a dedicated owner to learn.
Exercise Requirements
Under exercising a toy dog is a common rookie mistake for new owners.
Not only does it lead to physical muscle atrophy, but it will cause them to become destructive.
This dog will need slightly more activity than other toy breeds due to their energetic hound parent.
Your dog will not engage in wild or rambunctious play, but prefers puzzles and games that keep their minds working. They appreciate at least 15 minutes of indoor or outdoor play per day. Schweenies love to dig and may bury their favorite toy to come back for it later. Scavenger hunts and games of hide and seek will keep them amused for days.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 2.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 45 Minutes.
Grooming and Shedding
This breed’s low to moderate shed frequency is a rarity on a dog with such long fur.
You should brush their fur at least twice a week to keep it neat and free of mats.
A long haired dog can have their hair shampooed, styled and even decorated with adorable accessories. Most Schweenies will agree to being dressed and pampered.
Their nails should be cut back as soon as they begin to curl.
Dogs with large ears are prone to painful ear infections so make sure that you clean their ears regularly and keep them dry.
Feeding and Diet
Managing this little dog’s huge appetite is one of the biggest challenges of keeping one.
They will want to eat like a dog twice their size!
You should feed them on a strict schedule and make sure they do not have access to food outside of these times.
Give them 2 meals a day at a half cup of kibble per meal.
Their kibble should be made just for small and toy breeds. Calorie dense wet and raw foods should be avoided. Your pup’s diet should be low carb and low fat, with treats given only very sparingly. Do not use treats as a reward for training or for good behavior.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 400 | 1 |
Known Health Problems
One of the most common health issues for this breed is dry eye syndrome, or keratoconjunctivitis. It is caused by an inflammation of the tear glands and can be genetically inherited. Symptoms include red, dry eyes and thick discharges.
The condition is chronic, and treated by a lifelong regimen of medicated eye drops.
Another common condition to watch for is a luxating patella (dislocated kneecap).
It is common in smaller dog breeds and your pooch may be reluctant to stand or walk. Anti-inflammatory medication tends to work with less severe cases, combined with physical therapy to restore movement in the limb. Surgery is needed to restore mobility in advanced cases.
How Long Does A Schweenie Live?
You can expect your lovable little mix to be with you for 10 to 14 years.
How Much Does A Schweenie Cost?
A Schweenie is an uncommon breed so you will have to pay around $1200 for a puppy.
How To Train A Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix
These pups are very eager to please and impress their owners.
So if you want training to be a breeze, you must show your dog just how impressed you are with their efforts.
Cuddles and scratches behind the ears will work!
A Dachshund Shihtzu mix will not always be in the mood for training and there are times when nothing at all will sway a stubborn pooch.
Training takes time.
It is best to be patient and work at your dog’s own pace. However manipulative and spoilt behavior must be stopped as soon as possible.
Ignore your pup when they are barking out of turn. Over time they will learn to understand when to speak up and when to be quiet.
These intelligent dogs are easily annoyed and have a very low tolerance for boredom.
So make sure to keep them occupied throughout the day with games that the two of you can play together.
Hide and find is a great training game to tap in to your pup’s big brain and keen senses. You can play it either indoors or out. Hide your dog’s favorite toys in different areas of the house or yard, and spray the toys with pheromones to motivate your dog to sniff them out.
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Size: | 11-20 inches. |
| Weight: | 9-20lb. |
| Lifespan: | 10-14 years. |
| Coat: | Long or medium single coat. |
| Color: | Rust, tan, black, white or merle. |
| Do They Shed: | Moderately. |
| Temperament: | Alert, independent, affectionate and sweet. |
| Intelligence: | High. |
| Socialization: | Very friendly when socialized from a young age. |
| Destructive Behavior: | Destructive when distressed or under-stimulated. |
| People Skills: | Eager to please and makes friends easily. |
| Good with Children: | Yes (aged 6+). |
| Activity Levels: | Moderate. |
Summary
This lovable little friend will fit in with just about anyone.
They are a wonderful alternative for those who may not be ready for the demands of either parent breed. The hybrid provides a balanced, even mix between the two.
There will be times when this mix will be stubborn and moody – but this will never last long.
For the most part all they want to do is shower you with all of their love.
Are you ready to curl up on the couch with a Schweenie? Let us know in the comments section below…
