13 Things to Know about the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

If you’re in the market for a miniature pup, why not get acquainted with this toy dog – the Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix? Also known as a ShiChi, Shi Chi or a ChiTzu, this designer breed is a new crossbreed that exemplifies the saying “dynamite comes in small packages”, all while tugging on your heartstrings.

The personalities of the Shih Tzu and the Chihuahua could not be more opposite. Shih Tzus are known to have sophisticated and calm personalities, while Chihuahuas are bold and spirited. So, what happens when you cross these two breeds? In this guide, you’ll discover the 13 things to know about this popular Shih Tzu mix.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix: 13 Things to Know

1. The Origins of a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

A crossbreed will always be unpredictable in terms of its appearance and temperament. With this particular mixed breed, the ShiChi can inherit the bossy nature of its Chihuahua parent or the easy-going demeanor of its Shih Tzu parent. It all depends on which parent’s genes are more prominent in the Shih Tzu Chihuahua breed.

Here is a little bit about each of the parent breeds of the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, affectionately named the ‘Lion Dog’ in Chinese culture, is a fluffy, friendly purebred. These dogs have been around since ancient China. The lion dog was once considered royalty and can be seen in 2000-year-old tapestries. Their popularity remains to this day.

The Shih Tzu is an independent dog and can make for an excellent watchdog because of its loud bark. They were initially bred for this purpose. Shih Tzus are alert, playful, and fun-loving. They love to make friends with anyone, adult or child, and can even enjoy the company of other dogs.

Shih Tzus require little grooming, they are easy to train, and require little exercise to stay healthy. Shih Tzus can live for up to 13 years and make great parent breeds for many mixes.

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Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are famous for being the smallest dogs in the world and fitting into the handbags of some very famous individuals. But, even though they are tiny, the Chihuahua is a fierce, loyal breed that likes to make its presence known. Chihuahuas are brave pups who aren’t afraid to square up to the biggest dogs in the playpen.

The Chihuahua is loyal to their owners and only them. But this doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly. Although they do have their favorites, when they want affection or attention from anyone, they’ll head straight to their owner.

Chihuahuas need to be trained and practice socializing with other humans and dogs. If not, they can be quite a handful to reign in.

Just like the Shih Tzu, Chihuahuas make for the perfect watchdog, thanks to their high-pitch bark. They need little grooming and require a minimum amount of exercise.

Read more about the Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix and the Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix.

2. The Appearance of the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

What the Shih Tzu and the Chihuahua have in common is that they are both small yet feisty toy pups. However, these two pups are breeds with very different physical traits. Your ShiChi’s appearance will really depend on the parent they take after but don’t worry, cuteness is one quality of the Shih Tzu and Chihuahua mix that doesn’t vary from dog to dog.

The soft lengthy coat of the sophisticated Shih Tzu directly contradicts the short-haired and tight fur of the Chihuahua. Shih Tzus tend to have a long sausage-dog physique, while the Chihuahua is not only small but also a little scrawny. More often than not, the ShiChi tends to resemble more traits of the Shih Tzu parent breed, but their coat has more in common with the Chihuahua.

Whatever physical traits that your Shih Tzu mix with Chihuahua adopts, their looks will have a distinctly unique appearance. Generally, a ChiTzu will have ears that are either erect like the Chihuahua or hang down like the Shih Tzu. This mixed breed will generally have a round head, a black muzzle and dark-brown eyes and is altogether an adorable pup.

Read more about the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix.

3. Color of the Shih Tzu and Chihuahua Mix

Some Shih Tzu Chihuahua mixes have a slightly wavy coat that can come in various colors, including brown, black, cream, white and mixed.

4. Size of the ShiChi Mix

The half Chihuahua half Shih Tzu crossbreed will always be small. So, there is no need to worry if the dog will outgrow any of its toys, clothes or dog house. Both parent breeds are short, so this mix typically stands only 9-12 inches in height. In addition, the mix only weighs 9-16 pounds.

These dogs are not very heavy, but with a poor diet, these furry babies have the potential to quickly become overweight.

5. Grooming the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

If your pup has a short coat like their Chihuahua parent, grooming won’t be an issue.However, Chihuahuas can be prone to dry skin and other skin problems, so consider a shampoo that is formulated to keep your ShiChi’s coat and skin in top condition and smelling great. Brushing them once weekly to keep their coat clean is still necessary.

