Boston Terrier Shih Tzu Mix: A Comprehensive Breed Overview

The Boston Terrier Shih Tzu Mix is a unique and lovable breed that has captured the hearts of many dog owners. This adorable mix combines the friendly and outgoing nature of the Boston Terrier with the loyal and affectionate personality of the Shih Tzu.

They typically weigh between 10-20 pounds and stand 8-11 inches tall, making them a compact and portable companion. With proper care, they can live up to 10-15 years, bringing joy and love into your life for many years to come.

Their short, easy-to-maintain coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential to prevent health issues. A balanced diet and regular exercise will keep your Boston Terrier Shih Tzu Mix happy and healthy.

Here's an interesting read: 100 Years Ago Original Boston Terrier

The BoShih dog breed has a unique history that's worth exploring. The breed was created by designer breeders in the late 1990s by intentionally mixing Shih Tzus and Boston Terriers in North America.

The goal behind this mix was to eliminate inbreeding and health issues common in purebred dogs. This deliberate breeding effort led to the creation of BoShihs as demand for the mixed breed pups grew.

The Boston Terrier, one of the parent breeds, has a fascinating history. It was bred exclusively in America, earning it the nickname "American Gentleman." This nickname is attributed to the breed's origins in Boston, Massachusetts, where it was bred in the late 1800s.

The Shih Tzu, the other parent breed, has roots in China, where it's depicted in artwork as far back as the 16th century. Some experts believe the Shih Tzu is related to the Lhasa Apso and may be a descendant of a royal breed.

Here are some organizations that recognize the BoShih breed:

Most BoShihs are described as inquisitive and affectionate, making them great companions.

They will follow you from room to room, enjoying regular naps but also being alert and playful. They thrive on playtime and walks, so be prepared to spend time with them.

BoShihs may not be eager to learn new tricks, but they do enjoy interaction and attention. Positive reinforcement is key when training them.

Their personalities can vary, but they typically fall in the middle of their Shih Tzu and Boston Terrier parent traits. Reading about their parent breeds can give you a good understanding of what to expect.

BoShihs are generally playful and happy dogs, kind and intelligent. However, they may not be the best fit for families with young children, as they can suffer from separation anxiety.

They love cuddling and being around their family, making them a great companion for those who will be home often. Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential for their training and socialization.

BoShihs are a bundle of joy, a delightful mix of energetic and affectionate. They inherit the playful spirit of their Boston Terrier parents and the gentle soul of a Shih Tzu.

They have a calm demeanor but can also show sudden bursts of energy, making them a well-balanced companion. With their big personality and small size, they're a great fit for many families.

Related reading: Boston Terrier Training

The BoShih's coat requires daily brushing, especially if they take after their Shih Tzu parent, who's not suited for extreme weather.

Their coats are a mix of their parents' patterns and colors, so they may shed frequently and require regular grooming.

BoShihs are generally considered a good choice for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding coats, but they still need regular brushing to prevent matting.

Baths should be 'as needed' with a mild shampoo to avoid stripping their coat of its natural oils.

Their ears need weekly cleaning with a dog cleaning solution and a cotton ball to prevent infections.

Brushing their teeth at least three times a week can help prevent dentition problems and tooth decay.

Checking and trimming their nails regularly, ideally twice a month, is crucial for their overall health and comfort.

Their coats may require a coat in the winter for protection and sunscreen in the summer months to prevent sun damage.

The BoShih, a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Boston Terrier, is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

However, like any breed, BoShihs can face some health challenges from their parent breeds.

BoShihs are prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, and hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis.

They may also experience reverse sneezing, a common issue in small breeds.

To diagnose these conditions, your veterinarian may use X-Rays, CT scans, and a physical examination.

Allergy testing may also be necessary to rule out any allergies that could be contributing to your BoShih's health issues.

Here are some common health issues in BoShihs and the diagnostic tests that may be used:

Your BoShih is likely to be intelligent and responsive, making the training process both enjoyable and rewarding. This is due to the breed's inheritance of the intelligence and eagerness to please of both parent breeds, the Boston Terrier and the Shih Tzu.

Positive reinforcement is key in training a BoShih, so be sure to reward your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Consistency is also crucial, as setting clear rules and sticking to them will help your BoShih pick up basic obedience commands quite readily.

BoShihs are naturally social and playful, which makes them a great family pet, but they do require socialization from a young age. Introduce them to various settings, children, other pets, and new people to ensure they become a well-behaved companion animal.

A daily walk will keep your BoShih from becoming destructive due to boredom and also help to maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important, as BoShihs can be determined little dogs that require firm and consistent training, but also gentle.

If housetraining proves difficult, start off training your BoShih in a crate, and you will soon see a difference in bathroom habits. This is because BoShihs can be a bit stubborn at times, but with the right approach, they can learn to behave well.

If this caught your attention, see: How Big Will My Boston Terrier Get

A Boston Terrier Shih Tzu mix, also known as a BoShih, is a delightful blend of its parent breeds. They often carry the soft coat of the Shih Tzu, which can sometimes lean towards the wire coat texture seen in some terriers.

Their coats may flaunt a variety of colors, including white, black, and brown. It's like a surprise mix of hues with each BoShih!

BoShihs can vary in size, but generally, they end up somewhere in between, giving them a size that's not too big but not too small – just right for a comfy lap snuggle.

Their ears can vary too, sometimes they flop over like the Boston Terrier's, or they could perk up like the Shih Tzu's.

One important feature inherited from the Boston Terrier side is their brachycephalic face. That means they have a cute, squished snout that can make breathing a little harder for them, especially during exercise or hot weather.

Here are the average sizes you can expect from a BoShih:

Remember, these are just averages, and every BoShih is unique! Some might be a little smaller or a bit bigger, but that's all part of their charm!

BoShih coats are a mix of their Shih Tzu and Boston Terrier parents' coats and colors, often featuring black, white, brown, and grey hues.

They typically have long, straight coats with normal density, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Their coats may require daily brushing, as well as monthly grooming, to prevent matting and tangling.

Baths should be given 'as needed' with a mild shampoo, as frequent bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.

If your BoShih's genetics favor the Boston Terrier parent, they may require less brushing.

BoShihs aren't particularly suited for extreme weather, so you may need to take extra precautions in cold winter months or apply sunscreen to sensitive areas in the summer.

Their Shih Tzu heritage means they may need a coat in the winter to stay warm.

Living with a Bo-Shih can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to remember that they're a small dog and can be easily injured by overly excited children.

Bo-Shihs prefer to be around adults or older kids who know how to play gently, so it's best to supervise interactions closely.

They can make great companions for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog.

Bo-Shihs don't like being left alone, so having multiple pets in the home can be ideal to provide them with companionship.

Early socialization with other pets is crucial to help them get along smoothly, and introducing them slowly and calmly is key.

Expand your knowledge: Why Does My Boston Terrier Lick Me so Much

If you're looking to bring a Boston Terrier Shih Tzu mix into your life, you might be wondering about rescue and adoption options. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for a BoShih because they are a mixed breed.

One way to find a BoShih in need of a home is to check local shelters and rescue organizations. BoShihs may not be as common as purebreds in shelters, but with patience, you might find one.

Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience, and it's often less expensive than buying from a breeder. You can start by visiting or calling local shelters to inquire about any BoShih mixes available.

Websites like Petfinder can also help you locate a BoShih in need of a home. Additionally, some rescue groups specialize in Shih Tzus or Boston Terriers and may occasionally have mixed breeds like the BoShih.

Here are some rescues you can try: