Designer dogs have become quite popular today, and you may have even heard of some of them. Some of the older designer breeds are Cock-a-Poos, Labradoodles and Peka-Poos. However, more and more today, various Shih Tzu mixes have turned up, like the Shihchon, Shih-Poo, Shihpom, Mal-Shi, and Bo-Shih.
Shih Tzu mix designer breeds are quite popular today, and there are many different types available. The build of some mixes of the Shih Tzu are discussed in more detail below. The Mal-Shi: The Mal-Shi is also known by many different names including the Shima, Shih-Tese and Malti-Tzu. These lap dogs were created by crossing Maltese with Shih Tzus. Mal-Shis are sweet dogs that love nothing more than to spend time with their human family members. They typically weigh between five and 15 pounds and have long, flowing coats that come in such colors as partis, white or cream. The Bo-Shih: The Bo-Shih is fast becoming popular today. This little dog is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Boston Terrier. These dogs resemble long-haired Boston Terriers. They are typically black and white with medium-length hair, drop or prick ears and a short muzzle. Adults can weigh anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds and can have either a docked or naturally long tail.
Personality
Like the Shih Tzu, the Shih Tzu Mix is a lap dog, they love to snuggle up and receive belly rubs. They are generally well-behaved, very affectionate and don't need a lot of exercise. The personalities of some mixes of the Shih Tzu are discussed in more detail below. The Shihchon: One of the most popular Shih Tzu mix dogs today is the Shihchon, which is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. This unique mixture creates a lovely little dog breed that typically has the Shih Tzu's flat face and the Bichon Frise's luxurious fluffy coat. These are lap dogs that only grow to about 10 to 15 pounds and can come in parti colors or pure white. The Shih-Poo: The Shih-poo is another popular Shih Tzu designer dog that is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. Also known as Shihzoodles, these lively little dogs often grow to only about 10 to 15 pounds and sport medium to long silky coats. They can come in a variety of colors including partis, white, cream, red, apricot, chocolate and black. Many Shih-poos have short muzzles like that of the Shih Tzu. The Shihpom: The Shihpom is known by many names including Shiranian, Pom-Tzu and Shih-a-Pom. This adorable little dog breed was created by mixing Shih Tzus with Pomeranians. These dogs often have long, luxurious coats that come in a wide array of colors such as partis, orange, red, white, cream, sables, and black and tan. Shihpoms can weigh anywhere from five to 15 pounds, have drop or prick ears and tails that flow over the back.
Breed Characteristics
Type: | Pure |
Family: | Herders |
Function: | Not Available |
Origin: | China |
Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
Group: | Toy |
Life Span: | 12-16 Years |
Nicknames: | The Shihchon, Shih-Poo, Shihpom, Mal-Shi, Bo-Shih |
Hypoallergenic: | No |
Shih Tzu Mix Build Information
Shih Tzu mix designer breeds are quite popular today, and there are many different types available. The build of some mixes of the Shih Tzu are discussed in more detail below. The Mal-Shi: The Mal-Shi is also known by many different names including the Shima, Shih-Tese and Malti-Tzu. These lap dogs were created by crossing Maltese with Shih Tzus. Mal-Shis are sweet dogs that love nothing more than to spend time with their human family members. They typically weigh between five and 15 pounds and have long, flowing coats that come in such colors as partis, white or cream. The Bo-Shih: The Bo-Shih is fast becoming popular today. This little dog is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Boston Terrier. These dogs resemble long-haired Boston Terriers. They are typically black and white with medium-length hair, drop or prick ears and a short muzzle. Adults can weigh anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds and can have either a docked or naturally long tail.
Size: | Toy |
Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
Weight: | < 14 lbs |
Litter Size: | 1 - 3 Puppies |
Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Like the Shih Tzu, the Shih Tzu Mix is a lap dog, they love to snuggle up and receive belly rubs. They are generally well-behaved, very affectionate and don't need a lot of exercise. The personalities of some mixes of the Shih Tzu are discussed in more detail below. The Shihchon: One of the most popular Shih Tzu mix dogs today is the Shihchon, which is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. This unique mixture creates a lovely little dog breed that typically has the Shih Tzu's flat face and the Bichon Frise's luxurious fluffy coat. These are lap dogs that only grow to about 10 to 15 pounds and can come in parti colors or pure white. The Shih-Poo: The Shih-poo is another popular Shih Tzu designer dog that is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. Also known as Shihzoodles, these lively little dogs often grow to only about 10 to 15 pounds and sport medium to long silky coats. They can come in a variety of colors including partis, white, cream, red, apricot, chocolate and black. Many Shih-poos have short muzzles like that of the Shih Tzu. The Shihpom: The Shihpom is known by many names including Shiranian, Pom-Tzu and Shih-a-Pom. This adorable little dog breed was created by mixing Shih Tzus with Pomeranians. These dogs often have long, luxurious coats that come in a wide array of colors such as partis, orange, red, white, cream, sables, and black and tan. Shihpoms can weigh anywhere from five to 15 pounds, have drop or prick ears and tails that flow over the back.
Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
Barking: | Noisy |
Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
Guardian Skills: | No |
Independant: | No |
Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
Grooming a Shih Tzu Mix is high maintenance, because they need daily brushing and their coats should be clipped regularly. Their ears should be checked regularly.
Colors: | Black & White, Tri-Color |
Shedding: | Moderate |
Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Coat Type: | Dense |
Shih Tzu Mix Common Health Conditions
Shih Tzu mixes can suffers from many of the health problems common to Shih Tzu dogs and other small dog breeds. These health conditions are, among others, luxating patellas, renal dysplasia, eye problems, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and distichiasis. Some dental problems these tiny dogs suffer are misaligned or missing teeth, and underbites. Shih Tzu mixes can suffer from respiratory issues common among short nosed dogs (brachycephalic breeds).
Shih Tzu Mix Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The most popular Shih Tzu mixes today are the Shihchon, Shih-Poo, Shihpom, Mal-Shi, Bo-Shih, other mixes you may wish to consider include the Shinese (Shih Tzu and Pekingese), the Cava-Tzu (Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and the Ratshi (Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu).
Training: | Hard |
Hunting Companion: | No |
Jolly for Jogging: | No |
Sighting Capabilities: | No |
Ideal for Tracking: | No |
Retrieving Skills: | No |
Pointing Breed: | No |
Herding Skills: | No |
Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
Security Guard Capable: | No |
Police Performer: | No |
Wet Water rescues: | No |
Assist Disable Owners: | No |
Dog Sledding: | No |
Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
Agile/Zippy: | No |
Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
Obedient: | No |
Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
Trainable for Tricks: | No |