Cock-A-Tzu
The Cock-A-Tzu is a hybrid dog, which is the result of breeding an American Cocker Spaniel with a Shih Tzu. The result is a charming dog that adores their owner and makes for a good family dog (although, as with any canine, children must treat them with respect). They are a forgiving breed that does their best to get on with other pets in the house.
The Cock-A-Tzu is happiest with a moderate amount of daily exercise, such as several shorter walks spaced through the day. They love a good sniff and the simple things in life make them happy, such as following a scent trail. Neither do they need a great deal of space, and will take to apartment life provided they get regular walks. But the prospective Cock-A-Tzu owner should be aware that their coat takes considerable maintenance, with daily combing advisable to prevent knots and tangles.
About & History
Hybrid dogs, such as the Cock-a-Tzu, are just setting out on their journey, the beginning of which belongs to their parent breeds.
The American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is said to have arisen from a spaniel that accompanied pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620. This spaniel holds the reputation for being the first European dog to have lived in America. Spaniels were undoubtedly valued as hunting dogs and companions by those early settlers, and were a popular choice of dog.
However it wasn’t until the late 1870s that the Cocker Spaniel was first registered as a breed in the US. Interestingly, the Cocker Spaniel breed diversified somewhat, with some remaining true to their English roots (the English Cocker Spaniel), whilst others formed a distinctly recognisable off-shoot in the American Cocker Spaniel, which registered with the American Kennel Club in 1946.
The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu can rightly be described as an ancient breed, with origins dating back to 800 B.C. They are thought to have originated in Tibet or China, and there are various colourful stories regarding how they came into being. Some involve Tibetan monks breeding a miniature replica of the lion to guard their temples, whilst a less romantic version states they were a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso.
Whatever the truth, when Imperial China came to an end, the numbers of Shih Tzu were dangerously low. The breed was saved by a handful of dogs that escaped to Europe and were used as breeding stock to create the modern Shih Tzu.
Appearance
As a hybrid dog, the Cock-A-Tzu may borrow their physical appearance from either of the two parent breeds. This means that within the same litter, the pups may have a variety of shapes; from the shorter legs of the Shih Tzu to the deep-chest and domed head of the American Cocker Spaniel. The Cock-A-Tzu that is a blend of both parents is a small to medium sized dog, that is solidly built and slightly longer than they are tall.
Typically the Cock-A-Tzu is well-blessed with hair and has a tendency to look shaggy. Their sweet nature is reflected in their looks, with drop ears abundantly covered in hair that frame the face. The skull is rounded, almost domed, and they have a short (but not completely flat) snout. Common coat colours include black, black and white, fawn, fawn and white, or brindle. The texture of the hair is soft and silky, and is often long and waxy.
Character & Temperament
The Cock-A-Tzu is a happy, friendly and cheeky dog, but may be a little hesitant around strangers. They love to be around those people who have earnt their trust and try hard to please them. But this comes with responsibility on the owner’s shoulders to treat them kindly, since the Cock-A-Tzu may be unduly distressed by chastisement.
Also, they do like company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods of time. This can result in unwanted behaviours, such as barking, chewing, or digging. The Cock-A-Tzu is a lover not a fighter, and does their utmost to get on with other pets and family members. They make a super addition to a household with children, so long as the youngsters treated the dog with respect and affection.
Trainability
A combination of intelligence and eagerness to please means the Cock-A-Tzu takes readily to training. However, an owner must use reward-based training methods, since their dog is motivated by praise and encouragement, and will be cowed by harsh, corrective techniques. But the good news is that with the right owner, the Cock-A-Tzu is perfectly suited to obedience training to advanced levels.
Health
Hybrid dogs, such as the Cock-A-Tzu, often don’t exist in sufficient numbers to spot trends in their health problems. However, there is a wealth of data relating to the parent breeds, so it is sensible to review these when considering the Cock-A-Tzu.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is also known by the descriptive term of ‘wobbly kneecaps’. Simply put, the kneecap pops out of place, which changes the way the big thigh muscles pull on the leg. The knee may lock up in a semi-bent position, which causes the dog to skip a step until the kneecap shakes back into place.
Mild cases can be treated with pain relief and rest, but the problem will always be there, lurking in the background. The most serious cases require surgery to reposition the kneecap so that it no longer dislocates to one side.
Allergic Skin Disease
People with allergies often sneeze or have runny eyes; but in the dog it is more usual to develop itchy skin. This shows itself as a dog that constantly chews at their paws, licks their belly, or scratches their eyes. Some dogs have such bad allergies that they self-traumatise the skin, resulting in hair loss, skin discolouration, and thickening.
Allergies can’t be cured but can be controlled. Fortunately, there are a range of effective medications across different price points that can relieve the discomfort of that constant itch.
Ear Infections
The drop ears and thick coat of the Cock-A-Tzu make their ear canals a warm, moist place. This is the environment in which the bacteria and yeasts that cause ear infections to flourish. Their ears should be checked daily for any signs of an unpleasant odour or a discharge, and veterinary treatment sought.
Exercise and Activity Levels
The Cock-A-Tzu has the same chilled attitude to exercise as to life in general. Yes, walks are important, but they don’t require excessive amounts or super-long walks. An average of 30-45 minutes of exercise per day should hit the spot nicely.
Part of the reason for getting out and about is to stimulate them mentally, not just physically, so let them spend time sniffing along a scent trail since this is their idea of a great entertainment. A Cock-A-Tzu that inherits the shorter Shih Tzu legs may tire easily, so always take the individual’s stamina in to account and avoid overtiring them.
Grooming
That long silky coat needs kept in its sleekest, softest condition by regular brushing and combing Given that soft fur matts easily, home coat care involves at least a quick comb through once a day.
The long feathering on the ears and legs can attract twigs and burrs, and so needs checking after each walk to avoid knots forming. Occasional trips to the grooming parlour helps to keep the length tidy and have the coat create a pleasing silhouette.