The closer your ShiChi’s coat is to its Shih Tzu parent, the more likely you’ll have to brush them daily to prevent matted knots or tangling. ShiChi’s can also be bred with a long coat. If your furry friend has this coat, you should bathe them at least once a month while also being consistent with grooming.

Their nails should be clipped as a part of their grooming routine, and so should cleaning their ears. Be on the lookout for inflammation or discharge around the eyes and overall foul odor. Always brush their teeth once or twice a week to keep them from visiting the vet.

6. Chihuahua Mixed With Shih Tzu – Temperament & Behaviour

If we combine the personalities of the Shih Tzu and the Chihuahua, you’ll probably have an affectionate, energetic, and protective ShiChi. They are also highly intelligent, though some ShiChi’s may have a stubborn streak inherited from their parent, the Chihuahua. That could interfere with your efforts to train them. However, they only want your love and attention, so don’t be surprised if this little pup tends to act like your four-legged shadow.

Shih Tzus are very loving dogs that are known for their easy-going nature, while the Chihuahua is known for their feisty and territorial nature. If your pup inherits the mild manners of a Shih Tzu, then you will have a friendly and non-confrontational pup. Their kind-hearted nature will allow them to make friends with anyone quite easily.

However, if your dog takes after their Chihuahua parent, then you are in for a bit of a challenging time. These pups are intensely protective of their beloved family members, and this nature can be aggressive at times. Don’t be discouraged by this, you can prevent negative behaviors like possessiveness and aggression in your ShiChi through early training and socialization.

Unfortunately, the Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix is quite the vocalist, loves the sound of its own voice, and can bark at just about everything. The ShiChi is cute, but like most small canines, it can lash out and try to defend itself if it feels threatened or hurt. If that happens, expect a lot of growling and snapping to follow.

Although these breeds have very different personalities, there are some traits they have in common. Both of these breeds are very playful and use their energy in short sprouts. Both breeds are also known for being intensely loyal and affectionate to their family members. So, you can expect this furry friend to prefer a cuddling session up on the couch to playing fetch outside.

Their overwhelming desire to be constantly adored can cause issues of separation anxiety.The temperament of the ShiChi bears some resemblance to that of the Shih Tzu parent breed. But with the Chihuahua’s fearsome loyalty and cautious attitude in the mix, families with young children should have some degree of concern.

Read more about aggressive dog breeds.

Are ShiChi’s Family-Friendly Pets?

If you have a Shih Tzu mixed with Chihuahua, you’ll find they are generally great family dogs that get along and enjoy playing with children. But, if your children are very young, these dogs may not be the best choice.

A toy species like the ShiChi are very small dogs that cannot tolerate rough play, and toddlers may not be able to provide gentle play time with this pup. Human family members need to be careful when handling these dogs.

In addition, a ShiChi may take after its Chihuahua parent and snap after children if they get too rough and make your dog feel threatened. If you do have children, it’s important to teach them how to properly handle and interact with your ShiChi to prevent harm.

How is the Chihuahua x Shih Tzu with Other Dogs?

The extent to which your ShiChi will accept other pets ultimately comes down to which of their parent breeds they take after the most.

Shih Tzus are usually friendly with other pets, including other dogs. Chihuahuas – not so much. Chihuahuas don’t like to share the attention of their owners with other pets. But if you properly train and socialize your ShiChi with your other pets from an early age, they can get along with other pets in the household just fine.

7. Training Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix Puppies

Even though the ShiChi is a toy pup, you can’t make the mistake of not training it. These pups need just as much care as a big dog and need to be socialized early so that they don’t bark at everything and everyone that they come into contact with. They are still a puppy and not a toy, after all. So, training is not only vital but it’s also the responsibility of the owner.

Without proper training, the following poor behaviors may be exhibited with your pup: separation anxiety, aggressiveness, excessive barking and attempts to dominate the household. Consistent training of Shih Tzu Chihuahua puppies is key.

Any well-taught and well-rounded dog can be a pleasure to have around, even in the presence of company. So, the same can be said about training a ShiChi. Fortunately, this mix is not difficult to train. ShiChis just need a little bit of praise and treats when they do something you like. Stroke their ego. If you reward them for good behavior, they will quickly learn to keep that up to impress you

8. Exercise for the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

The tiny ShiChi doesn’t need a lot of space and very little exercise. You won’t have to walk your companion every day. Just playing with them by tossing a ball or running around for a couple of minutes a day is enough to satisfy their cardio needs.

