Shih Tzu puppies are born with their eyes closed and their ears folded against their head, but they develop quickly, with their eyes opening at around 10-14 days old.
Their small size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a popular choice as a companion dog.
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, but they can be wary of strangers, which makes early socialization crucial.
Shih Tzu puppies need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, flowing coats.
Popular Shih Tzu Mixes
The Zuchon, a mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, is a small dog that weighs between 5 and 15 pounds as an adult.
They're incredibly affectionate and can easily curl up in the lap of any human in the household, making them a great companion dog.
The Zuchon's personality and temperament are reminiscent of their parent breeds, with a sweet and gentle nature that's sure to win hearts.
Expand your knowledge: Zuchon Full Grown
Shih-Poo (Toy Poodle)
The Shih-Poo is a charming and friendly breed that's perfect for families. They're the result of breeding a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle together.
These adorable dogs are easy to get along with and can adapt to new situations and surroundings well. They're great with kids and make wonderful family pets.
As a crossbreed with a Poodle parent, the Shih-Poo is considered hypoallergenic, which means they don't shed much throughout the year.
Shih Yorkie Mix
The Shih Yorkie Mix is a great option for those looking for a small, calm dog. They are a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, and they tend to take on the physical characteristics of both parents.
One of the best things about the Shih Yorkie Mix is that they are easy to manage. They can happily reside in apartment and house settings without the need for much outdoor time, making them extremely popular.
Their small size means they don't require a lot of space to run around, making them perfect for city living or homes with small yards.
Jack (Shih and Jack Russell Terrier)
The Jack Tzu, a Shih Tzu and Jack Russell Terrier mix, is a jack of all trades. They have the watchdog and hunting skills of their Jack Russell Terrier parent, making them a great addition to any farm or family household.
This dog is easy to groom, which is a big plus for many owners. They can live up to 15 years, providing a longtime companion for their family.
Top Mixes
The Shih Tzu mix is a popular choice among dog owners, and for good reason. They're known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great companions.
One of the most popular Shih Tzu mixes is the Shihpoo, a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
Their low-shedding coat makes them a great choice for people with allergies. The Shihpoo is also highly intelligent and easy to train.
For your interest: Popular Pomeranian Dog
The Labradoodle is another popular Shih Tzu mix, combining the friendly nature of a Shih Tzu with the intelligence of a Labrador Retriever. They typically weigh between 18-45 pounds and have a lifespan of 10-14 years.
Their high energy level makes them a great choice for active families. The Labradoodle is also known for being highly trainable.
The Schnoodle is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Schnauzer, and is known for being loyal and protective of their family. They typically weigh between 11-18 pounds and have a lifespan of 12-14 years.
Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a great choice for people with allergies. The Schnoodle is also highly intelligent and easy to train.
For your interest: What Are the 14 Ancient Dog Breeds
38. Zuchon
The Zuchon is a sweet and gentle soul, weighing in at between 5 and 15 pounds as an adult. They're perfect lap dogs, able to curl up in the lap of any human in the household.
Their weight range makes them a great fit for apartment living or for families with smaller children.
Suggestion: Small Lap Dogs Breeds
Shih Tzu Characteristics
Shih Tzus are loving, loyal, and just plain adorable dogs, known for their long, silky coats and sweet personalities.
They're incredibly affectionate, loving nothing more than spending time with their humans, whether it's snuggling up on the couch or going for a leisurely walk in the park.
Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are surprisingly sturdy little dogs, known for their courage and resilience, making them a great choice for families that want a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
A different take: Are Shih Tzus Good with Kids
They'll Have Two Coats
Your Shih Tzu will have one soft, manageable coat until around the age of 7 months when the second one will start to grow in.
Grooming won't be too difficult in the early stages, but it's essential to prepare for regular grooming once your Shih Tzu grows up.
They'll need regular grooming to maintain their luxurious double coat, which consists of a rougher outer coat and a soft inner coat.
A double coat means they'll shed, so be prepared for regular brushing and grooming sessions.
Their coat will require regular attention to prevent matting and tangling, especially after they develop their second coat.
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Shih Breed Info
The Shih Tzu breed is known for its loving and loyal nature, making them a great companion for families. They're incredibly affectionate and love spending time with their humans.
Shih Tzus are small dogs, but they're surprisingly sturdy and courageous, which makes them a great choice for families with an active lifestyle. They're great with kids too, making them an ideal family pet.
Despite their short snouts, Shih Tzus can be prone to breathing problems. However, with proper care and attention, these issues can be managed to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.
36. Fo
The Fo-Tzu is a unique hybrid toy breed that's definitely worth mentioning. They stand at a tiny 13 inches tall and weigh less than 12 pounds.
Their medium-length coat is relatively low maintenance, requiring only a couple of brushings each week. This makes them a great choice for busy owners.
The Fo-Tzu can be a bit snappy at times, which may not be ideal for families with young kids.
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- A post shared by Chewy the Pin-Tzu Dog (@chewythepintzudog) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Lisa McGivern (@mad.about_dogs) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Sir Cookie 쿠키 🐶🦮 🇸🇬 (@sircookiethejatz) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Pippa 🐶 (@pippatheclown) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Luna the Tzu-Basset (@lunathetzubasset) (instagram.com)
- Shih Tzu Puppies: Cute Pictures and Facts (dogtime.com)
- Puppy Gallery - Puppy Love Shih Tzu (puppyloveshihtzu.com)
- Cute Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale in Tarpon Springs, Florida (seasidepups.com)
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