Shih Tzus are considered one of the cutest breeds thanks to their flowing locks and little flat noses, but what if they were crossed with another beautiful breed? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny gentle companion dogs, such as the Shih Tzu, to boisterous giants like the Great Dane. Every breed has its quirks and charms, with crossbreeding happening left-right and center (be it intentional or not), resulting in new and wonderful dogs. This list contains some of the most popular Shih Tzu mixes, as well as a few lesser-known breeds with just as much charm, for your enjoyment and perusal.
Keep in mind when reading this list that when Shih Tzus are crossed with larger breeds, it doesn’t guarantee a small puppy. Instead, the resulting puppy will have big-dog DNA, meaning they have the potential to grow to the average size of the larger breed as well.
1. Jack Tzu (Shih Tzu x Jack Russell Terrier Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-12 inches Female: 10-12 inches | Male: 16-23 pounds Female: 14-21 pounds | 12-15 years | Curious, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, friendly | Moderate |
The Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu were a match made in heaven to create Shih Tzu mixes. It had inherited the playful, more active spirit and strong body of Jack Russell. But, at the same time, the Shih Tzu parent provides a mellow element that helps to water down the fiery temper and noisy tendencies of the Jack Russell.
These scruffy-haired pups come in all sorts of color combinations and make fantastic companions in a family setting as they make excellent playmates for children. However, a Jack-Tzu shouldn’t be left alone too often if possible, as this breed does tend to struggle with separation anxiety.
2. Mal-Shi (Maltese x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-12 inches Female: 10-12 inches | Male: 16-23 pounds Female: 14-21 pounds | 12-14 years | Curious, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, friendly | Moderate |
These gorgeous Maltese, Shih Tzu mix dogs often inherit additional teddy-bear-like qualities from the Maltese parent that marry beautifully with the already teddy-like Shih Tzu. Dark, round eyes, round, soft faces, and fluffy tales give them a gentle and playful appearance.
They are affectionate and sometimes a little loud, but their adoration for their owners and desire to please makes up for it. Though it’s worth mentioning that these are two breeds originally bred for rodent hunting, meaning they tend to have a very high prey drive.
3. Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu x Miniature Poodle Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-15 inches Female: 8-13 inches | Male: 8-20 pounds Female: 7-17 pounds | 13-15 years | Affectionate, friendly, social, cautious, intelligent, adaptable | Low |
Thanks to both parent breeds being hypoallergenic, this Mini Poodle, Shih-Tzu mixed breed is also hypoallergenic! No need to worry about doggie dander from heavy-shedding parent dog breeds. The Shih-Poo is not overly energetic, so they tend to adapt well to living in smaller spaces.
Though it’s worth noting that they often inherit the stubbornness of their poodle parents, making them awkward to train before your bond has fully formed. They’re a kind-natured, shaggy, wavy-haired breed that makes excellent companions.
4. Shiranian (Shih Tzu x Pomeranian Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 8-12 inches Female: 7-11 inches | Male: 6-16 pounds Female: 4-13 pounds | 12-16 years | Nervous, playful, friendly, intelligent, attentive, eager-to-please | Low-Moderate |
This is a relatively new Shih-Tzu mix breed, with the first Shiaranians making the rounds noticeably in the 1990s. However, since then, they have only become more popular with the explosively fluffy coat and slightly elongated muzzle of the Pomeranian dog breed, combined with the affectionate, gentle personality of a Shih Tzu.
The Shiaranian is definitely among our top choices on this list for companion dogs. They’re far more low maintenance to groom than the Pom and have a super laid-back attitude to exercise – quite content to sitting on your lap and following you around the house.
5. Havashu (Havanese x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 8-11 inches | Male: 8-15 pounds Female: 8-14 pounds | 12-16 years | Eager, playful, gentle, loyal, intelligent, boisterous, trainable, anxious | High |
Another designer breed is believed to have been initially created in the 1990s. A Havashu is a combination of the Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds. This is another match made in heaven! The Havanese has an endearingly shaggy coat that can give them an adorable scruffy look, especially when cut short.
