Dogs can be everyone’s best friend in the family. They are some of the most adorable, loving, and friendly creatures. Regardless of whether you are a first-time or experienced dog parent, you will find yourself at the point of looking for either a suitable breed, ideal foods, or seeking to understand their traits.

Shih Tzus are beautiful and easily lovable dogs. They are small and like to play a lot. They get along well with family members and can be fluffy. These dogs tend to be lazy and, every once in a while, stubborn. Like every dog breed, there is plenty to love and also think about considering the Shh Tzu.

This breed mainly features dogs of small to medium sizes. Most families and individuals find them a great size; it makes them manageable in training, exercising, and feeding. There is, however, their traits to think about. Due to their stubborn and lazy nature, they may require some consistency and patience.

Over the years, this breed has been mixed with various others, resulting in beautiful and friendly dogs, often in a variety of colors. Due to their size, it would not be a good idea to interbreed Shih Tzus with larger dogs. Also, dogs with flat snouts can result in mixes that have complications.

Some of the mixes that have come up with cute, lovable dogs are as follows:

Shih Poo

Shih Poos result from Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. Some people know them as Pooshi or Shoodle. These dogs do not shed much and are friendly. They are full of energy at an early age but do not require plenty of exercises; they will do with daily walks. Due to their explorative nature, a change of scenery and environments can be good for them.

These dogs can grow attached and require love and attention. While they do not shed much, you will have to maintain their fluffy cots regularly; a duration of four to six weeks is a reasonable time to see a groomer. Their common colors are black, brindle, brown, white, among various others.

Shih Poos are small dogs and weigh an average of 8 to 18 pounds. They will do well in almost any home with a happy and loving caregiver; small apartments or big houses will work the same for them. These dogs, however, may require training and exposure for better cohabitation with other pets.

Summarily, this mix features small dogs of 8 to 18 pounds. They do well in all homes and get along well with families due to their friendly and gentle nature. They have plenty of energy, especially at young ages, but require only simple exercise daily. They do not shed much but will do well with regular grooming.

Shorkie

Shorkies result from Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu; this is an even smaller breed, which features dogs of averagely 4 to 12 pounds. Shorkies, however, tend to act beyond their sizes and can get so protective. While this is not a bad thing, their barking can become displeasing. Early training, therefore, is necessary.

These dogs come with soft coats, which they do not shed much but require regular grooming and maintenance. Therefore, after six to eight weeks, you can always pay a visit to a groomer. The coats can vary in color but are mostly a mixture of brown and white or brown and black

Their traits are not the easiest to handle; they are loyal but tend to be stubborn. Therefore, training requires consistency and patience. These dogs are also friendly and lovable but do not do well with children—they dislike them; you may want to consider getting them for a home with adults.

Shorkies cohabitate peacefully with other dogs and pets. Like most breeds, however, they will require training and exposure from an early age. Summarily, you may love these dogs for their small size. They are adorable, playful, and loyal. They will require grooming and prefer adult company.

Havashu

Havashus result from Shih Tzu and a Havanese. Most families keep these adorable dogs for companionship. They are small, weighing an average of 8 to 15 lbs. Nevertheless, their friendliness and love for people make them sociable. They love company and will do well with children as well as the old.

These dogs also cohabitate peacefully with other pets and would best suit large families. Their coats are low-shedding and require regular maintenance and brushing. Whenever possible, you can also consider paying a visit to a groomer in six-week intervals; it helps improve their health and hygiene.

They come in various coat colors, such as brindle, brown, black, and white. These dogs are relatively easy to train, thanks to their responsiveness and aptness to commands and instructions. However, they tend to get bored and can grow uninterested in the entire exercise.

You do not need to punish their stubborn nature; they do well with positive reinforcement. Summarily, you may love Havashus for their friendliness and companionship. They live well with families and cohabitate peacefully with other pets. Nevertheless, their coats require regular grooming and maintenance.

Mal-Shi

Mal-Shis result from Maltese and a Shih Tzu. Some people know them as Shih-tese, Mal-Tzu, or Malti-zu. These dogs have low-shedding coats and are generally easygoing. They are small at an average of 6 to 12 pounds; you may also find them loving and friendly. This breed does well with children and lives happily in families.

Their coats are silky and require regular maintenance and brushing. Whenever possible, you can pay a visit to a groomer after four to eight weeks. Thanks to their character, you may find them relatively easy to train. They will also be okay with a little exercise every day; their preference would be to nap for the better part of the day.

Something lovely about this breed is that the dogs easily adjust to your routines. They can, therefore, get about playing and exercising if you would like to; they have activatable active and playful traits. Alternatively, they can relax and rest all day if that would be your preference—they love it too.

Summarily, this is another low-shedding breed that requires regular grooming and coat maintenance; they are small, loving, and friendly. These dogs also get along well with children and other family members. They do not need much exercise daily but quickly adjust to routines.

