Schweenie Dog Breed

The Schweenie is a hybrid dog crossbred from the Shih Tzu and the Dachshund. No less bizarre than this dog's name is the fact that two of the most incongruent dogs — despite the similar size — are crossbred to produce a Schweenie: a Toy dog and a Hound. Whereas Shih Tzus come from a royal lineage that stretches back approximately 2,000 years, the Dachshund (in its current variety) is a superior Hound (the prefix "dachs" is German for "badger" and this dog was bred specifically to hunt them). Shih-Tzus, while temperamental, were at one time early in their history watch dogs that would attempt to be guard dogs. Cross-breeding the historically pampered Shih Tzu and the relatively newly produced Hound tends to make for a remarkable companion. While Schweenies have the potential to be utilized as Hounds, they may also prefer to be lapdogs; it's all a matter of which breed takes precedence with any given puppy. Nevertheless, these dogs are great for first-time families as well as people who desire a pet that can be with people or on its own.

PROS

• Loyal
• Not aggressive
• Socializes easily
• Sheds very little
• Plays well with kids
• Relatively easy to train
• Loves to be around people
• Adaptable to most environments
• Can become very attached to owner(s)
• Exercise requirement is easy to fulfill
• Does not have the back problems of the Dachshund as a Schweenie's back tends to be shorter

CONS

• Can be stubborn
• Not hypoallergenic
• Might dig constantly
• May chase small animals
• Can be a moderate barker
• Tends to roam and wander
• Somewhat sensitive to touch
• Requires fairly frequent grooming
• Has a high susceptibility to obesity
• Low tolerance to hot and cold weather
• Can be so bold as to endanger himself
• May inherit a great many ailments and health problems
• Tendency to become clingy can make separation difficult – whether temporarily or permanently

The Schweenie comes from two intelligent dog breeds, but if the tetchy temperamentality of the Shih Tzu dominates, these hybrid dogs may be extremely headstrong as well as somewhat resistant to training.

These mixed breed dogs can display a wide range of personalities due to the great differences in the two dogs that produce them. Barking, aloofness, stubbornness, strong chasing instincts and a Napoleon complex are some of the qualities that should be anticipated and, if they do seem apparent, should be managed properly to prevent a difficult-to-handle dog.

Schweenies may be aloof, explorative, both or neither. If they have a strong Shih Tzu side, they may seem lazy as this pampered pure breed tends to expect being waited on. The stamina of the Dachshund — if that is the stronger inheritance — can be a bit to handle, however, if your Schweenie gets on the scent while out walking, playing or in a wooded area.

This mixed breed should have the Boxer's square jaw, big floppy ears that can quickly stand alert, a powerful-looking body and a bit of an underbite. If they have a short, compact body, a somewhat Pug-esque face or some other odd, non-Boxer physical feature, they may have been produced using dogs other than purebred Boxers and Boston Terriers.

As with many mixed breeds, Schweenies tend to not have as many (nor as severe) health issues as their parent breeds, which in this case is the Shih Tzu and the Dachshund. Perhaps the most notable problems that are usually not passed on are the hip and back ailments that the Dachshund suffers. If you insist on getting a Schweenie from a breeder, it is strongly suggested that you get thorough test results from a reputable vet. Because they are usually very low to the ground and may have a strong Dachshund drive to tunnel in dirt and run through thick brush and grass, you should do a tick- and flea-check each and every time they may play in the woods or similar environments.

Kept healthy, happy and bug-free, your Schweenie should live to be about 12 to 15 years old.