Havanese dogs look quite a lot like the purebred Shih Tzu to the untrained eye. However, they are generally more boisterous in personality. The Shih Tzu parent can help provide a calmness that the Havanese typically don’t possess, though both breeds are prone to separation anxiety.
6. Boshih (Boston Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height (estimated) | Weight (estimated) | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 13-15 inches Female: 12-14 inches | Male: 12-20 pounds Female: 10-18 pounds | 12-15 years | Adaptable, playful, cautious, inquisitive, alert, stubborn, active | Moderate-High |
This Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu mix typically takes more after its Boston Terrier parent in terms of appearance. They often have shorter hair with a more wiry texture, though some do develop long fur that requires additional grooming. They’re playful, highly affectionate dogs, though they often inherit a stubborn streak from their Boston parents.
When putting together the Boston terrier and Shih Tzu, new owners should be aware that both breeds have flattened noses, which can lead to respiratory problems. For anyone thinking of getting a Boshih, make sure you select a trustworthy, considerate breeder.
7. Shih Tzusky (Siberian Husky x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-20 inches Female: 8-20 inches | Male: 11-35 pounds Female: 10-32 pounds | 11-16 years | Stubborn, playful, alert, affectionate, loyal, outgoing, courageous | Moderate-High |
The Shih Tzuskies are adorable, rare, and highly coveted Shih Tzu mixed breed dogs. They are particularly difficult to get hold of due to the insemination method used and the pregnancy success rate. The mother has to be artificially inseminated due to the size difference between the two breeds. Shi Tzuskies often inherit their Husky parent’s piercing blue eyes as well as their super thick coat.
They’re playful, affectionate dogs that adore having a large family to entertain them! Unfortunately, however, they often inherit that Husky hard-headedness that can make them a little bit difficult to train initially, with many Shih Tzuskies requiring obedience training at a young age.
8. Blue Tzu Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 11-18 inches Female: 11-15 inches | Male: 16-35 pounds Female: 11-20 pounds | 10-14 years | Friendly, eager to please, stubborn, loyal, anxious, adaptable | Moderate |
Blue Tzu Heelers are highly energetic dogs due to their cattle dogs history (hence their alternative name – Australian Cattle Dogs). This does mean Blue Tzu Heelers are one of the more demanding Shih Tzu mixes when it comes to requiring plenty of exercises. They don’t necessarily need big living space, but regular walks are an absolute must.
Blue Tzu Heelers generally tend to inherit the thick, wiry fur of their Cattle Dog ancestor, making them appear adorably unkempt, no matter how much they’re brushed! They’re also easily one of the larger breeds on our list, much like the Shih Tzusky with a chance of growing up to 20 inches tall.
9. Pug-Tzu (Shih Tzu x Pug Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 8-11 inches | Male: 12-20 pounds Female: 10-17 pounds | 9-14 years | Gentle, playful, calm, loyal, affectionate, friendly, enthusiastic, anxious | Low-Moderate |
Pug-Tzus have a fantastic reputation as easygoing lapdogs that make the perfect companions for pretty much anyone, including elderly owners who may not be able to take them out to exercise as often as other dogs may need. They grow tremendously fond of their owners and often form powerful bonds resulting in separation anxiety if their owners leave them for too long.
Pug-Tzu is a good-natural, kind-hearted dog with all the enthusiasm in the world for its owners and meeting new friends. This is also a good Shih-Tzu mix option for homes with children, as they play nice with kids so long as the child is respectful of them.
10. Schnau-Tzu (Miniature Schnauzer x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 5-8 inches Female: 5-8 inches | Male: 9-15 pounds Female: 7-13 pounds | 10-12 years | Energetic, alert, friendly, social, intelligent, affectionate, playful | High |
The Schnau-Tzu is one of the more regal-looking Shih Tzu mixes we have on our list. The Shih Tzu parent provides a slightly shortened snout that gifts its face an upturned proud look. In contrast, the Schnauzer parent often passes down its long legs and powerful body, giving it its characteristic stance and alert appearance.
They’re super playful and have energy for days! So you best believe any play sessions with their adorable pups can last for a fair while. If you’re able to, it’s best to play with a good game of fetch in the garden, so they have some space to charge about.
