Bolo Tzu

by Mary Simpson

Published: February 15th, 2018

About Bolo Tzu

Weight

9-15 lb

Height

9-11 inches

Lifespan

11-15 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

first time dog owners, active families with older kids and other pets, apartment dwellers, those looking for a companion dog

Temperament

active, friendly, affectionate, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

Shih Tzu, Bolognese

Bolo Tzu Basics

The affectionate Bolo Tzu is the result of crossing the loving and spirited little Shih Tzu with the quintessential lapdog; the Bolognese, for a truly wonderful companion animal. The Bolo Tzu gets along with everyone and everything, making him a less than ideal watchdog but great for those living in apartments.

The sweet little Bolo Tzu brings the spirited Shih Tzu together with the easy-going Bolognese.

Origin

Although the Bolognese is known to have existed in the 13th century Middle East and the Shih Tzu dates back to ancient China, the two combined as a Bolo Tzu probably go back only 30 years to when breeders began to cross pure-bred dogs to create Designer Dogs. These dogs are typically bred to produce pups that carry desirable traits such as gentler personalities, smaller sizes and hypo-allergenic qualities. All without the health issues that plague their parent breeds.

Pedigree

The Bolo Tzu is a Designer Dog and doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) roster of pure-breeds however the Shih Tzu became a member of their “toy” group in 1969 while the Bolognese is a member of AKC’s Foundation Stock Service which tracks and records breeds while they continue to develop.

Food/Diet

The Bolo Tzu is a small or toy-sized dog that can be quite energetic so needs a top-quality kibble specifically designed for his size, age and activity level. Because this breed can be prone to periodontal disease, treats and food should be hard versus soft variety. Plan to feed him 2 to 3 smaller meals each day versus free-feeding to maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint issues later in life. As flat-faced dogs can be challenged by regular-shaped food dishes you should investigate some of the bowls specially shaped to allow him easier access to his food and a cleaner meal period.

The affectionate little Bolo Tzu bonds quickly and closely to his family.

Training

Both of the Bolo Tzu parent breeds are known to be a challenge to house-break so patience will be needed and the services of a professional trainer if you aren’t getting results. Take a firm, consistent approach that is rewards-based and offers him loads of praise (often more effective than treats for this dog) to keep him motivated and on track

Weight

The Bolo Tzu will weigh between 9 and 15 pounds once he reaches adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

The clever little Bolo Tzu is a social, affectionate dog that gets along well with kids, other pets and even strangers – so not much of a watchdog but great for apartment living. This little guy bonds quickly and closely with his family and because he loves nothing more than spending time with his human-pack, he can suffer from separation anxiety if left on his own for too long. While the Bolognese side of this dog is known to have an easy-going nature, the Shih Tzu side can be a bit headstrong so establishing the pack leader early on will be important.

Common Health Problems

The Bolo Tzu is a Designer Dog and as such will typically be healthier than either of his parent breeds. That said, its important to know what your new pup could one day inherit and with the Bolo Tzu that can include joint issues including Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, respiratory ailments and periodontal issues.

Life Expectancy

You can expect to enjoy your Bolo Tzu for between 11 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Bolo Tzu comes from two high energy breeds so regular daily walks will be needed to keep him both calm and fit. His small size means that walks can be shorter and ideally augmented with some active indoor or outdoor playtime. A tossed ball will keep him this boy happy, stimulated and connected to his owner.

The clever little Bolo Tzu is a social dog that gets along well with kids.

Recognized Clubs

While the Bolo Tzu’s Designer Dog status means he doesn’t qualify to be a member of the coveted American Kennel Club (AKC) but is recognized by Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Bolo Tzu is considered hypo-allergenic and in spite of the fluffy coat, he is a low- to non-shedding dog. That doesn’t mean low maintenance however as he will require frequent if not daily brushing to help prevent his coat from matting and tangling. Professional grooming will be needed every few months to maintain coat shape and because dental issues can be a challenge for small dogs, brush his teeth 3 to 4 times weekly. Ear inspection and cleaning can be done weekly to help prevent infections that can come with floppy-eared dogs.

Puppies

The Bolo Tzu puppy is tiny and because he is prone to joint issues later in life, handling should be done with care. Children should be supervised and any activity – including play and leash training – needs to be done with an eye to not over-exerting his tiny limbs. Because his Shih Tzu lineage may result in a stubborn, headstrong little dog, early socialization and obedience training to establish the pack leader is recommended.

