Last Updated: 3 months ago
Shih Tzus are sweet, loving dogs that you’ll fall in love with when seeing them for the first time.
If you’re looking for a Shih Tzu but you have your heart set on a different dog breed, you don’t have to choose one or the other: you might be able to find a mix of both dogs!
Shih Tzus have been mixed with many other types of dog breeds.
What are Shih Tzu mixes, exactly?
A Shih Tzu mix is basically the result of a pure Shih Tzu having been bred with another pure breed. One of the benefits of mixes is that they can be healthier than pure breeds who are more susceptible to various health issues.
If you’re keen on buying a Shih Tzu, you might first want to see what Shih Tzu mixes are out there.
Shih Tzu Poodle (Shih-Poo)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Height: 8-13 inches
- Weight: 8-18 pounds
Mixing a Shih Tzu and poodle results in a gorgeous dog that has a long, curly coat – sometimes its coat can be wavy instead of curly if it takes after its Shih Tzu parent.
This dog tends to be friendly and obedient, eager to please its owner, and easy to train.
Since it’s such a loving furry friend, the Shih-Poo is perfect for families and children.
You should be ready to dote on it and give it a lot of love, because that’s when it will thrive.
One of the best perks about the Shih-Poo is that it is a dog who’s easy-going: it can live in any kind of environment, whether that’s a house, apartment, or family home.
Shih Tzu Mini Australian Shepherd (Auss-Tzu)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 25-40 pounds
This dog looks like a cuddly little bear!
Since it’s been bred with a mini Australian shepherd, it will stay small but it has a big personality.
Before you adopt one, make sure that you’ll be able to encourage its active lifestyle.
The Auss-Tzu will want daily exercise because it’s very active, taking after its Australian Shepherd parent.
When it comes to grooming, these dogs can be a little high-maintenance because they have such thick fur that needs daily care.
When it comes to training, you might find this dog is a bit stubborn – that’s the Shih Tzu in him – but training will help it to respond to commands.
Since your Auss-Tzu can reach up to and over 25 pounds in weight, this is something to consider if you’ll be living in an apartment as some apartment buildings do have pet weight restrictions, with one of them usually being that your dog can’t weigh more than 25 pounds.
Shih Tzu Chihuahua (ShiChi)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Height: 7-10 inches
- Weight: 3-9 pounds
This breed has become very popular with people looking for designer breeds.
It’s small and cute, weighing between five and 12 pounds, but with a vibrant personality and lots of courage.
The ShiChi has straight fur that can come in a variety of colors, such as brown, black, white, and yellow.
Just be careful when keeping it around small kids as the Chihuahua in this little fellow will become snappy around kids who are a bit rough during playtime.
Even though it’s really small it can be quite feisty!
Linked to that point, it’s essential to give your ShiChi proper socialization from an early age so it doesn’t become aggressive or timid with people it doesn’t know.
Shih Tzu Maltese (Mal-Shi)
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Height: 10 inches
- Weight: 6-12 pounds
The Maltese and Shih Tzu mix is a lovely dog that’s sweet, friendly, and very affectionate.
Best of all, it doesn’t shed its fur a lot so it’s safer for people who have pet allergies.
Mal-Shi dogs have curly coats but come in a variety of different colors.
Just make sure you have the time and energy to give your Mal-Shi lots of love and attention because it requires that to be happy.
It’s the kind of dog that will want nothing more than to settle on your lap at the end of the day.
These dogs go with the flow and will follow your lead, so if you just want to relax and take it easy, they won’t be barking at you to be taken for a walk when all you want to do is kick your feet up.
Shih Tzu Jack Russell (Jack Tzu)
- Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 14-18 pounds
Since Jack Russell dogs are lively, energetic pets, the Jack Tzu will want to move around a lot.
They’re friendly and affectionate, but can be stubborn.
They need you to know how to deal with them and train them properly, especially since they’re excellent escape artists who will always try to get into trouble!
When it comes to its appearance, the Jack Tzu can have different looks: it might have short and sleek fur or have a longer coat.
Generally, you’ll find Jack Tzus have shaggy and wiry coats.
Shih Tzu And French Bulldog (French Bull Tzu)
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
- Height: 8-12 inches
- Weight: 15-25 pounds
This stocky dog looks like a French bulldog but has a shaggy coat.
It’s the perfect apartment dog because it doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
Although they’re affectionate dogs, French Bull Tzus tend to connect with one person and make him or her their whole world, which can lead to separation anxiety.
They also tend to become destructive if left home for too long, so they’re probably best for people who work at home and can spend a lot of time with them on a daily basis.
Shih Tzu And Yorkshire Terrier (Shorkie Tzu)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Height: 6-14 inches
- Weight: 7-15 pounds
This mix looks adorable, with its long, silky coat. It’s also friendly and calm, so it’s perfect if you’re a first-time dog owner.
