Basset Shih Tzu Mix: The Ultimate Hybrid Dog Guide

Meet the Basset Shih Tzu Mix: a playful, affectionate, and adaptable hybrid dog that's sure to capture your heart.

This adorable mix is a cross between a Basset Hound and a Shih Tzu, two breeds known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

The Basset Shih Tzu Mix typically weighs between 16 and 25 pounds and stands between 10 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a compact and portable companion.

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, flowing coats, which can range in color from white to brown to black.

The Tzu Basset is a mixed breed, and its history is a bit of a mystery. It originated from the combination of two beloved breeds, the Basset Hound and the Shih Tzu.

The Basset Hound has a long history, dating back to the 1500s in France, where it was developed from breeds like the Basset d'Artois and the Basset Nomads. It was bred to be slow and easy to follow on hunts.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, originated in China in ancient times, where it was bred as a companion dog. It's believed to have been developed by crossing a Lhasa Apso with a small Chinese dog.

The Basset Hound was developed for hunting small animals like hares and rabbits, while the Shih Tzu was bred to be a lap dog. Both breeds have made appearances in pop culture and have been recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The modern Basset Hound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935, while the Shih Tzu was recognized in 1969.

The Basset Shih Tzu mix is a unique and lovable breed, and one of its most distinctive features is its physical characteristics.

Their coat is typically short to medium in length and flat coated, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

One of the most recognizable features of the Basset Shih Tzu mix is its long ears, which are floppy and hang down to the side of their head.

Their tail is usually short and rolled up, giving them a cute and endearing appearance.

In terms of size, Basset Shih Tzu mixes can range from 20-36 cm in height and weigh between 4-27 kg.

Males tend to be slightly taller, ranging from 20-38 cm in height, while females and males can weigh between 4-29 kg.

Here's a quick summary of the Basset Shih Tzu mix's physical characteristics:

The Basset Shih Tzu mix is a loving and adaptable hybrid breed that fits well into many different households. They are good family dogs that get along well with children and other pets.

They inherit the intelligence and loyalty of the Shih Tzu and the patience and composure of the Basset Hound. This makes them usually easy to please and eager to follow commands.

However, they can be stubborn at times, which can make training challenging. It's essential to use positive, patient training methods to help them learn and grow.

They have moderate energy levels and don't require extreme exercise. A quick walk or a short game of fetch will suffice, but they may need extra activity to keep the weight off and prevent obesity.

The Tzu Basset is a loving and adaptable hybrid breed that fits well into many different households. They inherit the intelligence and loyalty of the Shih Tzu and the patience and composure of the Basset Hound.

They are usually good family dogs that get along well with children and other pets. Like the Basset Hound, they have a keen sense of smell.

These lovable dogs are well known for their happy and docile natures, and they tend to be quite affectionate. They enjoy spending time with their owners.

Boredom and loneliness often lead to excessive barking in this breed. They do not tend to do well when left alone.

They have moderate energy levels, and their exercise needs are not extreme. A quick walk or a short game of fetch will do.

They may be prone to obesity and may need extra activity to keep the weight off. Overfeeding any dog, including the Tzu Basset, is not a good idea as it can exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

They are intelligent but sometimes stubborn. They have a lot of personality and are eager to please their owners, though, so most respond well to positive, patient training.

People like hybrid dogs for various reasons. Many are drawn to their unique characteristics, which can be a result of combining two breeds.

Some believe hybrids are healthier, which is a major draw for many owners. I've seen this firsthand with a friend who adopted a hybrid to avoid the respiratory problems associated with purebred Shih Tzus.

Others want something new and different, and hybrid dogs certainly fit the bill. They're a chance to experience the best of two breeds in one furry package.

Some owners have already fallen in love with a hybrid and won't settle for anything else. Once you've had a hybrid, it's hard to go back to a purebred!

Hybrid dogs can also be a great way to reduce specific health risks, like respiratory problems, by combining breeds with different characteristics. My friend's hybrid has a longer snout, which has helped alleviate those issues.

People may also love the characteristics of two different breeds and want to experience them in one dog. This is a big part of the appeal for many hybrid owners.

The cost of a Basset Shih Tzu mix puppy can be steep, with prices often mirroring the going rate for purebred Shih Tzus in your area.

You can expect to pay almost $1000 for a Basset Shih Tzu mix puppy, as breeders tend to price their puppies based on supply and demand.

Pet store puppies may seem like a bargain, but they often cost more than private breeders due to rent, payroll, and middlemen taking a share.

Beware of bargain-priced puppies from unscrupulous sellers who may be cutting corners on care and quality.

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to understand the potential health issues that come with owning a Basset Hound Shih Tzu Mix.

This breed mix might be prone to elbow dysplasia, a common problem in both Basset Hounds and Shih Tzus.

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog's health, and a mix like this one should be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.

Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight, and a good diet to consider is a Raw Food Diet, especially for a dog with a Wolf background.

Health clearances are a must when buying a puppy, and a reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee on their puppies.

A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

As a pet owner, you'll want to consider the grooming requirements of your Basset Hound Shih Tzu Mix. They're likely to be heavy shedders, so be prepared to invest in a good vacuum to keep your floors clean.

Bathing them as needed is a good idea, but be careful not to dry out their skin.

Their ancient Basset Hound heritage means they'll require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The cost of a Shih Tzu hybrid puppy is often determined by supply and demand, just like other items for sale. Expect to pay almost the same price as a pure Shih Tzu, which can range from $1000 in areas where they're common.

Pet store puppies are unlikely to be a bargain, as they have rent and payroll to cover and must pay a fair price to the original breeder. Middlemen or brokers also take a share of the profit.

Beware of bargain-priced puppies, as you generally get what you pay for.