What is a Pin-Tzu?
Do you dream of finding the perfect dog for your family?
If a small dog is what you need, then look no further.
The Pin Tzu (or sometimes referred to as “Pin Shih”) is the cutest, best-mixed breed out there and it’s time to meet them!
They are known to be friendly and energetic with an easy-going personalities.
You’ll never have to worry about a rainy day again because this little pup can do tricks in any weather.
So if you’re looking for a new addition to your family that will bring joy into your home, then come on over and meet our newest Pin-Tzu friend today!
The Pin-Tzu is a designer breed mix of a Miniature Pinscher and a Shih Tzu dog.
They make great family dogs.
They are social and love to play with other dogs and people.
Pin-Tzu Quick Stats
Weight | 8-16 pounds |
Height: | 9-15 inches tall at the shoulder |
Lifespan | Around 12-15 years |
Parent Breeds | Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu |
Country of Origin | United States (AKC recognized in 2001) |
Our Mia is currently weighing in at 15 lbs, but she feels like 50.
What is the Breed History of the Pin-Tzu?
The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany over 2000 years ago and is believed to have been bred from the German Pincher or Terrier. They are likely related to Italian Greyhounds, Dachshunds, and some say they’re a type of terrier but regardless their name means “biting dog” in reference to being rat catchers for humans long ago. These dogs make great family pets even if they look like miniature Doberman Pinschers!
Our Mia has actually been mistaken for many things including terrier, yorkie, and more.
In the late 1800s, a club was formed for Pinschers that held out until 1925 when they were recognized by American Kennel Club. Five years later, another club came to be and it too gained recognition from the AKC in 1930. The Shih Tzu originated thousands of years ago in China where its status as royalty dates back all the way to Tang Dynasty (618-907).
The Shih Tzu is a little fluffy dog that was bred from the Tibetan Mountain Dog, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apso. They were used as watchdogs for royalty during Ming Dynasty before they became popular with commoners around 1400 A.D. By 1900 there are only 14 dogs left in all of China which saved them from extinction however these modern-day Shih Tzus come mostly from those original seven females and males.
The first Shih Tzus to come to America were mixed with the Lhasa Apso. It was not until they arrived in 1969 that their breed registration could be applied for at the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Pin-Tzu Breed Appearance
The Pin-Tzu is a small dog with brown eyes, either a black or brown nose.
Their coat can be almost any color including brindle, sable, and blue fawn Isabella cream red silver gray lilac white or some combination of these colors.
They may have short medium straight fine fur that is usually long to medium in length which makes them susceptible to the “brachycephalic syndrome.”
Some dogs also have floppy ears while others have perky ones like Shih Tzus’. Despite their small size, they have long legs and very long tails.
How long until a Pin Tzu is full-grown?
Similar to that of a Shih Tzu, the Pin-Tzu will reach full-grown around 10 months to one year of age.
It is important to factor in that the Pin-Tzu puppy will grow rapidly when they are young, but the average growth rate is about 4 pounds a month.
Pin-Tzu Puppies
Pin-Tzu puppies are full of life and energy which means they need a ton of exercise or they will get bored.
If left alone for long periods of time, a Pin-Tzu puppy will likely find something about your home to keep them entertained such as chewing on your shoes!
Also if you have other dogs at home then it is best to introduce them to each other when they are young.
Puppies will also need a lot of care because they’re less aware of what is bad for their growing bodies.
They can eat many different types of foods, but I always recommend organic food that has been made with 100% natural ingredients without any artificial flavors or preservatives.
How to Maintain your Pin-Tzu
Pin-Tzu maintenance is very minimal and can be done at home. Brushing the dog is a simple way to remove loose fur, stimulate natural oil production, distribute skin oils and prevent dirt and mats from forming.
Nail trimming should also be a routine occurrence for dogs just like us! In order to keep your pup healthy, nails should be trimmed once or twice each month. Pin-Tzus nails may need to be trimmed more frequently if they are active and/or if they have dark nail beds.
Continuing with canine care, it’s important to remember gum massage! To do this, simply use your thumb or index finger to rub around your pup’s gums in small circular motions. This might be an uncomfortable experience for your Pin-Tzu at first, but it will help them get used to it and eventually even enjoy it.
Last, of all, good dental hygiene is a must! You can either brush their teeth every day or have them professionally cleaned once every six months. Pin-Tzus prefer to chew on toys rather than actual bones so you’ll want to provide your dog with those instead (or make some). Regular dental care will ensure that your pup has fresh breath and healthy gums.
Pin-Tzus is generally the equivalent of having a ten-year-old child in terms of energy level and attention span. They love being around people and are always up for any activities might have planned, as long
Are Pin-Tzu’s Hypoallergenic?
Yes, Pin-Tzu’s are considered hypoallergenic. They have a low dander count and shed very little hair. This makes them great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
If you’re looking for a dog that won’t aggravate your allergies or cause you to sneeze all day, then look no further than the Pin-Tzu!
Pin-Tzu Temperament and Characteristics
The temperament of a Pin-Tzu dog breed is very energetic and affectionate. This mixed breed will want to be by your side at all times. This personality is perfect for apartment living because the Pin-Tzu is small and do not need much space. They are also very intelligent so they can learn tricks and commands with ease which makes them the perfect entertainer for home alone time.
