Bea-Tzu

Introduction

The Bea-Tzu is a cross between a Beagle and Shih-Tzu. The Shih-Tzu is one of the most ancient breeds, and it comes from Tibet and China. The Beagle was bred to hunt rabbits in England, but it has a gentle disposition. The Bea Tzu is classified as a toy dog due to its small size. It also has a gentle disposition, but it is a good watchdog and an entertaining companion dog.

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The Bea-Tzu breed has a high prey drive because of the Beagle heritage. They are sweet, affectionate, loyal dogs who will take as much love as you can give. They are great companions and get along well with other dogs and children.

Ownership Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

These are very small dogs. They can range in size, but generally do not exceed 15 inches in height and 23 pounds in weight.

Common Health Issues

Smaller dogs in general are prone to oral health issues. In addition, this specific breed of dog suffers from kidney disease and liver disease. Bea-Tzus develop issues with vision as well. Cataracts may require surgery as the Bea-Tzu ages.

Health and Entertainment for your Bea-Tzu

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Bea-Tzus are prone to developing intervertebral disc disease. This disease typically affects smaller dogs with long backs. They also have epilepsy issues. This is when the dog has excessive seizures. A reduced ability for circulating thyroid hormone causes hypothyroidism. In summary, health issues of concer for the Bea-Tzu are:

1. Kidney Disease
2. Liver Disease
3. Hypothyroidism
4. Epilepsy
5. Cataracts

Temperament and Behavior

Bea-Tzus are sweet and playful canines. They are loving and loyal in their behavior toward their owner, but they like to be the center of attention. Bea-Tzus are protective and alert dogs. Possessive behavior is another common character trait associated with this breed. 

This breed of dog is good around children. For a family with very young children picking up a young adult Bea-Tzu is wise. They mix well with other people and pets if properly socialized early on in life. 

Due to the hunting instincts of its ancestors, one must be careful letting this dog breed off the leash. These dogs are bred to hunt rabbits, so they have a high prey drive towards smaller animals. Bea-Tzus are alert creatures and make good watchdogs. Sometimes they are loud; noisy barking can be a problem. 

Care

In order to prevent injury to this small canine as a puppy, it should be handled gently. Being too harsh with your Bea-Tzu puppy early on will possibly bring on behavioral issues later. It is important to keep the teeth brushed regularly to avoid dental issues such as plaque build up. 

Best Dog Food

During the first few weeks of its life, the Bea-Tzu puppy will need to be nursed every couple hours then weaned off to six or eight small meals a day. As they develop, their diet is mixed between wet and dry food and gradually reduced until the diet is primarily solid. With this dog having strong lineage from Beagles, it will need a high amount of calories. From this point forward, it will need six to eight small meals a day. 

Bea-Tzu adult food: As the dog develops, you will gradually reduce the frequency of meals. Some may eat more than others, but if your dog has a tendency to overeat, you will need to reduce to two healthy portioned meals a day. A healthy amount of fats in a dog’s diet serves as an energy source. Snacks will be necessary for positive reinforcement while in training. 

At A-Z Animals, we say the best dog food for Bea-Tzus is Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein 30/20 Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food.

The riboflavin and calcium pantothenate in this well-rounded food may help curb liver problems, and the pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is good for Bea-Tzus’ kidneys and nervous system. There’s vitamin A for clear eyes, thiamine (vitamin b1) to help prevent seizures, and niacin for weight regulation.

See if your Bea-Tzu thrives eating Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy and Vitality Support High Protein Food, available on Chewy and Amazon.

The Best Wet and Dry

Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

$83.98

• High protein 30/20 chicken and rice formula for all sized adult dogs
• Amino acids nourish muscles
• EPA and glucosamine for joint health and mobility

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Maintenance And Grooming

The coat should be brushed every couple of days, with special attention to the face and tail. Ears need to be checked regularly, and if there is wax, they need to be cleaned once a week. Brush teeth twice a week. A visit to the groomer is recommended once in a while to keep the area around the face tidy.

Training

These dogs can be a little difficult to train and will require patience or previous experience. They like to nibble when bored or stressed. They are known to be very intelligent dogs. Bea-Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement so treats may be necessary at times. They are easily distracted and have a desire to chase prey, especially rabbits. It is important to avoid scolding the dog during training. 

Exercise Regimen

This breed of dog is very driven and active. You will need to walk your Bea-Tzu a couple times a day. It helps to be in a spacious area enclosed behind a fence. They are very playful and will enjoy playing fetch for an extended period of time.  

Puppies

Puppies are prone to chew and will nibble when stressed out, bored, or teething. Puppies need to be fed a high-calorie diet. They will need to take a series of vaccinations for issues ranging from rabies, coronavirus, canine parvovirus, and canine parainfluenza. If you change brands in food, it should be done slowly and gradually to prevent any digestive issues.

Children

This breed is very fun and friendly. They are sweet and loving. Bea-Tzus do extremely well with children. If you decide to get this breed of dog it would be best to get it as a young adult due to its tendency to nibble and chew. 

Similar Breeds

The Beagle is one similar breed to the Bea-Tzu. This is its parent and is responsible for fifty percent of the Bea-Tzus lineage. The Shih-Tzu is the other parent and similar dog to the Bea-Tzu. The Shih-Tzu is known to have origins in the Asian countries of China and Tibet. Jack-Tzus are another similar dog which is also a toy breed. 

• Beagle – Small canine bred to hunt rabbits and small game. They were bred in England and eventually traded to North America. 
• Shih-Tzu – This small canine breed originated in the Asian countries of China and Tibet. This is a toy breed that has a decent life expectancy. They are good guard dogs as they are prone to barking.
• Jack-Tzu – A toy dog crossbreed of Shih-Tzu and Jack Russell Terrier. This breed is good for people with apartments or small homes. 

Popular Names

• Baxter
• Bibi
• Buba
• Bubbles
• Boots

1. AVC - Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs, Available here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/degenerative-joint-disease-in-dogs