Photo credit: Laura Cruise/Shutterstock; Eric Isselee/Shutterstock; Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Does your playful pup turn into a little velociraptor anytime they are around guests or even family members (especially children)? It’s a common struggle with herding dogs, but it doesn’t have to continue frustrating you for the rest of their lives! Herding dogs were bred with strong instincts to manage and control the movement of livestock. While that behavior is helpful when working in the fields, it can translate into unwanted nipping in everyday life. In this article, we’ll explain why herding dogs nip and, more importantly, how to train them to show their affection in a more acceptable way. What are the Personality Traits of a Herding Dog? Before focusing on this specific problem behavior, let’s take a step back and start at the beginning. What is a herding dog, and what personality traits are they most known for? Dogs classified in the Herding Group were bred specifically to gather, herd, and protect livestock. This means that they were bred with instincts that would help them perform their jobs safely and effectively. Some of the more common herding breeds include: Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Belgian Malinois Border Collie Collie German Shepherd Dog Old English Sheepdog Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shetland SheepdogThese dogs are athletic and agile, allowing them to work with livestock on any terrain. They are also incredibly smart and can learn to follow even the most subtle hand movements. This means they are highly trainable but also have high exercise needs. Why Does My Herding Dog Nip People? Okay, these dogs are highly intelligent and full of energy – but how does that translate to nipping? If this is your first time living with a herding dog, you may be concerned that your dog has aggressive tendencies after seeing them nip at peoples’ ankles. You may be relieved to learn that this isn’t actually a sign of aggression. When your herding dog nips at someone’s feet or heels, they are tapping into their natural instincts. They are attempting to herd that person, just as they would with livestock in the field. Understanding this can help you view their behavior in a different light. The herding behavior is more likely to be triggered when someone mimics livestock in their eyes, running or playing around. Children are often on the receiving end for this reason, which can create a concerning situation.

Can You Get Worms From Your Dog?

Sharing your life with a dog is such a joy – but sometimes, you end up sharing a bit more than you'd want to. And no, we’re not talking about your bed. One common concern among pet owners is the possibility of contracting worms from their dogs. But this, in turn, raises more questions: how are worms transmitted, what types of worms are there, what are the symptoms, and what preventive measures can owners take? Read on to learn more about best practices to ensure your and your pet’s safety when it comes to intestinal parasites.Can You Get Worms From Your Dog?The first thing owners need to know is the types of worms that can affect their pets. While doggos can contract these worms through various means, such as ingestion of infected feces or soil, flea bites, or through their mother’s milk, the risk of transmission to humans varies with each type.Roundworms:These are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. They can be transmitted to humans, especially children, through accidental ingestion of contaminated soil or feces. The larvae of these worms can migrate through the body, causing a condition known as visceral larva migrans.Hookworms:These parasites can also infect humans through direct contact with contaminated soil. The larvae penetrate the skin, leading to a condition called cutaneous larva migrans, which manifests as itchy, red trails on the skin.Tapeworms:These are usually transmitted to dogs through the ingestion of fleas that carry tapeworm larvae. While direct transmission from dogs to humans is rare, it can occur if a person accidentally ingests an infected flea.Whipworms:These worms are less common and primarily infect dogs through the ingestion of contaminated soil. Human infection is rare but possible.Human infection with dog worms primarily occurs through accidental ingestion or skin contact with contaminated soil or feces. Children, due to their tendency to play in the dirt and their less stringent hygiene practices, are at higher risk. Adults can also be infected, particularly if they handle soil or dog feces without proper precautions.Preventing worm transmission from dogs to humans involves a combination of good hygiene practices and regular veterinary care for your pet. Here are some key preventive measures:Ensure that your dog is regularly dewormed according to your vet’s recommendations. This helps reduce the risk of your dog contracting and spreading worms.