11. Peke-Tzu (Pekingese x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 8-11 inches | Male: 11-16 pounds Female: 10-15 pounds | 10-16 years | Protective, loving, stubborn, independent, aloof, shy, cautious | Moderate |
The Peke-Tzu breed often takes more strongly after their Pekingese parent with big, floppy ears and tiny legs. The especially short legs are a feature of the Pekingese that put its body low to the ground, where often breeders will grow their hair to sweep the floor (much like a little furry broom!)
Not only that, but Pekingese dogs are known for having characteristically fluffy ears and high, curly tails for a more lofty appearance. Though the Shih-Tzu coat typically has a softer, smoother texture, Peke-Tzus have a much more refined, sleek appearance than their Pekingese parents.
12. Crested-Tzu (Chinese Crested x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-12 inches Female: 10-12 inches | Male: 10-15 pounds Female: 9-14 pounds | 10-16 years | Affectionate, social, eager-to-please, laidback, friendly, calm | Low |
This is one of the more widely varied Shih-Tzu mixes, predominantly due to the 50/50 chances of a Crested-Tzu inheriting its Chinese Crested parent’s ears. These ears are exceptionally large, stand proud, and have long, sometimes wild-looking fur coming from them. Chinese Crested dogs are also a little more shaggy-looking than the Shih-Tzu.
If a Crested-Tzu doesn’t inherit these ears, then the mix may not be as clear – however, they will always pick up one or two personality traits at the very least. Chinese Crested dogs are generally quite stubborn and generally more wary of strangers than Shih Tzus.
13. Bea-Tzu (Beagle x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-15 inches Female: 5-14 inches | Male: 17-25 pounds Female: 15-23 pounds | 10-15 years | Affectionate, intelligent, stubborn, playful, energetic, loyal, needy | Moderate-High |
Beag-Tzus frequently inherit the wide snout and prominent nose of their Beagle parents. This is a perk of combining these two dog breeds as the snout is also more elongated than a pure breed Shih-Tzu meaning they’re less likely to develop breathing problems as they get older. Unfortunately, they also often inherit the wide-set, floppy ears of the Beagle breed, making them look endearingly top-heavy.
Owners of Bea-Tzus should be prepared to take them for plenty of exercises. The Shih-Tzu is a companion breed that is highly adaptable and happy to spend most of its time at home with its owners. However, Beagles are highly energetic working dogs, so a Bea-Tzu takes a bit more effort.
14. French Bull-Tzu (French Bulldog x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 8-11 inches | Male: 16-25 pounds Female: 15-23 pounds | 10-13 years | Boisterous, friendly, energetic, outgoing, loyal, affectionate, playful | Moderate-High |
The French Bull-Tzu is a breed that is constantly growing in popularity, owing to the individual popularity of the two parent breeds. French bulldogs have had an exponential rise in popularity over recent years. Their tiny squished noses and oversized ears accentuate their small stature and give them a perky, playful look.
French Bull-Tzus usually inherit those erect ears, along with the more fiery, high-strung attitude you often find with Frenchies, Though fortunately, the Shih-Tzu parent provides some calmness to help offset that adorable haywire Frenchie personality.
15. Bull-Shih (Bulldog x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 8-11 inches | Male: 16-25 pounds Female: 15-23 pounds | 10-13 years | Boisterous, friendly, energetic, outgoing, loyal, affectionate, playful | Moderate-High |
One of our more interesting Shih-Tzu mixes is the unlikelihood of seeing such breeds combined. The Bull-Shih combines the muscular, powerful Bulldog breed and the dainty Shih-Tzu breed. Bull-Shihs often inherit the larger, square head from the Bulldog parent, making them quite bulky compared to some other Shih-Tzu mixes.
Bill-Shihs are also a little more energetic than your typical Shih Tzu due to their more muscular physique and the Bulldog’s history as an athletic fighting dog. That being said, Bulldogs have long outgrown their vicious roots and are now generally boisterous and kind-natured!
