The Shih Tzu is a beautiful breed of dog, but a mixed-breed Shih Tzu offers all the advantages that it has to offer while having the personality and physical traits that make them even better compared to a pure breed. Not to mention that a mixed-breed Shih Tzu may be less expensive and easier to obtain. So, unless you have a specific need for a pure breed Shih Tzu, there are many advantages to going with a Shih Tzu mix.
Of course, not all crossbreeds are alike, so you will have to choose one that is best suited for you, your family, and your home. What follows are some of the most common Shih Tzu crossbreeds.
Mal-Shi
A Maltese combined with a Shih Tzu. This is a popular breed and one of the few that does not have a poodle in the bloodline. With the proper care, your Mal-Shi will live on average for up to 14 years and will have the same basic size and weight of a pure-bred Shih Tzu.
Like the Shih Tuz, the Mal-Shi is also perfect for those who are allergic to pet dander as this breed generates little in the way of dander or loose fur. They are also happy, fun-loving dogs that are quite social. They just need a little more attention which means that they are not well suited if you are going to be away from home a lot.
Shi-Chi
When you combine a Chihuahua with a Shih Tzu, you get the Shi-Chi. This type of dog may have a wide range of appearance which runs from looking nearly like a Shih Tzu to nearly like a Chihuahua with many variations in-between. They are quite active, loving, and rather small at 5 to 18 pounds when the reach adulthood.
Shiranian
Combine a Pomeranian and Shih Tzu and you get the Shiranian. This striking-looking dog is quite lovable and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those who suffer from dog allergies. They are well-suited as indoor dogs, although they love to romp and play outdoors as well. Plus, they are quite friendly and lovable with members of the family.
You will need to exercise the Shiranian regularly by taking them on walks. With the right care, they will live on average to be 15 years old. Just remember to avoid strenuous activity with the dog as they are not built for extended play or activities.
Shorkie
This crossbreed has traits of a Yorkshire Terrier, which means that it will be quite watchful along with loving and loyal. While you wouldn’t want the Shorkie to be your guard dog, it is quite mindful of its surroundings and will be alerted to unfamiliar or unusual occurrences around the home.
It is comparable in size to a Shih Tzu, weighing up to 15 pounds. And, it’s life expectancy is up to 15 years with the proper care. The Shorkie will need to have its coat brushed regularly to keep it from becoming matted, but otherwise, it is a beautiful dog that will be a happy part of your family.
Affen Tzu
The Affenpinscher is one of the most adorable dogs around. Which is why the cross between the Affenpinscher and Shih Tzu results in a cuteness overload. This remarkable hybrid was created to be the king of the lap dogs. And given how the breed turned out it does not disappoint. This loving dog enjoys nothing more than to sit on your lap or be near you when at home.
Of the many popular cross breeds, the Affen Tzu is one of the newest. So, there is no standard yet in terms of its behavior. What is known is that the dog seems relatively docile, playful, and intelligent. But it also needs a considerable amount of grooming to help keep its fur in good shape.
Some people have reported that the Affen Tzu is somewhat stubborn and may be difficult to train. But if your main concern is how much they love sitting on your lap, then you should have no worries when it comes to this breed.
Schnau-Tzu
A cross between a shih tzu and a miniature schnauzer, this wonderful dog has all the positive attributes of both breeds. For the most part, they tend to look mostly like schnauzers with the floppy ears of a shih tzu. This includes the distinctive shaggy fur that is associated with the schnauzer.
This breed is perfect for families, even those with small children thanks in large part to its friendly nature. They are also quite bright and easy to command. If you want your schnau-tzu to go to obedience school, it should pass with flying colors. They are rather flamboyant when it comes to their personality, but that goes with the territory.
If there is a downside, it is that they need plenty of exercise. That shouldn’t be an issue if you have kids who love to play with them. Or, if you love to play with your dog. Although their shaggy coats will need some grooming, it’s not that bad. Overall, these are one of the most popular along with the best of the shih tzu cross breeds.
Shih Poo
What do you get when you cross two of the most adorable dog breeds around? Well, it may not quite be what you expect with a shih tzu and poodle mix. Affectionately known as the Shih Poo, this remarkable dog is quite well behaved, friendly, and loves to play. Depending on how the crossbreeding turned out, there are three different sizes that range from quite small to small to a somewhat larger dog if they take more towards the poodle side.
The Shih Poo is quite athletic and loves to swim. In fact, they will often play in water, so get used to that if you decide to choose one. This is the perfect dog for families that are active, especially if you exercise and play a lot outdoors.
One drawback is the loyalty that the Shih Poo has towards its family may get to be so strong that it does not do well when left on its own. This means for those who spend most of their time in the home, such as those who work from their location, retirees, or stay-at-home moms, this may be the perfect dog for you.
Jazk Tzu
This remarkable mix makes for a highly intelligent breed of dog. In many cases, the faces are that of typical Jack Russell terriers, but the bodies are more in line with the shih tzu. How the dog will behave will depend on which side it takes after.
If they take after the Jack Russell terrier, then they may be quite independent and somewhat naughty in terms of their behavior. For those who have owned Jack Russell terriers, this is nothing new. However, this behavior is offset in large part by their intelligence, ability to solve problems, and a love for play. If you have older kids, then this is the dog that will play with them.
However, they are also quite protective and not afraid to bark at strangers, even those you invite inside your home. Plus, they are not well suited for smaller children, so you are best to find another mixed breed of shih tzu in this regard.
Shih Apso
Adorable is the name most associated with this crossbreed. The combination of shih tzu and Lhasa Apso is quite apparent, especially in the face. Despite their small size, they are quite brave, friendly, and as noted before, adorable.
If there is one thing that strikes against their adorable appearance, it is the unfortunately loud and shrill nature of their barking. If you were hoping for quiet, you will not get it with this breed. However, when they become properly socialized the barking is only a minor annoyance. Of course, you will know if a stranger is on your property, or perhaps a squirrel, or other creature that the dog feels does not belong.
With all their wonderful attributes, they are not well-suited for families with small children or those who have plenty of guests over to the house. You will need to socialize them early if you want this crossbreed to behave with your children or when you have visitors over.
Pug Zu
The Pug Shih Tzu makes the list because it has become popular despite some serious issues that the crossbreeding has generated. Many have chosen this breed because it is almost too cute for words to describe. Plus, it has many adorable attributes that make it quite well suited for individuals and couples.
However, there are a number of health issues associated with this breed. To the point that it is not recommended that you obtain one. The most concerning is the breathing issues due to the shorted nose which is also prevalent in other pug cross breeds such as pitbull pug mix as well. But the smaller skull and jaw bones also present problems as well.
Bottom line, the chances are that you will be paying a considerable number of health bills to your vet to help keep this dog healthy. Unless you are financially prepared for this challenge, it is best to pass on this otherwise popular crossbreed.
Here is a list of some less popular mixes:
- Terrier Shih tzu mix
- Dachshund Shih tzu mix
- Havanese Shih tzu mix
- Schnauzer Shih tzu mix
- Corgi Shih tzu mix
