Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix: Your Complete Guide
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is small, but this breed packs a lot of personality. Both the parent breeds of this mix, the purebred shih tzu and the purebred Chihuahua, are known for their sass, their loyalty to their families, and their playful nature – the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is no different in this regard.
A relatively new breed to the dog world, the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is spunky and lovable, something that contributes to this breed’s increasing popularity.
If you’re interested in learning more about the shih tzu Chihuahua mix, or if you are considering adding this pup to your family, it’s important to understand the basics about this dog and what it takes to properly care for them.
Quick Look at the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 9 to 12 inches, 9 to 16 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short to medium, straight to wavy |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Loyal, sassy, playful, outgoing |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
What Is the History of Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix, often referred to as a shichi, is a relatively newer designer dog breed. The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is a blend of the purebred shih tzu dog and the purebred Chihuahua, a mix that results in a small dog with a lot of personality.
Shih tzu Chihuahua mixes are primarily bred as companion dogs, and these small pups fit easily into homes or apartments.
Like with many mixed breed dogs, it’s often difficult to identify certain aspects of this dog that remain consistent throughout each generation; a shih tzu Chihuahua mix may take after either parent more heavily, or they may be a perfect mix of both parents.
It’s important to look at the traits and the appearances of the parent breeds when possible to get a more accurate idea of what your shih tzu Chihuahua mix will look like and how they will behave.
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is not officially recognized as a mixed breed in any kennel club, though they are gaining popularity. You can expect these dogs to be small, loving, and loyal, in addition to being an ideal companion dog for many individuals.
What Do Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Look Like?
Due to the lack of breed standardization with the shih tzu Chihuahua mix, these dogs can vary in appearance quite a bit. You may find that your shih tzu Chihuahua mix looks more like a Chihuahua, more like a shih tzu, or like a perfect mix of both dogs.
The coat of the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is typically one solid color with white, shades of brown, and black being common. You may see dogs that have bi-color coats occasionally. The shih tzu Chihuahua mix has a short to medium-length straight or wavy coat, and they will have ears that stay pointed or flop down depending on which parent they take after.
The expression of the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is open and friendly, and they have small, compact bodies complete with a straight tail.
What Size Is a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is a small dog, and they are generally small enough to be considered a toy breed. This dog stands between 9 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder, and they will weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. Dogs that take more after their shih tzu parent tend to be a little larger than those who primarily take after their Chihuahua parent.
What Is a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix’s Coat Type and Length?
The coat of the shih tzu Chihuahua mix ranges from short to medium in length, and it will be straight smooth hair or wavy, more silky hair. Dogs that take more after the Chihuahua parent tend to have short and straight hair, while the shih tzu’s genetics result in longer and wavier hair.
What Is a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix’s Temperament?
Both the purebred shih tzu and Chihuahua dogs are known for their devoted natures, and the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is no different. This dog is loving and loyal towards its owners, though it typically picks one or two favorite people to stick to the closest.
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix has some sass, and they can be independent and strong-willed with their ideas of what goes on around their home. Despite their small size, these dogs may start to think they’re in charge of their home, which is why training is necessary to ensure these pups don’t develop any unwanted behaviors.
Shih tzu Chihuahua mixes are great companion animals, as they love to be near their owners when possible. These dogs are also playful and outgoing, and they enjoy spending their time playing with their toys or running around outside with their families.
You can expect your shih tzu Chihuahua mix to have a fondness for being comfortable, and they are happy to curl up alongside you in bed after a long day.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Good With Kids?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is generally tolerant of children, but it’s important to instill how to handle animals properly into any children that live around your dog.
Rough play should be avoided and young children who don’t know how to safely interact with animals should be kept away from the shih tzu Chihuahua mix. Because of its small size, it is easily injured with rougher play and children grabbing at this dog may result in growling or nipping due to the shih tzu Chihuahua mix feeling threatened.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Good With Other Animals?
Most of the time, a shih tzu Chihuahua mix is good with other animals if they are socialized early on. The shih tzu Chihuahua mix does have a territorial streak, and they might bark or growl at other dogs or even cats in their homes that they aren’t properly introduced to.
You should also keep in mind that the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is a small dog, and a home with other large dogs might result in injury unless playtime is supervised, and your dogs are very gentle with each other.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Aggressive?
While the Chihuahua has somewhat of a reputation for being cantankerous, the shih tzu Chihuahua mix is generally gentle and loving.
These dogs aren’t known for being especially aggressive, though they can develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or growling if they feel territorial over their homes or even over a certain person. Proper training for your shih tzu Chihuahua mix is necessary to curb any unwanted behaviors and ensure that they stay calm and confident in your home.
Do Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Bark?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix does have higher than average barking habits, and this dog does seem to love the sound of its own voice. Your shih tzu Chihuahua mix is likely to bark to alert you of threats outside, or things such as leaves falling by the window or packages being delivered.
To an extent, this dog can be trained to bark when necessary, but you should note that you cannot completely take away the vocal nature of this dog – they bark when happy, to voice opinions, to play, and to alert their owners of things. They might not be the best choice for an apartment with noise restrictions unless lots of training is received.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Affectionate?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is meant to be a companion dog, and they are affectionate to their owners. Generally, this dog will have one or two people that they’ve decided are their favorite, and they will cuddle up to them the most.
