The Shih Tzu or the Chinese Lion is a toy dog breed originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China. Being named a Lion, there is nothing furious about this breed.

The Shih Tzu packs a lot of personality in a small body. If you are willing to own a Shih Tzu mix dog, there’s very much that you should know about this breed.

Temperament & Personality

The Shih Tzu is famous for its perky and happy temperaments. These dogs are affectionate, lively and friendly with the ability to get along with people of all ages. Not only people, but they are also good with other dogs and pets of different species.

A Shih Tzu in a trolley. Image Source: Instagram@mymischievousmickey

The very sweet Shih Tzu is not much of a chewer breed, but do they have a habit of digging. Some dogs are even prone to excessive barking. They desire to be with people either by sitting on their lap or hiking together with them. Hence, leaving them home alone is not an ideal choice.

Shih Tzu Mixes List

Here are five of the Shih Tzu mixes that have very interesting behavioral traits:

  • Pug and Shih Tzu (Pug Zu)
  • Maltese and Shih Tzu (Malshi)
  • Chihuahua and Shih Tzu (ShiChi)
  • Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu (Shih Apso)
  • Pomeranian and Shih Tzu (Shiranian)

Pug and Shih Tzu Mix

Being a crossbreed of a purebred Pug and Shih Tzu, the Pug-Zu packs in a lot of personalities. These dogs are very quirky and love to play and can become boisterous when kids get involved. Hence, this quality makes them a great family companion.

Funny, playful and friendly, the Pug-Zu dogs thrive on human interaction and live to be in limelight. Because of this, they are likely to develop separation anxiety when left alone.

A Pug Zu dog with a toy mate. Image Source: Instagram@tedthebestboy

The Pug-Zu is a loyal and people-oriented breed that enjoys affection and cuddling with their hooman. These dogs love their food and treat and can become aggressive regarding it. Often curious and strong-headed, their friendly personality, however, makes them able to get along with everyone. Therefore, the Pug-Zu dogs are not suitable as watchdogs.

Maltese and Shih Tzu Mix

Originating from the cross of a purebred Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is an affectionate, loving and alert breed. These dogs are very much devoted to their owner and are a joy to be around. Because the Malshi thrives on affection and loves their family so much, you should not leave your Malshi alone. And if left for a longer time, it can lead to separation anxiety.

The Malshi is a watchful breed and will let you know if something doesn’t seem right to them. A fast learner by nature, these dogs are fun to train some new tricks. They do better at home with their small size if there are older children that understand how to treat and approach a dog.

The Malshi dogs possess a stubborn streak for some extent which can be managed with early training and socialization. They respond very well to the commands of their owner.

Chihuahua and Shih Tzu Mix

A result of the cross between a pure Chihuahua and Shih Tzu, the ShiChi is a ball of energy that thrives on affection with its people. Though these dogs make an excellent family dog, they are better suited for homes with older children. As they understand how to approach and touch a dog, they will not accidentally hurt the dog by playing rough.

The ChiShi breed has a low tolerance for rough play and may be aggressive if it feels a threat to their well-being. And for this, these dogs need early and proper socialization. Otherwise, the dog is likely to develop aggressive or timid behaviors towards strangers. Hence, this breed needs a gentle and committed owner with patience.

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu Mix

The Shih Apso is an intelligent breed of little dogs just like its canine parents; the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. These dogs bond very closely with their family and often suffer from separation anxiety when not with their loved ones. They usually follow you from room to room and rarely let you out of their sight. Attention and affection seeking is something that this breed is a master in.

A Shih Apso dog. Image Source: Instagram@lil_hugznkissez_808

The Shih Apso inherits a stubborn streak from both of its parent breeds which will make training a bit difficult. These dogs are protective of their owner and fearless to guard them. Being an attention seeker, this breed, however, is aloof and standoffish around strangers. Therefore, early socialization is very very important.

Pomeranian and Shih Tzu Mix

Resulting from the cross between a pure Shih Tzu and Pomeranian, the Shiranian is a friendly breed and has a habit of over-attachment to their families and loved ones. Always preferring to be close with their pack, these dogs suffer from depression and can become aggressive. They are fond of human companionship and often highlight it by drawing the attention of their people.

The Shiranian dogs love cuddling and playing with people as per their affectionate nature. These dogs are suitable for children and other pets in the family. However, the easygoing and sociable nature of the Shiranian makes this breed an inappropriate watchdog.

Visit Doglime for more dog breeds and their mixes’ information.

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