Playtime is a ShiChi’s favorite time to spend with their owner and also the best time to sneak in some exercise for your pup. But this Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix can actually overexert itself if you try to work them too hard while playing. If you notice your pup panting while you’re outdoors, it’s best to pick them up and bring them home to cool off.

These pups are content with 1-2 short walks each day and a total of 15-20 minutes of playtime. Having a dog like the ShiChi that requires minimal exercise is beneficial if you live in an apartment. They don’t require a lot of space and would be okay without a yard.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua mixes enjoy spending time outside, but they would much rather play inside. They love squeaky toys, chew toys, and bouncy balls. Chew toys will help your pet burn through its hyperactive energy and satisfy its curiosity.

If you want your ShiChi to get mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation, these pups will also appreciate a couple of puzzle toys.

Whatever exercise you and your ShiChi pup decide to do for the day, be sure that you always keep them on a harness. A harness designed for a Chihuahua will remove pressure from their delicate windpipe and also make it hard for them to slip out of it.

ShiChis have a very short attention span, and they are prone to running off after something that catches their attention, so keeping them on a harness during playtime in the park would be best.

Read more about panting and restless dogs.

9. Potential Health Problems of the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

Although the ShiChi is a crossbreed, and many cross breeds tend to be the least prone to diseases, there’s still the possibility that your puppy will inherit some health conditions.

These are some of the health conditions that you should watch out for:

• Patellar Luxation (kneecap dislocation)
• Obesity
• Eye problems
• Respiratory problems
• Hypoglycemia

One of the most common health conditions that these mixes tend to develop is obesity. Their small frame makes them prone to becoming overweight, and obesity in this pup can lead to a number of other complications.

These pups also have a tendency to develop eye issues, such as corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy and retinal detachment. Respiratory complications can also occur if your pup inherits the flat nose of its Shih Tzu parent. They may have difficulty breathing due to the shape of its nose.

All of these conditions can exponentially lower the quality of your dog’s life and shorten its lifespan. So, early detection of these symptoms is important in order to correct or prevent them from worsening.

On the bright side, toy breeds are often generally healthy. But make sure to go to the vet occasionally an overall checkup and to determine what nutritional needs your four-legged friend should be getting.

Read more about when do puppies get easier and why puppies lick their paws.

10. Diet of the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

The Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix doesn’t have high-calorie needs, which means this pup is at a higher risk of becoming obese. So, be extra careful about their feeding schedules. Giving them small portions multiple times a day works best for them.

It is recommended by vets that ShiChi’s should have a diet that consists of 140 to 325 calories of protein-rich, high-quality dog food every day. But pay attention to your dogs’ activity – the more they play, the more they’ll need to eat.

11. Breeding the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

When looking for a reputable breeder, make sure you have access to see the papers of their purebred parents, which will be essential in giving your pup the best care. If you’re not interested in getting your puppy from a breeder, you could have a look for rescues.

Rescuing a dog from a shelter will not only give a dog a second chance, but it also gives you the opportunity to see definitively what kind of dog you’re getting.

12. The Cost of the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

This crossbreed can be expensive breeds, but the ShiChi is a cheaper dog breed on average. The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix puppy is desirable because of its small size and loveable looks. Because of this, breeders will be tempted to charge more for them than other mixes.

You should expect to pay around $750 for this mix. If you’re adopting this four-legged friend from a shelter, you should expect to pay up to $300.

Be sure to factor in the location and the breeders involved, this will also play a part in the cost of the pup. Be careful, too. The huge popularity of mixed and miniature breeds has only increased the incidence of horrendous breeding factories. You may also come across many unethical breeders and puppy mills online, so look out for trustworthy ShiChi breeders.

13. Longevity of the ShiChi Mix

If given the proper care throughout its life, your Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix can enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Frequently asked Questions about the Chihuahua and Shih Tzu Mix Dog Breed

Final Thoughts on the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

So, now that you know a little bit more about the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix, are they the perfect fit for you and your family?

If you hate yappy, noisy dogs, you’re a busy professional, or you have very young children – this hybrid pup might not be the one for you. ShiChis have ‘small dog syndrome’, and they can be needy and a little bratty if they don’t get attention.

But if you want a happy little pup who always requires your love, attention, and affection – look no further than the ShiChi.

These dogs are low maintenance, and with patience and consistency, these pups can make loveable, loyal, toy-sized companions.

Learn more about miniature Shih Tzus in your next read.

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