Your shih tzu Chihuahua mix is likely to be friendly and outgoing to most people in their family, though they can be more reserved around strangers and take a little longer to warm up to people outside their immediate family unit.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Intelligent?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is considered to have average to high intelligence, and how smart your dog is depends on their parents and their individual personality. There are no breed standards, so there might be a range of intelligence for this dog.
However, you can expect your shih tzu Chihuahua mix to be alert, curious, and observant. Occasionally, these dogs will use their higher intelligence to be more mischievous, especially when they feel they haven’t received enough attention or playtime.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Energetic?
Shih tzu Chihuahua mixes are fairly energetic, though their small size ensures that their exercise needs aren’t too extensive. Depending on your specific dog, they may only need two shorter walks per day and around 30 minutes of dedicated playtime each day, or they may need longer walks and repeated playtime sessions each day.
Pay attention to your shih tzu Chihuahua mix’s specific needs to ensure you are giving them the exercise they need to stay happy.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Easy to Train?
While shih tzu Chihuahua mixes are generally considered to be intelligent, they can be somewhat stubborn and strong-willed. This dog is curious and alert, but they aren’t as eager to please their owners as other breeds, and they easily lose focus when training unless very high-value rewards are offered to keep them paying attention.
Most shih tzu Chihuahua mixes can learn basic obedience skills, but it may be more difficult to teach them complex tasks.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Good Watchdogs?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is very alert, and they can be territorial over their homes and families. These dogs may be good watchdogs as they are brave, and they have no problem barking to alert their owner of a potential threat outside.
It’s important to note that this dog does have a vocal nature, so training to help your dog identify real threats only might be necessary to make them into a reliable watchdog.
Are Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Good Service Dogs?
Shih tzu Chihuahua mixes aren’t the best choice for service dog tasks, as these dogs are too small to complete many of the important service dog skills needed by individuals; they aren’t able to guide or provide mobility support due to their small size, and they are likely not strong enough to retrieve most important items for their owners.
It can also be difficult to teach shih tzu Chihuahua mixes the more complex tasks that service dogs need to learn.
However, shih tzu Chihuahua mixes can make good emotional support animals, as they love to spend time with their owners and their companionship may help alleviate the symptoms of certain mental health conditions in some individuals.
How to Care for a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix doesn’t have very extensive care needs, but there are certain tasks you will need to complete to make sure this dog stays happy in your home. You will need to walk your shih tzu Chihuahua mix at least twice a day, and they will benefit from a minimum of 30 minutes of dedicated playtime each day.
When home alone, make sure your shih tzu Chihuahua mix has plenty of interactive toys to keep them entertained. Try not to leave your dog alone for more than 6 to 8 hours, as this breed can develop anxiety issues and loneliness that cause them to act out.
Take your shih tzu Chihuahua mix to a small dog park often to allow them the chance to run around with other dogs. You should train your shih tzu Chihuahua mix to curb any unwanted behaviors like unnecessary barking and introduce them to other pets slowly with monitored interactions.
Feed your shih tzu Chihuahua mix a quality diet of wet or dry food, take your dog for regular veterinary visits, and brush them a couple of times a week to ensure they stay feeling and looking their best.
Do You Need to Groom a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix?
You will need to brush your shih tzu Chihuahua mix one or two times a week, depending on how long their fur is. Dogs with longer fur will typically need more extensive grooming and regular trims to keep their locks looking their best. Bathe your shih tzu Chihuahua mix as needed and make sure their nails are trimmed on a consistent basis.
Do Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Shed?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix can be an above-average shedder, and dogs with short, straight fur are typically more prone to shedding than dogs with longer fur. Regular brushing and baths will help you contain the amount of shed fur your shih tzu Chihuahua mix leaves around your home.
What Health Problems Do Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Have?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix can be fragile due to their small size, and they are prone to certain health conditions due to inherited genetics. Health issues to look out for in your dog include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, dental problems, eye problems, and breathing issues, which might occur if your dog has a short snout.
Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and take them for annual or semi-annual veterinary visits to ensure they stay healthy and that potential health issues are caught before they become more serious for your pup.
How Long Do Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mixes Live?
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix, like most smaller dogs, has a lengthier lifespan. You can expect your dog to live between 12 and 15 years, and you can ensure your pup has a long, healthy life by providing them with proper care and regular veterinary visits.
What Should a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Eat?
A shih tzu Chihuahua mix typically doesn’t need to eat too much each day due to their smaller size, but their food should be split into two to four meals per day to help accommodate their smaller stomachs.
Feed your shih tzu Chihuahua mix around half of a cup to a cup of food per day; you can feed wet food, dry food, or a combination of these as needed. Speak with a veterinarian if you have concerns about feeding your shih tzu Chihuahua mix.
Is a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix the Right Dog for Me?
Shih tzu Chihuahua mixes are small companion dogs with large personalities. These dogs are generally attached to their owners, and they can be both playful and outgoing. Your shih tzu Chihuahua mix will bring a sense of fun and sassiness to your life, and many individuals love these dogs’ upbeat attitudes.
The shih tzu Chihuahua mix is the right dog for you if you are looking for a small companion dog, you live in an apartment or other smaller space, and you want a loyal dog that doesn’t have extremely extensive exercise needs.
These dogs are great for single individuals, couples, or seniors due to their relatively easy care needs and their love of spending time with their favorite person.