Pairing Shelter Dogs Reduces Stress and Helps Them Get Adopted Faster

Dogs are social creatures who rely on companionship, especially in stressful situations. Having a companion doesn’t only diminish loneliness, it can also have a huge impact on dogs’ future, especially those waiting for a furever home.A new study, led by Erica Feuerbacher, associate professor in the Colledge of Agriculture Life Sciences’ School of Animal Sciences found that living with a roommate lowers stress levels in shelter dogs and helps them get adopted more quickly.According to ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters nationwide each year. This new study may offer a potential solution for overcrowded animal shelters that are overwhelmed by the surge in unwanted pets and longer waits for dogs needing adoption. “Despite being a social species, dogs are often housed alone in shelters to reduce disease transmission and possible injury from inter-dog conflict. But this social isolation can work against dogs’ behavioral health and adaptability,” said Feuerbacher. “We wanted to examine whether pair housing could be a useful intervention for improving shelter dogs’ welfare.”This groundbreaking study was published in the journal PLOS One. It is the first study to look into how U.S.-based shelter dogs cope when housed alone versus when they are living with a canine companion. This isn’t the first study that researched the benefits of co-housing dogs, but previous studies focused on laboratory beagles and veterinary school dogs. These dogs were housed in kennels long-term, usually for more than six months, for research and teaching purposes. On the other hand, shelter dogs spend an average of 35 days waiting to be adopted, and are, in most cases, used to social interactions prior to entering the shelter. For seven days, researchers studied 61 dogs at the Humane Society of Western Montana. Researchers placed half the dogs in co-housing with roommates who were picked through a compatibility test and brief introduction. The other half of the group was housed alone.Throughout the week, scientists observed the dogs and recorded common stress behaviors, including lip licking, pulling back their ears, and whining. They also took daily samples of dogs’ urine to measure cortisol and creatinine, which are biological markers of stress. “Dogs housed in shelters can face chronic levels of stress due to noise, confined kennel spaces, and limited access to social interaction,” said Feuerbacher adding that this can reduce a dog’s well-being, which may affect a dog’s adoptability. Scientists were happy to discover that dogs housed together showed fewer stress behaviors. Not only that, data showed that these pooches were adopted four days sooner than single-housed dogs. These results show that pairing shelter dogs may be a way for shelters and rescues to improve the quality of dogs’ lives, increase their chances of getting adopted, and shorten their stay in the shelter. Feuerbacher hopes that these findings will encourage shelters to pair dogs with suitable roommates to reduce dogs’ stress and showcase them at their best to potential adopters. “Many potential adopters might already have a dog or would like to engage in social activities with their dog,” Feuerbacher said. “Clearly exhibiting that a dog can successfully interact with other dogs might highlight those dogs as good matches - leading to more successful adoptions.” Dogs who get to have company while they are at the shelter aren’t just happier, they also get to behave more naturally and let their true personality shine through. Co-housing dogs is a win-win situation for everyone and an easy way for shelters to get more dogs adopted into loving homes. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Study Sheds Light On The Harmful Effect of Plastics On Pets

We all know how harmful microplastics are – both for the environment and for our health. However, it seems that the effects of plastics are as adverse for our four-legged friends. This latest report by Earthday.org is the result of an extensive study of pets' exposure to microplastics and toxic plastic chemicals and is a follow-up to the recent “Babies vs. Plastics” report. “Pet owners should read this report,” said Aidan Charron, EARTHDAY.ORG, director, end plastic initiatives. “Plastic is derived from a cocktail of oil and additive chemicals, like bisphenol A, PVC, and phthalates. These can leach into our pets’ gums, stomachs, and skin and are associated with a whole host of health issues for our pets. From cancers to embryo development to potential infertility, liver failure, miscarriage, and more. ”In an effort to support this initiative by Earthday.org, the actress Amanda Seyfried and her pet dog Finn took part in a plastic tox test. This was an effort to raise awareness about the many health risks of plastic chemical exposure, for both humans and pets. “I was anxious about the results and when they came back I was definitely upset by my dog Finn’s exposure, he scored in the top 90 percent on phthalates, which is very high,” said Amanda Seyfried. “I feed him a healthy diet but I realize now that the plastic packaging on his food is leaching toxic chemicals directly into it. It was a bit of a wake-up call. If his food is contaminated with phthalates, then that convinces me that all of us are much more exposed than we perhaps realize, including our children.”“Even if you don’t care about your own pet’s health, and we do, our pets act as sentinels,” added Kathleen Rogers, president of Earthday.org. “What impacts them, is almost certainly impacting us and this is yet more evidence that we are all ingesting and inhaling plastics in one form or another. We have to slash plastic production by 60 percent by 2040 and make the plastic industry take responsibility for the harm they are causing.”Of course, this study is important for all pet owners. After all, pets are considered a part of the family. In fact, modern research shows that the majority of global pet owners think of their pets, especially dogs and cats, as family members, or see them as something similar to a child. “We are not trying to frighten pet owners, we just want them to be aware that it is best for your pet’s health to avoid plastic toys and textiles as much as possible, and really be mindful of how their food is packaged,” added Tom Cosgrove, chief creative and content officer for Earthday.org. “We are bombarding our bodies, our families, and our pets with a toxic mix of chemicals and we want people to be aware.”

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