Shorkie is originated from United States but Small Munsterlander is originated from Germany. Shorkie may grow 32 cm / 12 inches shorter than Small Munsterlander. Shorkie may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Small Munsterlander. Both Shorkie and Small Munsterlander has almost same life span. Both Shorkie and Small Munsterlander has almost same litter size. Shorkie requires Moderate Maintenance. But Small Munsterlander requires Low Maintenance
The Shorkie is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. This little dog actually thinks he’s quite big. He is a great watchdog and a barker, and he is a loyal and loving member of his family. He will let you know if he thinks something is going on that shouldn’t be.
This hybrid combines two breeds known for their good looks, cuteness and personalities. Shorkies get their watchdog instincts and their loyalty to their people from the Shih Tzu and their personalities and good looks from the Yorkie. This designer breed has no known standard and every puppy is different, but traits from its founding breeds will remain. Both breeds have great personalities.
Regardless of the differences within the litter, because the personalities and adorableness of the two founding breeds are equal, all of the puppies will have those characteristics. They will all be energetic, playful and think they are big dogs. They will all love people and especially kids – playing and watching over them.
The Shorkie is intelligent, trainable, and snuggly. They will also have the stubborn trait that the two founding breeds can show at times. Developed in the United States, this crossbreed is extremely popular even though they have been in existence for only ten years or so. Breeders in the U.S. began to mix these two breeds in order to develop a cute, friendly and intelligent little dog that will cuddle on your lap – perfect lap dog.
Even if we already have breeds similar to the Shorkie, its development allows breeders to diversify and improve the genetics of the dogs. It is important that these be responsible breeders whose intentions are not financial but to legitimately improve the positive traits of each breed while sorting out the undesirable or weak traits. This is the positive side of the new designer breeds.
Even though it is still being developed, at least the Shorkie seems to be a success story for designer breeds as a loving, popular little dog. It will take a lot more time and a lot more development before the Shorkie becomes an actual recognized breed. At the moment it remains a hybrid, a crossbreed, a so called designer dog.
It will be at least 7-10 generations of careful and quality breeding before the Shorkies are potentially recognized as its own pedigree breed. It is important to breed Shorkies to Shorkies in order to develop a standard that could be accepted for a new breed by the AKC and UKC. Over time the puppies must become more and more standardized in their conformity to that new breed standard. Their physical appearance and their temperament will be standardized. At this stage the second generation of Shorkies is rare. Their popularity is rising in the United Kingdom. Both Britain and Ireland have a growing interest in this hybrid.
Known also as the Kleiner Munsterlander or just plain Munster, the Small Munsterlander comes from the Munster region of Germany and is a beautiful hunting dog.
The dog is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as well as other kennel clubs. It is believed that the Small Münsterländer is an ancient breed, more than 500 years old.
The Shorkie, being a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, and as such has physical and temperament characteristics from both breeds. They could be 50-50 but most likely each puppy will be more like one of the founding parents than the other. Because there is a lot of similarity between the founding breeds there is a lot of similarity between the Shorkies.
Their hair is either wavy or straight, but it is soft. It can be a wide variety of colors and usually they have a darker mask on the face. Usually they have the eyes of the Shih Tzu – large -but not protruding. Their muzzle is short, and the skull is round with triangle ears. Their bodies are compact, small with plenty of muscle for their size. They also have fine bones and short legs, with a thin curled tail.
Standing at between 52–56cm in height and weighing between 17–26 kg, this dog is thought to be medium sized, muscled and athletic.
Looking like a large Spaniel he also has feathering around the legs and the tail. The coat is medium length and silky and tends to be slightly wavy. The coat is essentially white with large brown patches as well as some ticking.
Small Münsterländers are very intelligent dogs and they won’t have any trouble being trained and socialized. The Small Munsterlander is a natural born hunter and he is in his element when he is outdoors.
For this particular dog, it would be a shame to get a pet like this if you’re a couch potato. It is why this dog is better suited to living in the countryside as opposed to the city. He needs lots of exciting outdoor activities - hikes, walks, ball games, running and he loves swimming.
He is a loving, social dog and just wants to be 100% part of his human family and will adapt well to life with children in the home and with other pets.
The Small Munsterlander is such a pretty looking dog with his silky hair. He isn’t only about good looks either and he is intelligent and alert and will learn easily.
He is a well balanced dog and will make a great pet and companion. He is social, friendly, loving and loyal and makes a great playmate for children.
He has always been a hunting dog and likes to be busy with games and work. Go on a hike and he will love to join you, sniffing along woodland paths and chasing birds. He is in his element when outdoors.
When you bring this beautiful dog into your home, you’re guaranteed to have an ideal pet and companion for the entire family.
Many hybrids are in better health at least genetically than their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will breed any genetic issues out of their puppies. Still there are many health issues that the Shorkies are prone to. These include:
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – “smashed face” causes problems with breathing, heat, flying and more.
• Glaucoma – Yorkshires have this, and it can be secondary to the lens Luxation.
There are many clubs and breeders who have a strong commitment to the health of the breed, and this is a healthy, robust dog breed.
The Small Munsterlander can succumb to one of the many common dog illnesses there are. These can be ear infections, dental problems, cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat and many others.
There are so many things that can cause skin problems with your dog, and while it doesn’t sound particularly serious, it can drive your pet crazy as he tries to bite and scratch the itchy parts on his skin.
These nightmarish skin problems are one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary assistance.
1.Feeding the puppy - The Shorkies need a high-quality, well-balanced dry kibble. Make sure it is a formula for small, active dogs. It should have lean meat and essential minerals and vitamins. Make sure it is puppy food not adult. The puppy needs 300 -550 calories a day in 3 meals.
2.Feeding the adult – Obesity is a problem for the Shorkie as it is for many small dogs. Don’t overfeed your adult but give her the same kind of high quality small breed dog food, only for adults. They need about 200-300 calories a day in 2 meals.
4. Games and Exercises – These are very active little dogs and need exercise every day. They needs walks, games, and time with you. They also love to cuddle with you at the end of the day. They love squeaky toys and playing fetch outside or inside.
⠂ Give your Small Munsterlander the best chance to be healthy and happy by being giving him the best dog food there is.
Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice as they’re convenient, and some of the best ones have a good balance of vitamins and minerals in them. Avoid the ones that are packed full of useless ingredients such as toxins and colorants.
Break the monotony of the dry kibble by giving your dog some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boiled brown rice and chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach as well as some pasta can be a nutritious treat. It can be chopped up and added to the dry kibble in small portions.
To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally.
⠂ Reduce excess hair with shedding by brushing your dog twice a week. Check for fleas and ticks at the same time.
⠂ Just like you, your dog needs a warm, dry, quiet place to sleep undisturbed.
⠂ Keep your garden free of dog poop so that your pet can enjoy a clean place to play and relax. Its hygienic too to pick up his feces regularly.