Care-Tzu 

Care-Tzus result from Cairn Terrier and a Shih Tzu. They are some of the cutest, lovable, and playful dogs. They possess plenty of energy and will do well in most, if not all homes. These dogs love children and relate well to other family members. Unlike most breeds discussed, they are rather large at an average of 15 to 20 pounds.

They shed their scruffy coats more than most mixes do, but it is still manageable. You will generally find them different in both appearance and characteristics. Nevertheless, they are a lovely breed that your family may love. While they come in various colors, most are white or brown.

Due to their different coats, they do not require trimming. However, their shedding qualifies them for regular brushing and bathing. They tend to get distracted, which can complicate training, but they make up for it with their intelligence and responsiveness to commands and lessons.

Unlike mixes that we have discussed, this breed needs regular exercise and physical activity. Therefore, they would suit an active family or a parent who is available for long walks. Summarily, these dogs are a little larger and more energetic. They love children and are intelligent and responsive to commands.

Shiranian 

Shiranians result from Pomeranian and a Shih Tzu. They are small, fluffy dogs that mostly average 4 to 16 lbs. Families love Shiranians for their friendly nature; they do well with children and enjoy spending time with everyone else. They also cohabitate peacefully with other pets.

These dogs tend to get attached and can thus give their caregivers a hard time. Training them can also be complicated due to their stubbornness. Nevertheless, they are lovely dogs that shed a little more than most mixes we will discuss. You can, however, try to manage them with regular grooming.

Whenever possible, you can pay a visit to a groomer; however, be sure to note the thickness of your dog’s coat. If it is too short, you may want to reconsider. A parent should be ready for the maintenance Shiranians require. They come in a variety of colors but are mostly gold, orange, brown, or black.

These dogs do not need much exercise or physical stimulation. They will do with short, daily walks and some exploration but generally tire fast. Summarily, you may find them adorable, friendly, and loyal. Their shedding requires regular grooming; they are also good with a little daily exercise.

Bea-Tzu

Bea-Tzus result from Shih Tzu and a Beagle. They are larger than most mixes, weighing an average of 15 to 25 pounds. You may find them playful, thanks to their high energy. They are also good with children and relate well to other family members; they cohabitate peacefully with other pets.

Their silky coats are soft and have patterns of brown and white. You will note that they are fluffy and have short snouts. They may not shed too much, but expect some of it; their floppy ears are also long and require regular checking and cleaning for general good health and hygiene.

These dogs’ high energies do not call for matching exercise or training needs. Therefore, they will do with something simple but consistent; daily walks and playtime are okay. However, do not overlook this need for exercise and stimulation; to remain happy, they will have to do something they love.

Summarily, you may find this breed to be larger than most Shih Tzu mixes. They love children and do well in families; they also experience some shedding and need their ears regularly checked and cleaned. They do not require much training but will be happy with simple, regular stimulation.

ShiChi

ShiChis result from Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua. These are among the smallest mixes you will come across for Shih Tzus, weighing an average of 3 to 9 lbs. Some people know them as Chi-Tzu or Chi-Shi. You may find them lovable and friendly. They love people and will relate well, but they can be wary of children and pets they do not know.

These dogs come with coats of varying lengths and colors. They can be cream, black, brown, or white. They are not known shedders, but when they do, then it will be little. For their maintenance and generally good health and hygiene, they may need regular bathing and brushing.

ShiChis have energy and love playing; they will do well with walks or little exercise daily, but nothing too strenuous since they tend to tire quickly. Their sharp barks call for training, but you may not find it easy due to their stubbornness. A parent, therefore, will have to use positive reinforcements and be patient.

Summarily, these dogs are small and love the company of people they know. They do not require much maintenance and love to play, but for reasonable amounts of time. They need early training but tend to be stubborn; you can try positive reinforcements and be patient.

Shichon 

Shichons result from Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Some people know them as Tzu Frise, or Zuchon. These dogs weigh an average of 10 to 15 pounds, and pet-owners know them for their softness and cuddly nature. These are among the friendliest dogs you will come across; they will not only love you but also relate well to your children.

Shichons also cohabitate peacefully with other pets. They look attractive in their white color, often with gray, black, or brown patches. They experience low shedding and regularly require proper grooming and maintenance. Besides brushing, you can consider visiting a groomer after four to eight months.

These dogs do well with only a little exercise; whenever possible, you can go out for a play, run, or anything brief and exciting. Long walks tire them. Nevertheless, due to their nature, they tend to develop separation anxiety and will need a lot of your presence.

Summarily, Shichons are soft-coated dogs that look cuddly. They are friendly and relate well to people and children; they cohabitate peacefully with other pets. Their low shedding requires regular maintenance. You will also note that short walks or plays are enough for them. Naturally, they develop separation anxiety.

