Shih Tzu mixes have more options than letters in the alphabet. Some estimates put popular combinations near 40.
According to the American Kennel Club, Shih Tzus has been around for over 1,000 years! Talk about an almost ancient breed of pup. These little dogs originated in Tibet. Shih Tzu mixes have been growing in popularity!
They were often given to Chinese royalty as the cutest gifts you could ever imagine!
They are described as being playful and affectionate, albeit a little stubborn. They’re best known for their tiny bodies and luxurious coat!
Shih Tzu means “little lion” which makes sense because of the luxurious “manes” they grow around their faces! They make great family dogs with consistent training and positive reinforcement.
There are so many different types of Shih Tzu mixes that would make a great family dog! The breed was popular for U.S. soldiers to bring home to America after wars, so it’s natural that mixes would begin to form.
Then, unofficial mixing gives any beloved mutt a bit of Shih Tzu lineage. While the latter is challenging to document and discern, many of the most popular Shih Tzu mixes have already been established.
So what are the cutest Shih Tzu mixes?
Popular breed mixes for Shih Tzu include the Shih-Poo, the Cava-Tzu, the Aussie-Tzu, and the Shih-Mo.
Each blend of breed offers something a little unique in addition to the standard qualities that are beloved of a Shih Tzu, such as an astute personality and love for activities.
Want to learn even more about some of the cutest Shih Tzu mixes? We’ve detailed everything to know about six of our favorite Shih Tzu mixes below.
So, if you’re dying to learn more about these unique doggies, be sure to sit, stay, and read on for more about the best Shih-Tzu mixes around.
The Cutest Shih Tzu Mixes
The Shih-Poo (Mixes a Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle)
First up on our list of the cutest Shih Tzu mixes would be the Shih-Poo. This Shih Tzu-Poodle hybrid is tiny. Also known as a Pooshi or Shoodle, these dogs can pack a lot of love in a small package.
Thanks to the diminutive size of the toy poodle. (Toy poodle maxes at around 10 inches in height and 10 pounds in weight.)
While reasonably active, this mix is still suitable for apartments thanks to its small size—as long as a little fluff ball running about isn’t a bother.
The downsides are that these dogs are prone to chronic health conditions (such as dry skin or ear issues), as are many Shih Tzu mixes.
However, taking care with preventive grooming can help keep these problems from developing into more significant issues for a pup’s health.
It would be best to keep this type of mix on a regular grooming schedule either with a reputable dog groomer or regular bathing and cutting of the hair yourself.
The Cava-Tzu
The next mix on our list is the Cava-Tzu, which is a mix between King Charles Spaniels and a Shih Tzu. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beloved for their adorable puppy-dog looks and athletic nature.
So, it should be no surprise that a Cava-Tzu is such a fantastic choice for pet parents looking for a Shih Tzu mix with a little more stamina and energy.
The only caveat for Cava-Tzus is that they need to be socialized young to be a good family dog.
Combine this need with their adorable looks when young, and the Cava-Tzu is one of the more popular puppy types today.
If you ever see Cava-Tzu puppies for sale, don’t hesitate to inquire for more information, as they likely won’t be around for long.
The Aussie-Tzu (Mixes a Shih Tzu and Australian Shepherd)
For a pairing on the opposite side of the spectrum than others, check out the Aussie-Tzu, a mix between the giant Australian Shepherd breed and the more diminutive Shih Tzu.
A typical Australian Shepherd is 20-23 inches tall and can weigh up to 65 pounds—depending on its sex.
Mixing an Australian Shepherd with a Shih Tzu results in a more serious and work-oriented dog.
They may still have some of the aloofness and stubbornness that a Shih Tzu is known for, but their temperament will generally be sweet if not determined.
These dogs are great for families and instinctively try to “herd” their people.
French Bull-Tzu (Mixes a Shih Tzu and French Bulldog)
Next up on our list is one of the cutest mixes. Few breeds are more popular right now than the French Bulldog. Frenchies were behind only the Labrador Retriever in the American Kennel Club’s annual popularity rankings for 2020.
And breeding a Shih Tzu with a French Bulldog can result in one of the most adorable scruffs faces you may ever see.
While often retaining the French Bulldog’s distinctive snout and overall body shape, the French Bull-Tzu will usually have the longer, wiry coat that Shih Tzu’s are known for.
These dogs are great for urban environments, as they only require occasional walks for necessity rather than to burn off energy. However, while very intelligent for their size, they can be stubborn if faced with a task that they don’t like.
Shi-Chi (Mixes a Chihuahua and Shih Tzu)
Finally, if you mix two diminutive dog breeds from Mexico and China, you get the world’s most unstoppably adorable pup: the Shi-Chi. This hybrid is a mix between Chihuahua and Shih Tzu breeds.
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog breed famously from the Guadalajara province of Mexico.
The Shih Tzu has a lineage linked back to the Chinese emperor’s court and even further back—thousands of years—to their use as Tibetan temple dogs.
And the Shi-Chi retains recognizable characteristics that make both breeds beloved. The face is usually dominated by the Shih Tzu’s snout and a Chihuahua’s distinctive pointed triangle ears.
The longer hair of the Shih Tzu typically dominates while coloring can be significantly impacted by Chihuahua coloring. The most common styling is white with tan markings or white markings with a darker brown or black coat.
Conclusion
So, what do you think of these cute Shih-Tzu mixes?
As we said in the article, there are so many different mixes to choose from. From the tiny shi-chi to the cava-Tzu, there is a multitude of different breed mixes.
The best part about Shih Tzu mixes is that no matter what it’s bred with, it will still be adorable! No matter what mix you get, their temperaments are all relatively the same.
All of the Shih Tzu mixes are relatively the same size, too. They are small in stature, perfect for a lap dog or fitting in the front passenger’s seat!
They make great family dogs, and while some breed mixes will need a little more training and positive reinforcement than others, they are all relatively smart and easy to train.
Before you get a dog, check out our list of the 10 most practical things to think about before you purchase an animal! This will ensure you’re ready for your dog, no matter what mix you get.
However, when you get the puppy, you’re going to need a few things. When you bring your Shih Tzu puppy home, be sure to check out our checklist on taking care of a new puppy!