The Pin-Tzu is a social, affectionate, and intelligent breed that can get along with other pets if it has been properly trained. It should be watched carefully around small children as the dog may knock them over unintentionally due to its high energy levels. The area where you keep your pet needs enough space for exercise which will prevent any separation anxiety problems later on in life.
How much Activity does a Pin-Tzu Need?
The Pin-Tzu is a smaller dog so they only require an average amount of exercise each day. They are excellent for apartment living. A daily walk is always a great idea but the Pin-Tzu will also enjoy playing games in the yard and some inside play time with toys.
The Pin-Tzu has a great energy level that is ideal for families who have a fair amount of activities in their schedule each day. They can keep up with you and your family while still enjoying relaxing times on the couch as well. The best part about this breed, they adapt perfectly to any lifestyle!
On average, we walk Mia twice a day. We usually take a short morning and longer evening walk with time in the local dog park to play fetch and annoy all of her new friends there!
How much food does a Pin-Tzu need?
Pin-Tzu owners want to know how much food they should be feeding their dogs every day.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there on the internet, so we wanted to make it easy for our readers and give them one simple answer. We researched many different dog foods and came up with an average daily requirement based on weight, age, and activity level.
The average Pin-Tzu will need 1 cup of kibble per day which averages out to $0.08-$0.1 per dog per day depending on your brand choice!
Pin-Tzu’s and Obedience Training
Pin-Tzus can be a little hard to train because they are stubborn and try to take their own initiative. A Pin-Tzu will do better with an owner who is experienced with training and understands how to communicate with the dog in a firm but positive way. Be polite but persistent and have good timing when you tell your Pin-Tzu ‘no’. It’s important that your dog know that you are the one in charge so he listens to what you tell him.
The key thing is consistency, which means giving the same instruction every time it’s needed. If you don’t punish naughty behavior, your dog won’t associate it with being bad or naughty and he’ll just keep doing it anyway! So make sure that the rules are consistent.
After we poured over books and articles, our Mia was actually relatively easy to train. We used consistent repetition and positive reinforcement which eventually paid off!
Pin-Tzu Health Concerns and Issues
The health concerns of the Pin-Tzu mostly revolve around their small size, which means they can’t tolerate very cold temperatures. The Pin-Tzu also has a high risk for heatstroke because of its small size, so it’s important to keep it cool in warm weather and provide lots of shade. They are susceptible to eye injuries if they get excited and jump out too fast. They also cannot jump out of high places, so make sure the Pin-Tzu is always kept on a leash if you have another dog and they run around.
They also aren’t very tolerant of pain, so it’s important that owners provide the Pin Tzu with a gentle touch when handling them. They are seen as fragile dogs like Shih Tzus, but their sturdy builds suggest they can handle themselves just fine. It’s also important to take care of their teeth because they could fall out from time to time due to narrow nostrils and poorly developed jaw muscles. Their teeth should be brushed every other day which is easy enough considering this breed only sheds once or twice a year. The Pin-Tzu has shorter legs for its body size. This makes them physically unable to jump but still gives them a lot of energy to expend.
Pin-Tzu Health and Longevity
The Pin-Tzu is a very healthy breed with only some minor issues including eye injuries, overactive bladders, and decreased tolerance for pain. Overall they have no major illnesses or conditions and live 15 years on average. They are also extremely smart dogs which makes it easy for them to adapt to new situations quickly. The Pin-Tzu is a very independent breed that doesn’t require much attention from its owners but still craves love and affection when given the chance. They don’t really have any major health concerns so most likely won’t even visit the vet except under special circumstances with their owners.
Is a house or apartment better for the Pin-Tzu?
I would say that a small house or apartment is suitable for the Pin-Tzu dog as they’re not very big and have a lot of energy. They are great for people who live in homes (or college dorms/apartments) that either don’t have many rooms or are in big cities where space comes at a premium.
Another thing that is important to remember about the Pin-Tzu dog is the breed’s lovable personality. The Pin-Tzu loves to play and is always ready to go. They’re also surprisingly sturdy despite their small size, so if you have any destructive dogs around your house then they’ll love having company!
How much is a Pin-Tzu?
Did you know that Pin-Tzu puppies are surprisingly affordable, considering their royal and ancient heritage? You can expect to pay between $500-$800 for a Pin-Tz but if the parents have a history as show dogs then they can cost up to $1,000. Of course these prices vary depending on breeders and availability!
We were able to get our Mia from Jake’s Wish Rescue who had an oops litter of pups looking for good homes. Always adopt when you see homeless animals in need!
FAQ
How much does a Pin-Tzu adult cost?
A Pin-Tzu will cost anywhere from $500-$800. It varies depending on the breeder and location of where you are buying the dog.
Are Pin Tzus good with children?
Yes, because of their fun loving personalities members of this breed would be great with well behaved kids who want to play all day!
What are some of the Pin-Tzu's most dangerous health problems?
Some of the Pin Tzu's most common health problems include eye injuries, overactive bladders, and decreased tolerance for pain. But overall they're not very ill and live around 15 years on average