16. Cock-a-Tzu (Cocker Spaniel x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: Female: | Male: Fimale: | 12-15 years | Affectionate, energetic, playful, curious, loyal, gentle, intelligent | Moderate-High |
The major difference in a Cock-a-Tzu that makes this particular mix breed recognizable is the longer snout tipped with a pronounced nose made for sniffing. The Cocker Spaniel in this breed gives it the buzzing energy and curiosity you often find in hunting dogs. Unfortunately, this also means they can get quite distracted when out and about with so many scents to follow!
They’re also one of the larger breeds on this list, weighing anywhere up to 35 pounds (keep in mind that there’s every possibility they could grow to the full Spaniel size). But when combined with the teddy bear-like appearance and lapdog nature of the Shih-Tzu, you can easily forget about their size.
17. Shorkie / Shorkie-Tzu (Yorkshire Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 6-14 inches Female: 6-13 inches | Male: 5-15 pounds Female: 5-14 pounds | 11-16 years | Protective, playful, feisty, noisy, loving, loyal, needy, anxious, spunky | Moderate-High |
Sometimes referred to as a Shorkie Tzu, Shorkies are one of the most popular Shih-Tzu mix breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is known to be a bubbly, playful, and somewhat aggressive dog that can be quite high-strung in response to a variety of environmental stimuli. This does mean this particular Terrier and Shih-Tzu mix can be quite noisy at times, especially if they’re feeling anxious or stressed.
Furthermore, believe it or not, they don’t require a huge amount of exercise despite their excitable nature, just half an hour a day does the trick! Finally, Shorkies have an adorably tousled look about them, with semi-wavy fur that pokes out in all directions, though it has a beautiful silky smooth texture when left to grow.
18. Shi-Chi (Shih Tzu x Chihuahua Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 9-12 inches | Male: 10-16 pounds Female: 9-15 pounds | 12-15 years | Loyal, feisty, cautious, playful, excitable, needy, demanding, intelligent | Low |
Shi-Chis make an adorable mixed breed owing to the wide-set bulging eyes and tall, wide ears of the Chihuahua, combined with the flatted nose and shaggy fur of the Shih-Tzu. This precious little dog breed doesn’t grow very big due to having two tiny parent breeds, making it the ideal companion dog for elderly owners and small families.
There’s every possibility a Shi-Chi can have a fiery personality with a bit of a Napoleon complex if they take after their Chihuahua parent. However! More often than not, they are a smooth blend of feisty and laidback, making for a confident, playful dog that is exceptionally loyal to its family.
19. Cava-Tzu (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-18 inches Female: 9-17 inches | Male: 10-16 pounds Female: 10-16 pounds | 10-15 years | Affectionate, loyal, playful, loving, adaptable, excitable, quiet | Moderate |
The Cava-Tzu is easily recognizable because this breed often takes after its Cavalier King Charles parent – with large floppy ears and slightly elongated snouts. Cavalier King Charles dogs are generally used as hunting dogs, meaning a Cava-Tzu has a heightened prey drive than its Shih-Tzu parent.
Additionally, this adorable pup does tend to need a little more training to keep its mind stimulated (perhaps obedience training would be a good idea), as they’re crossed with a highly intelligent working breed. Working dogs always take a little more work to keep them entertained.
20. Auss-Tzu (Miniature Australian Shepherd x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-18 inches Female: 9-17 inches | Male: 10-16 pounds Female: 10-16 pounds | 10-15 years | Affectionate, loyal, playful, loving, adaptable, excitable, quiet | Moderate |
The mini Australian shepherd is pretty adorable in its own right, but cross it with a Shih-Tzu, and it hits a whole new level of cuteness. This is another potentially-large pup with a maximum possible weight of 45 pounds (if the puppy follows in its Shepherd parent’s footsteps), with the same charming ragged appeal of some of our other adorably scruffy pups in this list.
If you’re lucky, you may even see an Auss-Tzu that has inherited the startling blue eyes that can be frequently seen on Australian Shepherd dogs. Though this is a rarity, since not all Australian Shepherds have this particular feature, and so it’s a less than 50% chance.