Bo Shih 

Bo Shihs result from a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. These dogs weigh an average of 12 to 18 pounds and are adorable. They possess plenty of energy and will seek attention in their attempt to win more of your time. You may also find them loyal; these dogs can get separation anxiety should you leave them alone for long.

They are friendly and relate well to family members and children; they also cohabitate peacefully with other pets. However, you will find it essential to train and expose them from an early age. They look attractive in their red and white or black and white pattern over their long, soft coats.

You may be disappointed with their shedding, which they often do and will require regular brushing and bathing. These dogs do not need much training; anything simple like walks or brief playtime will do. Training them, however, is not easy and will call for plenty of patience and consistency. With time, they get better on positive reinforcements.

Schweenie 

Schweenies result from Shih Tzu and a Dachshund. They are fluffy, with long bodies and short legs, and weigh an average of 10 to 18 pounds. These are playful, energetic, and friendly dogs. They love people and do well in children’s company; however, they can get wary of new dogs or pets without earlier and proper exposure.

Their short coats are soft and smooth; they shed it a little and are okay without haircuts. However, they will require regular brushing and bathing for general hygiene and good health. They have floppy ears prone to infections; you may want to ensure they remain clean always.

What is more, these dogs have coats of a variety of colors; most are brindle, white, black, or brown. Their high energies do not reflect their energy requirements; they will do well with something simple daily, like walks or playtime. They tend to tire fast due to their short legs.

Summarily, you may love these dogs for their friendly nature and high energy; they relate well to people and children. They also have soft coats that they do not shed often. These dogs come in a variety of colors and require only simple exercise daily. You may easily love their easy management.

Choosing a Shih Tzu Mix

Above are some of the most popular mixes of Shih Tzu. You may already be familiar with some or are new to all; take your time to determine the breed that will suit you and your family best. You may also be happy to know that what we have discussed are not all the available mixes.

We have different preferences; since these dogs have varied characteristics, you can choose them based on what you like most or do not like about them. They are as follows:

Low-shedding mixes

Most of these mixes do not shed much, thanks to the hair covering their bodies, as opposed to fur, which is most common with other dogs. Heavy shedders could have something exciting or desirable about them; however, if you would prefer low-shedders, then you have plenty of options to choose. 

Some include the Crested Tzu (a mix with the Chinese Crested), the Mal-Shi (a mix with the Maltese), the Shih Poo (a mix with the Toy Poodle), the Shichon (a mix with the Bichon Frise), and the Havashu (a mix with the Havanese).

Fluffiest mixes

If you love cuddly dogs, then Shih Tzus may amaze you with their soft coats. Some of their mixes result in fluffier dogs. They will have various coat types, so you should expect to come across some low-shedding breeds and others that shed a little more than their kinds.

They include but are not limited to the Bolo Tzu (a mix with the Bolognese), the Mal-Shi (a mix with the Maltese), the Shiranian (a mix with the Pomeranian), the Shichon (a mix with the Bichon Frise), and the Havashu (a mix with the Havanese).

Mixes for families

While some of these dogs are friendly, others do not do well in children’s company or even adults, besides their caregivers. However, some Shih Tzu mixes feature dogs that get along well with family members and love children. If this is your concern, then you have plenty of options to choose.

They include but are not limited to the Bo Shih (a mix with the Boston Terrier), the Havashu (a mix with the Havanese), the Shorgi (a mix with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi), the Shichon (a mix with the Bichon Frise), and the Care-Tzu (a mix with the Cairn Terrier).

Friendliest mixes

Some Shih Tzus do well with families and children but are not exactly the friendliest you can find. Some of the most adorable and most social of these mixes include but are not limited to the Bea-Tzu (a mix with the Beagle), the Coton Tzu (a mix with the Coton De Tulear), the Shorkie (a mix with the Yorkshire Terrier), the Shih Poo (a mix with the Toy Poodle), and the Cava Tzu (a mix with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).

Energetic mixes

Energetic dogs can be fun to be around; they love to play and run free, besides exercising and even joining on hikes. Some of the most active of these mixes include but are not limited to the Bea-Tzu (a mix with the Beagle), the Care-Tzu (a mix with the Cairn Terrier), the Bo Shih (a mix with the Boston Terrier), the Auss-Tzu (a mix with the miniature Australian Shepherd), and the Jack Tzu (a mix with the Jack Russel Terrier).

Easiest mixes to train

Easy-to-train breeds make work easy. Some dogs can keep you busy for hours due to their stubbornness or complicated characters. The following are easy mixes to train: the Auss-Tzu (a mix with the miniature Australian Shepherd), the Papastzu (a mix with the Papillon), the Sheltie Tzu (a mix with the Shetland Sheepdog), the Schnau-Tzu (a mix with the Schnauzer), and the Havashu (a mix with the Havanese).

Leave a comment