Some of the most popular mixes include the Shorkie (Shih Tzu + Yorkshire Terrier), the Lhasa Apso (Shih Tzu + Lhasa Apso), and the Maltese (Shih Tzu + Maltese).
The Shih Tzu is a very friendly breed that comes in several colors, but they all have one thing in common – an adorable face.
The Shih Tzu is a dog that is known for its big ears, short legs, and long tail.
They love to play fetch, so it’s best to give them a ball or toy to keep them busy while you’re out shopping.
When choosing a Shih Tzu mix, there are several things to consider before deciding on which one will be right for your home.
Here are some important factors to take into account when looking at Shih Tzu mixes:
Breed History
Do your research on the history of the breed and what makes it different from other breeds.
Look for a reputable breeder who has been breeding dogs for years.
If possible, visit the kennel and meet the current owners.
Ask questions about how they raised their puppies and if they had any health issues.
Health Issues
Does the breeder have any health issues?
What health problems have they seen in their own pets?
Also ask about genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and epilepsy.
Size
How big are these dogs?
Are they small, medium, large, or extra large?
Also ask if they are a purebred or mixed breed.
A purebred puppy will cost more than a mixed breed puppy because they tend to have better health and better temperament.
Personality
Personality is another factor to consider.
Is this dog outgoing and playful or shy and reserved?
When selecting a Shih Tzu mix, remember that he needs time to warm up to you and others around him.
If you purchase a young pup, he may act like a little devil throughout his life, but if you get an older puppy, he should settle down just fine.
Behavioral Problems
Have these dogs ever exhibited behavioral problems?
Has anyone else experienced any problems with them?
It’s also a good idea to look at the parents of the puppy.
If they exhibit aggressive behavior, then you can expect the same in the future.
You want to make sure the parents were not abused or neglected during childhood.
Age
Puppies need lots of attention, especially in their first few months, so be prepared to give them that.
They also need plenty of exercise and socialization.
Older puppies need less care, but still require daily walks.
Adult puppies don’t need as much exercise as younger ones, but they do need daily walks.
Costs
The price of your puppy depends on several factors, including size, color, and age.
If you plan on having multiple puppies, you can save money by purchasing a mixed litter instead of buying purebred puppies.
Breeding Programs
There are many programs that offer free health certificates for puppies.
Check your local animal shelter or rescue group to see if they provide these certificates.
Many shelters also offer spay/neuter services.
Training
Training a puppy is a lifelong process, so start early.
You’ll need to teach your puppy basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
He’ll also need to learn housebreaking and leash training.
If you live in an apartment, you’ll have to train him to go outside without pulling you along.
Grooming
Grooming costs vary depending on the breed.
Most Shih Tzus come in black and white, so you won’t need to spend too much money on grooming supplies.
However, you can buy special shampoo and conditioner for black coats to help protect against matting.
What makes Shih Tzu mix special?
The Shih Tzu mix is a very special breed.
They’re not as rare as some other breeds, but they do have their quirks that make them difficult to train.
It’s also important to keep in mind that they require lots of exercise, especially when they’re puppies.
If you’re looking for a dog that will be your best friend forever, then get yourself a Shih Tzu mix!
Why a Shih Tzu mix?
The Shih Tzu is a very playful dog who loves to be around people.
Because of this, it makes sense why the breed would make for a great companion.
They love to interact with other dogs, and will do anything to get your attention.
These little guys have tiny paws which can cause them to trip over things easily, so if you want a small dog that requires less grooming, then the Shih Tzu is perfect for you!
If you’re interested in a Shih Tzu mix, then there’s no doubt that you’ll need to find out what type of mix you want.
While these two breeds are related, they don’t always look exactly alike.
Some of the most popular mixes include:
Lhasa Apso + Shih Tzu
Shorkie + Shih Tzu
Maltese + Shih Tzu
What are some popular Shih Tzu mixes?
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed, which means that it’s perfect for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a pet.