However, its long coat can be high-maintenance as you’ll need to ensure you groom it daily.
Although they’re small, growing to between seven and 15 pounds, these dogs think they’re as intimidating as large dogs and this will make them excellent watch dogs by alerting you to a stranger’s presence.
It’s good to know that Shorkie Tzus have short attention spans, so you’ll have to keep their training sessions short and sweet, with lots of treats. They need caring, patient owners.
Shih Tzu And Pomeranian (Shiranian)
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Height: 7-12 inches
- Weight: 4-16 pounds
If you love Pomeranians, you’ll adore the Shiranian.
This dog has silky, long fur that can either be straight or a bit curly, but it comes in a variety of colors, such as gold, black, orange, and even red.
The Shiranian is a playful, intelligent, and loving pet who wants to be around you as much as possible. Separation anxiety is an issue for this dog.
Unlike the Shorkie Tzu, the Shiranian won’t be a very good watchdog because it’s so friendly.
However, it won’t bark a lot so that’s a perk if you live in an apartment or in close proximity to neighbors.
Shih Tzu And Japanese Chin (Jatzu)
- Lifespan:12-15 years
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 8-14 pounds
One of the most unique Shih Tzu mixes is the Jatzu, which combines the Shih Tzu with Japanese Chin, which is a toy spaniel.
The Jatzu has a friendly, sweet nature, while being courageous. It can also be clownish, so expect it to do some funny things you’ll wish you had recorded on camera.
If this dog has more Japanese Chin in it than Shih Tzu, you can expect it to be adventurous – you’ll find it chasing after small animals and climbing trees like a cat!
This is an interesting Shih Tzu mix that will keep you entertained on a daily basis.
Shih Tzu And Siberian Husky (Shih Tzusky)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Height: 8-11 inches (Shih Tzu); 19-23 inches (Siberian Husky)
- Weight: 9-16 pounds (Shih Tzu); 35-59 pounds (Siberian Husky)
While not much is known about the Shih Tzusky, so it’s hard to discover how large they will grow, these dogs are growing in popularity.
If you love Siberian Huskies, you’ll love the Shih Tzusky, with its beautiful eyes and how it looks like a toy. What’s not to love?
Since both the husky and Shih Tzu are playful and affectionate, they’re a great addition to the family.
However, you should avoid letting your Shih Tzusky socialise with small pets unless it’s been trained, as its Husky heritage does make it have hunting instincts.
This dog is also a heavy shedder, so make sure you’re committed to grooming it regularly.
Shih Tzu And Pug (Pug Tzu)
- Lifespan: 9-12 years
- Height: 8-12 inches
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
The Pug Tzu will melt your heart! It’s a loving pet that you’re sure to get attached to.
The Pug Tzu will want your time and attention, so make sure you’re affectionate with him or her.
Daily walks are recommended to ease their energetic souls, after which the Pug Tzu will love spending time with other pets and children in the house.
They’re curious, good-natured, and love to eat, so make sure you watch how much food you’re putting into their bowls as they do have a tendency to overeat.
The appearance of this mix can be quite varied: some look more like Pugs while others take after their Shih Tzu parent.
Their tails might curl and their coats can be medium to long. You can expect a variety of colors in their coats, such as white, brown, black, fawn, and apricot.
Shih Tzu And Havanese (Havashu)
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
The Havashu is extremely cute, with rounded ears, short muzzles, and long, wavy coats.
These dogs are super-friendly – they’ll wag their tails at everyone they meet!
They fit right into the family right away and are good around children.
If you have to move homes, the Havashu won’t find it hard to adapt to its new environment.
However, it can become hyperactive so make sure you’ll stimulate your Havashu with lots of attention and activity.
Related Questions
CAN YOUR SHIH TZU LIVE A REALLY LONG LIFE?
Shih Tzus tend to have a long lifespan, with some living up to 20 years. When they are mixed with other breeds, the lifespan will vary.
However, if the mixed puppies came from two healthy parents, this will enhance their longevity. A Shih Tzu mix can potentially live for up to 18 years!
WHERE CAN YOU GET A SHIH TZU MIX?
You can find many Shih Tzu mix breeders, but don’t forget to check with your local shelters.
Since many Shih Tzu mixes are becoming popular, you can find lovely pets that are in need of a happy home at shelters.
Conclusion
You love Shih Tzu dogs so much, you want to adopt a Shih Tzu mix.
Well, you’re in luck because as you can see from this article, there are many different Shih Tzu mixes to choose from, with everything from Shih Tzu and Pug mixes to Shih Tzus that have been bred with Siberian Huskies.
Shih Tzu mixes tend to remain small, which makes them easier to keep up with. This is especially important in some mixes who are full of energy and want to engage in lots of activity on a daily basis.
As with any pet, it’s important to do your research into the pet you want to adopt, such as by reading this guide, so that you can give it the happiest life you can while also choosing one that will fit into your lifestyle.
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