Schweenie Overview
Schweenie Characteristics
About The Schweenie
What Is A Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Called?
A mix between a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund is called a Schweenie.
They also sometimes go by the name Shih-Shund or the Lion-Sausage dog, but we think that the first name is much cuter!
These small dogs have massive hearts, excellent for any owner. They’re friendly, intelligent, and very affectionate to their owners.
They are true companion dogs, but are they the best breed for your family? Let’s find out.
Schweenie Breed History
Thought to have originated in the US between the 1980s and 90s.
Shih Tzus originate from Tibet.
Dachshunds originate from Germany.
The date of the first intentionally bred Schweenie is unknown, but it is assumed that they were bred between the 80s and 90s when designer dogs became a mass market.
As the majority of this breeding began in the US, it’s also likely that the Schweenie was bred here.
The Shih Tzu is known as the Lion Dog of China, originally used to guard Tibetan monasteries.
The only way someone was able to own a Shih Tzu was if they were gifted one by the Dalai Lama!
The Dachshund was originally bred in Germany, known here as the Badger Dog. Artworks show this breed dating back as far as the 15th century when they were used for hunting foxes and badgers.
Their long and short bodies allowed them to move through the burrows with ease, whereas other dogs wouldn’t be able to.
The Dachshund’s tail was then used as a handle to pull them back out of the burrows with their prey.
Schweenie Personality & Temperament
Small dogs with lots of love for their owners.
Can be jealous of things taking attention away from them.
Might suffer from separation anxiety.
Schweenies are very intelligent animals and always love to please their owners. They’re happy, confident, and energetic dogs, but they also have a sophisticated air about them.
They’re excellent companion dogs, so they’re not ideal for owners who are going to be away for long periods of time during the day. Schweenies like to travel around with their owners instead of being left at home, and they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Schweenies sometimes even follow their owners from room to room, just to make sure that you’re still there.
Some find Schweenies to be moody around other dogs, but this is because of their jealousy. Still, they’re not aggressive and will simply pout about your attention being elsewhere. While they prefer to be in a single-pet household, they will get along with other dogs.
Schweenies are also good with children, provided that they are socialized as puppies.
Schweenie Health
Regular vet checkups will prevent illnesses from progressing too much.
Schweenies can inherit health issues from both parents.
Schweenies can inherit health conditions from their parents.
While they are considered healthy overall, there are some issues you should pay attention to. Here is a list of concerns that could affect Schweenies:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
- Eye Issues
- Allergies
- Bladder Infections
The Dachshund is known for joint issues and back problems.
While Schweenies don’t have as many of these thanks to their shorter length, there still is the possibility of them affecting your dog.
Minimize their jumping and stair climbing to avoid further issues.
Schweenie Training
Training can take a long time with a Schweenie.
Establish boundaries early.
Only use positive reinforcement.
Schweenies are intelligent, but they’re also stubborn. This can make them difficult to train, but you should push through this to eventually see results.
Use positive reinforcement only, as Schweenies will remember negative words used against them. This can make them more stubborn and even harder to train.
As long as you establish boundaries and ensure that they know you are the top dog, consistent training will offer results in time.
Schweenie Exercise Requirements
Training can take a long time with a Schweenie.
Establish boundaries early.
Only use positive reinforcement.
Schweenies aren’t the most active dogs thanks to their little legs. They prefer to be lap dogs, enjoying lots of cuddles with their owners. A brisk walk should be offered every day, for around 30 minutes.
However, they don’t need to be out for too long. Running errands is also a form of exercise for them, and some Schweenies are happy enough to run around in the house throughout the day to burn off their energy.
With Schweenies, mental stimulation is more important than physical exercise. Make sure that they have plenty of toys to challenge them, and offer them plenty of playtime with you.
Schweenies are best for people who have plenty of free time in the day. They can live in apartments but might prefer a small yard to run around in.
Schweenie Diet & Feeding
Schweenies are susceptible to overeating, which is dangerous for their joints.
Feed them premium kibble formulated for small dogs.
Schweenies should be offered food formulated for small dogs, and they don’t need much protein in their diet.
As they’re not the most active dogs, they’re more likely to become overweight. Pair this with their large appetites, and they’re at risk of becoming obese.
Offer kibble that is rich in nutrients and free of fillers, such as grains. Make sure the food only uses premium ingredients rather than lower-quality options.
Give them two or three smaller meals a day, making sure that the overall amount is correct for their weight. If you’re unsure of this, talk to a vet about their weight.
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Schweenie Cost
The average cost of a Schweenie puppy is $1,200.
Choose a reputable breeder who can give you information on the parents.
Schweenies are quickly gaining in popularity and are still considered a rare designer breed.
This means that they will cost more, with a puppy priced at around $1,200. You might be able to find them cheaper, but backyard breeders should be avoided at all costs.
Using a reputable breeder might cost more, but your dog will be less likely to inherit health issues that could have been avoided. There’s also less chance of overbreeding and inbreeding.
Ongoing costs include food, grooming, and toys. Insurance and vet bills might be more expensive due to Schweenie’s health concerns.