21. Pin-Tzu (Miniature Pinscher x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 9-12 inches | Male: 9-13 pounds Female: 8-12 pounds | 12-15 years | Energetic, playful, outgoing, independent, loving, cautious, stubborn | Moderate |
Miniature Pinschers (aka Min-Pins) are energetic, playful dogs with an air of confidence and self-assuredness that you often find in larger breeds. So as you would imagine, when combined with Shih Tzu’s more laidback attitude, the resulting Pin-Tzu tends to be confident but more easygoing.
These beautiful dogs can be easily recognized by the pattern of their coats, which is typically taken from the Min-Pin parent. Those signature large, erect ears tend to curl downwards, still standing up, giving even an older Pin-Tzu a puppy-like quality.
22. Shih-Pei / Shar-Tzu (Shih Tzu x Shar Pei Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 13-21 inches Female: 12-19 inches | Male: 25-35 pounds Female: 25-33 pounds | 12-12 years | Protective, loyal, active, alert, affectionate, aloof with strangers | Moderate |
Shar-Tzus can vary quite dramatically, with some weighing as much as 35 pounds at the top end! The Shar-Pei is a larger dog with characteristic folds in the skin of its body and face and a particularly broad, boxy snout, which is usually the recognizable feature inherited by the Shar-Tzu.
Combining the two breeds can have its pros and cons. For example, some Shar-Tzus can still have the Shih-Tzu flat nose while also inheriting the saggy Shar-Pei skin, which can cause breathing complications. Alternatively, the snout can be longer, generally making breathing easier than pre-bred Shih Tzus.
23. Coton-Tzu (Coton de Tulear x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 7-11 inches Female: 7-11 inches | Male: 8-15 pounds Female: 8-15 pounds | 12-15 years | Playful, happy, eager-to-please, affectionate, cautious, stubborn | Moderate-High |
The Coton-Tzu is a combination of two adorable teddy bear breeds, with small, round, deep brown eyes that draw you into their fluffy faces that give them snuggly appearances. However, the Coton de Tulear DNA gives the Coton-Tzu a slightly longer snout and wider paws, as well as a particularly fluffy, wavy coat that only accentuates their cuteness.
This is a bouncy, playful dog breed with plenty of energy for training and playtime! However, they’re also quite stubborn and can be pretty wary of strangers, making them quite difficult in their younger years until they have been properly socialized.
24. Sco-Shih (Scottish Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 16-20 inches Female: 15-19 inches | Male: 9-10 pounds Female: 8-10 pounds | 12-15 years | Happy, cautious, quiet, alert, independent, calm, cuddly, laidback | Low |
This is a super laidback, easygoing pooch! Sco-Shihs combine two companion dog breeds – a Scottish Terrier and Shih Tzu. Both breeds are gentle, calm, happy, and pretty independent. That means you don’t generally have to worry about separation anxiety, though they also adore their family and are exceptionally loyal.
The adorable beard around the Sco-Shih’s snout is extremely characteristic of the Scottish Terrier and is, fortunately, often passed down to the mix-breed puppy. Sco-Shihs even tend to inherit the long eyebrows that give them an irresistible, sad, puppy-dog look.
25. Tzu-Basset (Shih Tzu x Basset Hound Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-13 inches Female: 9-13 inches | Male: 25-35 pounds Female: 23-34 pounds | 10-12 years | Happy, curious, docile, intelligent, affectionate, needy, reactive | Low |
An adorable combination leading to long, floppy ears and elongated bodies covered in soft, flowing fur. Tzu-Bassets often inherit a sense of awareness and curiosity that comes naturally to the Basset Hound owing to its hunting history and an exceptional sense of hearing and smell. This also makes them a little noisy at times as they can react to sounds you may not hear.
Tzu-Bassets are pretty docile overall, meaning they don’t take a lot of exercises (a short intensive training session is often a great way to work out some excess energy). However, they are very intelligent dogs and need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored.
26. Weshi (West Highland White Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 8-11 inches | Male: 14-20 pounds Female: 11-17 pounds | 12-15 years | Eergetic, playful, loving, stubborn, needy, cautious, intelligent | Moderate |
The West Highland Terrier is a gorgeous, all-white, much-loved small dog breed that is the ideal pup to cross with a Shih-Tzu. The combination of the two breeds effectively creates a Shih-Tzu with shorter, perkier ears and a longer snout. Both features can help with respiratory problems and prevent injury (as shorter ears are less likely to get snagged).
Weshis are in high demand in the fashion dog world and are believed to have started in the USA around 30-years ago, much like many breeds on our list as people started looking for small dogs that will fit easily in their apartments. They’re gentle, playful, and super affectionate companions.
27. Jatzu (Japanese Chin x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 8-11 inches Female: 8-10 inches | Male: 8-14 pounds Female:8-14 pounds | 12-15 years | Affectionate, playful, loyal, curious, intelligent, friendly, gentle | Low |
The Japanese Chin (aka Japanese Spaniel) is most easily recognized by its especially flat face, long fluffy ears, and defining pattern around the eyes and ears. When these two purebred dogs are brought together, the resulting puppy often inherits more of the Chin parent’s features than the Shih-Tzu.
The likeness of the Jatzu to its Spaniel parent is likely because both breeds have flat faces and floppy ears. This means that the middle-ground tends to er more of the side of the Japanese Spaniel, with adorably wide-set eyes, long fluffy ears, and a similar patterning.
28. Sheltie Tzu (Shetland Sheepdog x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male:10-13 inches Female: 10-12 inches | Male: 16-20 pounds Female: 15-18 pounds | 11-15 years | Friendly, stubborn, gentle, playful, intelligent, laidback, calm | Moderate-High |
Shetland sheepdogs are workings dogs with extremely high intelligence capable of learning complex commands. Resultantly, the Sheltie-Tzu often shares in this intelligence. This makes them rational, trainable, stubborn, and in constant need of mental stimulation. In addition, Sheltie-Tzus are super playful pups that adore being surrounded by family!
However, equally, a Sheltie-Tzu will be perfectly capable of spending time alone if needs be. They’re generally laidback and pretty calm once the playtime zoomies wear off, which makes for the ideal fluffy companion for a working family.
29. Italian Tzu (Italian Greyhound x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 13-15 inches Female: 13-15 inches | Male: 15-25 pounds Female: 15-25 pounds | 12-14 years | Anxious, vocal, needy, affectionate, gentle, loving, cautious, obedient | High |
They are naturally more slender than their Shih-Tzu parent, with longer necks, longer muzzles, and semi-floppy ears. These pups are capable of melting even the hardest of hearts in no time at all! Especially when those looks are combined with the shaggy, rough-around-the-edges fur that comes with mixing a long-haired dog breed with a short wire-haired breed.
This energetic dog requires short, active exercise (such as a run around the park or even agility training). Other than that, Italian Tzus are quite content with relaxing at home with their owners, as the Italian Greyhound was specifically bred to be a companion dog.
30. Shih-Mo (Shih Tzu x American Eskimo Dog Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 12-16 inches Female: 12- 15 inches | Male: 17-22 pounds Female: 15-21 pounds | 10-13 years | Child-friendly, playful, gentle, social, protective, loyal, adaptable | Moderate |
The slightly shortened semi-pricked ears of the Shih-Mo give this adorable pup a curious look, made especially cute by the downturn at the top of the ear, providing a puppy-like look. In addition, Shih-Mos tend to have longer muzzles than their purebred Shih -Tzu parents, with slightly more sculpted faces as a result.
However, the best part of the Shih-Mo breed, in our opinion, is the wonderfully flamboyant tail! Of course, not all Shih-Mos necessarily inherit this feature, but those that do have wild fluffy tails that curl right over their backs, giving them a joyful look to match those perky ears.
31. Fo-Tzu (Toy Fox Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 10-14 inches Female: 10-14 inches | Male: 8-13 pounds Female: 8-12 pounds | 12-15 years | Stubborn, energetic, intelligent, excitable, needy, anxoius | Moderate-High |
With the wild energy of a Toy Fox Terrier and the gentle nature of a Shih Tzu, the Fo-Tzu is a fun take on Shih-Tzu mix breeds. Toy Fox Terriers are known for their feisty play style and big personalities that contrast their tiny frames. Fo-Tzus frequently inherit these dominant traits from their Fox Terrier parent but are watered-down by the calmness of the Shih-Tzu.