This makes them a great choice for those living in apartments or condominiums because they can fit into smaller spaces and don’t require much exercise.
They also make good companions for children due to their calm nature and playful natures.
Here are some of the most popular Shih Tzu mixes that you might see around town:
Shorkie
This is the Shih Tzu mix that started it all!
The Shorkie was bred by a breeder named William E.
Shorkie in 1945 as a cross between two breeds – the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier.
It was first registered as a separate breed in 1950, and since then has become one of the most popular Shih Tzu mixes out there.
The Shorkie is known for its short coat, which makes it ideal for cold weather climates like Canada, New England, and Alaska.
Its playful nature and friendly disposition makes it a great companion for kids and older adults.
However, it does need plenty of attention from its owners to keep it healthy and happy.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is another popular Shih Tzu mix that originated in Tibet.
While the Lhasa Apso shares many similarities with other dogs, it is still considered a distinct breed due to its long hair and large head.
It is also known as the “Tibetan Lion Dog” due to its resemblance to this animal.
This is due to the fact that the Lhasa Apso originated from Tibet, where lions were once used as hunting animals for royalty.
The Lhasa Apso is also known as the “King of Dogs” because of its regal attitude and proud demeanor.
This breed is best suited for homes with younger children, as they may be too rough for more mature children.
It also needs a lot of exercise to stay active, so it’s not recommended for apartment dwellers.
Maltese
The Maltese is a beautiful dog breed that originates from Malta.
These small dogs come in three different sizes, and the smallest size is only about 9 pounds.
While they look tiny, they can easily be trained to perform certain tasks and act just like larger dogs.
They are also easy to train, making them extremely popular among dog trainers.
The Maltese is well-known for its bright coloring and soft and fluffy fur.
They are also social dogs that love to play and interact with people.
Despite their small stature, these dogs do not require a lot of space, making them a great option for apartment dwellers.
They also make excellent house pets, especially if they live with kids who play rough with them.
What are the pros and cons of a Shih Tzu mix?
A Shih Tzu mix is another way to get your dog into the family without having to go through the process of adopting, or buying from a breeder.
However, there are some downsides to this as well.
Here’s what you need to know about Shih Tzu mixes before you decide to take on the responsibility of raising one yourself.
Pros
They’re less expensive than other breeds.
You don’t have to worry about finding homes for them if you want to sell them later.
They’re easier to train and housebreak because they’re not as stubborn as other dogs.
Some breeds may be more difficult to care for than others, such as small dogs.
The smaller breeds are often less aggressive and less intelligent.
They can be more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia.
Not all people will welcome a new addition to the family.
Preparing for your new Shih Tzu mix
Before you bring home your new puppy or kitten, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for your new Shih Tzu mix:
Bring food with you when you go to pick up your pup/kitten.
Make sure you have a crate for him or her.
Give them a bath before bringing them home.
Check if your local vet knows about your new pet.
Take them to obedience classes to get used to being around people.
Have fun!
Tips for living with a Shih Tzu mix
When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, it is always best to meet them first before making any final decision.
This will give you time to get to know your potential pet and make sure that the two of you are compatible.
If you are looking for a puppy to add to your family then you should be prepared to spend some time at the shelter or rescue center, as well as do some research online beforehand.
You can learn about the temperament, health, and size of the dogs there, so that when you see your chosen pup, you’ll already know what to expect.
You can also check out the breed standards and read up on the characteristics of the breed to help you decide whether this particular mix would be a good match for you and your lifestyle.
If you’re interested in adopting a mixed breed dog, then you may want to consider visiting local animal shelters or rescue organizations, where you can meet the animals in person and observe how they interact with others.
Once you’ve settled on the perfect dog, it’s important to remember that there are certain things that you need to take into consideration if you’re planning to share your home with your new friend.
For example, you’ll probably want to keep your Shih Tzu mix separated from other pets, including cats, birds, rabbits, and small children, since these animals don’t typically play well with other animals.
You should also avoid exposing your dog to fleas and ticks, which could lead to serious health issues, such as heartworm disease and Lyme disease, later on down the line.
The following are some tips for living with a Shih Tzu mix:
Keep him/her away from other animals and people who might frighten or upset him/her.
Make sure he/she has plenty of exercise time and attention.
Make sure you brush your dog regularly to remove dead hair, dander, and dirt, and to prevent matting and tangling.
Also, be sure to trim his nails regularly.
It is highly advisable to enroll your dog in obedience training classes, as this will allow you to teach him/her how to behave around strangers.
Don’t let your dog sleep near your bed because he/she could accidentally knock over anything that’s lying nearby, causing injury or damage.
Keep food bowls, toys, and other items away from your bed too.
Ensure that your dog doesn’t chew on furniture, carpets, shoes, and clothing.
He/she should only eat dry food, not wet food or treats.
It is also important to feed him/her daily to keep him/her healthy and active.
Always supervise your dog while he/she is eating.
Don’t leave food unattended or place it near the couch.
Never hit or spank your dog, even though he/she misbehaves.
Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques to train him/her to stop bad habits.
If you notice that your dog is getting sick or injured, make sure that you call your veterinarian immediately.
He/she should receive proper medical care as soon as possible.
When you go out for the day, always take along your dog’s leash, collar, food bowl, and water dish.
Never leave your dog alone, especially when you’re going out for long periods of time.
If you live in an apartment building, make sure that your dog is microchipped, so that you can return it to its owner if lost.
Take your dog to the vet for regular visits and vaccinations.
Be sure to bring proof of inoculation records, such as a vaccination certificate or a veterinary record card, whenever you visit the vet.
Do not leave your dog alone in hot weather, as he/she could suffer heat stroke.
If you have multiple dogs in your household, make sure that they are properly socialized and trained to avoid aggressive behavior towards each other.
Be aware that your dog may shed, so try to keep him/her clean by brushing him/her regularly to remove loose hair.
Remember that your dog needs enough space to move around freely, so you should never restrict him/her from leaving the house.
Try to limit your dog’s exposure to toxic chemicals, such as cleaning products, paints, and pesticides.
These substances can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and liver damage.
For older dogs, make sure that you provide them with sufficient amounts of fresh and nutritious food every day.
They won’t grow old gracefully if they aren’t fed properly.
Keep your dog’s environment clean and free of odors.
This way, he/she won’t become ill easily.
If you want to improve your dog’s quality of life, you should regularly take him/her swimming and walking in the park.
This will keep him/her fit and active.
If your dog suffers from arthritis, back pain, or hip dysplasia, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for advice on how to treat him/her.
How do I choose the right Shih Tzu mix for me?
If you’re looking to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue, you should be aware that not every type of Shih Tzu will make the perfect match for everyone.
In fact, some may even need specialized training before they can be adopted out.
If you want to find out more about which breeds are best suited for different situations, check out our article on finding the right puppy for you.
Here’s why:
Some Shih Tzu mixes come in multiple sizes, so if you’ve got a small apartment, you might prefer a smaller dog.
On the other hand, if you live in a larger home, you could benefit from a bigger dog that doesn’t overwhelm your space.
Not all Shih Tzu mixes are good with cats and other dogs.
If you already have a pet cat or another dog at home, you may want to consider a dog that’s better with people than animals.
The temperament of a particular breed varies wildly, so it’s important to research the potential behaviors of any breed you’re considering adopting.
For example, some Shih Tzu mixes like the Shorkie, who is known to be more aggressive than others, may not work well with children or other pets at home.
A lot of Shih Tzu mixes require special diets, and while this isn’t an issue for every breed, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a particular mix.
For example, the Shorkie has been known to suffer from gingivitis because they don’t chew enough.
Most Shih Tzu mixes will require regular grooming – this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does take time to learn how to properly groom your new pup.
And since there are so many variations of the breed, you’ll likely need to invest in supplies such as scissors and combs.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