That being said, Fo-Tzus are still known to be surprisingly stubborn, excitable, and a little bit difficult at times – especially if their Fox Terrier parent’s DNA is particularly dominant. Though they are also exceptionally loving, loyal, and verge on being needy, they need plenty of attention.
32. Shih-Apso (Shih Tzu x Lhasa Apso Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-11 inches Female: 9-11 inches | Male: 12-16 pounds Female: 12-16 pounds | 12-14 years | Calm, laidback, stubborn, anxious, affectionate, loving, protective | Low |
Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso are another pair of dogs that are exceptionally well-suited to one another. The Shih-Apso is a similar size, build, shape, and fur-type to the Shih-Tzu. Both are hypoallergenic, cool, calm, and collected, and have similar fur patterns. But when you put them together, you’re left with a stunning pup with soft, wavy fur that hits the mid-way point between the two breed standards.
The major benefit of having a mixed breed dog is that they’re generally more healthy than a purebred dog breed, as purebreds often have genetic abnormalities or hereditary conditions that are unavoidable. In contrast, the mix can help to water down the chances of those health problems occurring.
33. Shichon (Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-12 inches Female: 9-12 inches | Male: 9-15 pounds Female: 9-15 pounds | 12-18 years | Extrovert, intelligent, energetic, protective, needy, loving, empathetic | Moderate-High |
Shichons are another popular Shih-Tzu mix that is significantly more fluffy than their purebred Shih-Tzu parentage owing to the extremely fluffy coat of the Bichon Frise (a dog often styles to have a large afro-style cut around its head). Bot parent breeds are mostly white. However, you often find Shichons that have inherited their Shih-Tzu parent’s patterning.
They’re loveable, excitable pups that love to play with, cuddle, and protect their owners. Fortunately, they’re not a particularly yappy breed, but they can be quite wary when it comes to strangers with an instinct to want to ensure their owner is happy.
34. Care-Tzu (Cairn Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 9-13 inches Female: 9-13 inches | Male: 15-20 pounds Female: 15-20 pounds | 12-15 years | Intelligent, sociable, friendly, family-oriented, gentle, playful | Moderate |
The Cairn Terrier has a lot of similar traits to that of the Yorkshire Terrier, though they generally have more of a devil-may-care look about them. Care-Tzus usually inherit the mottled patterning and significantly coarser fur of their Cairn Terrier parents, making them look quite scruffy in the most adorable manner possible.
This is another designer breed that is very much sought after and easily bred because both parent breeds are very close in size, so there is no need for artificial insemination. They’re loveable, playful dogs gaining increased popularity in family settings.
35. Silky Tzu (Silky Terrier x Shih Tzu Mix)
| Height | Weight | Life Expectancy | Temperament | Energy Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male: 6-8 inches Female: 6-8 inches | Male: 8-13 pounds Female: 8-13 pounds | 12-15 years | Lively, affectionate, playful, energetic, nervous, catious, submissive | Moderate |
As you might expect with a name like this, the Silky-Tzu tend to inherit smoother, shinier qualities of the Silky Terrier parents, with a more sleek overall appearance than most other Sih-Tzu mixes. This is also a particularly small Shih-Tzu mixed breed, measuring up to just 8 inches in height and typically weighing no more than 13 pounds!
Silky-Tzus tend to have a nervous disposition, being such small dogs. Their tiny, fragile frames can be easily damaged. So they will exercise caution around new people and tend to have nervous accidents if they feel particularly stressed or cornered.
Conclusion
What more can we say? The 35 Shih-Tzu crossbreeds listed above are not only adorable, but they’re generally healthier than their purebred parents thanks to the mixture of genetics watering down the more severe hereditary conditions (though not always, such as in the case of mixing some large and small breeds). So we hope this wonderful list has put a smile on your face or even perhaps inspired you to look into getting one of these precious pups for yourself? Either way, we’re glad to have helped!
