Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix: What You Need to Know About This Hybrid Breed

The Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix is a cross between two beloved breeds, the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu. This hybrid breed is often referred to as a "Zapso" or "Shih Apso".

They are generally small dogs with a friendly and outgoing personality. They can grow up to 9-10 inches tall and weigh between 9-18 pounds.

Their coat is usually long and flowing, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray.

Their friendly nature makes them a great companion for families and individuals alike.

The lhasa apso shih tzu mix is a unique breed that requires regular veterinary care to stay healthy. They are prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place.

Their small size makes them susceptible to brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can lead to breathing difficulties. This is a common health concern in both the lhasa apso and shih tzu breeds.

A lhasa apso shih tzu mix needs to visit the vet frequently in their first year of life, with routine checkups and booster shots. This helps prevent the development of health issues such as liver and kidney problems.

Some common health concerns in this breed include ear infections, eye conditions, and hernia. These can be caused by a combination of genetic factors and poor care.

Here are some potential health issues to look out for in a lhasa apso shih tzu mix:

Regular dental care is essential to prevent periodontal diseases and keep their teeth healthy. This includes regular brushing and dental exams.

The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu mix is a unique breed with some amazing physical characteristics.

Both parent breeds have long, flowing coats, but the Lhasa Apso has a heavier, flat-hanging coat, while the Shih Tzu has a more luxurious, double-coat with waviness.

The coat colors of a Lhasa Apso mix can include gold and white, black, black and tan, red, white, or cream, with black tips on the ears.

Shih Tzu mixes can come in a wide range of colors, including black and white, gray and white, blue and white, brindle and white, and silver and white.

The Shih Tzu's slightly larger bone structure gives it a sturdier appearance, despite its smaller size.

Lhasa Apso mixes typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds and stand around 10 to 11 inches tall.

Their paws are quite distinctive, with the Lhasa Apso's paws resembling cat's feet, round in shape and feathery in appearance.

The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu both have long, flowing coats, but the similarities end there. The Lhasa Apso has a heavy, flat-hanging coat, generally parted in the middle.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, has a more flowing, luxurious, double-coat with more waviness.

Lhasa Apso coats are usually gold and white, black, black and tan, red, white, or cream, with black tips on the ears.

Shih Tzu coats can be any of these colors, plus black and white, gray and white, blue and white, brindle and white, silver and white. Some Shih Tzus also feature a "mask" on their faces.

The Lhasa Apso is typically larger than the Shih Tzu, although slimmer in appearance. On average, the Shih Tzu is about 9 to 10.5 inches tall. The Lhasa Apso weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. The Shih Tzu weighs between 10 and 16 pounds. The Lhasa Apso stands roughly 10 to 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu features a slightly larger bone structure than the Lhasa Apso, giving it a sturdier/stockier appearance, despite its typically smaller size.

The Lhasa Apso's paws are a unique feature, resembling cat's feet in shape and featuring a feathery appearance.

A Lhasa Apso's tail curves toward its back, but it has a more twisted or screw-like appearance compared to other breeds.

Their paws are round in shape, which is a distinct characteristic of this breed.

A Lhasa Apso's tail is a notable feature, setting it apart from other dogs with more flowy plumed tails.

The Lhasa Apso's paws are not as firm and padded as those of a Shih Tzu.

The Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix is known for its gentle and affectionate nature. They make great family pets and are often described as playful but not overly demanding.

Their temperament is influenced by their Lhasa Apso side, which means they can be wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people. However, with proper socialization, they can become confident and friendly.

One of the most endearing traits of the Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix is their loyalty to their family. They bond strongly with their owners and can become protective if they feel their loved ones are being threatened.

The Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are two breeds that share some similarities, but they also have some key differences in their behavior. The Shih Tzu has an outgoing and friendly temperament with both family and strangers alike.

This outgoing nature makes the Shih Tzu slightly easier to train than the Lhasa Apso. However, it's essential to remember that every pup is unique, and their personal stubborn streak can affect their trainability.

The Lhasa Apso, on the other hand, is more reserved and cautious around strangers, which can make them more challenging to train. This is partly due to their primary origin as sentinels in Tibetan monasteries, where they were tasked with being wary of the unknown.

As a result, Lhasa Apso tend to be overly cautious of strangers, barking at them and sometimes even getting aggressive if they feel challenged or threatened. This is a trait that's deeply ingrained in their personality, making it essential to socialize them properly from an early age.

In contrast, Shih Tzu are affectionate and playful with pretty much anyone, which makes them a great breed for families with children or for people who want a constant companion.

Both Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos are fairly trainable, but they have a stubborn streak, which means they'll only do what you want if they feel like it.

These dogs are eager to please, as long as it's on their terms.

They share a bloodline and originate in Asia, with a history that dates back at least 1,000 years.

Shih Tzu are believed to be a cross between Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese, and were first bred in Tibet before being brought to China.

Both breeds need frequent brushing to keep their coats in good condition, but they shed very little.

They're relatively healthy and sturdy pups, with a good overall health profile.

The Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat looking fresh. You may need to take them to the groomers every month or so, depending on the type of cut.

Their coat can be fluffy, long, smooth, or wavy, and this will affect their grooming regime. Curlier dogs need more frequent grooming to prevent matting.

To keep their coat in check, brush your Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix every day if they have a long coat, or every other day if they have a shorter teddy bear cut. Brushing will help remove dirt and prevent matting.

Discover more: Grooming a Shih Tzu Face

The Shih Apso's grooming needs are pretty specific, so let's dive in. You'll need to brush him every day if you opt for a long coat to prevent matting and remove dirt.

Dependent on the coat type, you may need to take him to the groomers every month or so to keep him looking fresh. If you opt for a shorter teddy bear cut, you should brush him every other day to prevent matting.

His coat can also be smooth or wavy, and this will also affect his grooming regime. Curlier canines need more frequent grooming, so keep that in mind.

You'll need to bathe him every 8 weeks with a specially-designed doggy shampoo to avoid harshing his sensitive skin. Clean his ears every week to prevent infections.

Brushing his teeth at least twice a week with doggy toothpaste is a must. Trimming his nails regularly is also a good idea, checking them once a week to ensure they're not too long.

Check this out: How to Groom a Shih Tzu Puppy

When it comes to feeding your Shih Apso, you'll want to stick to high-quality kibble that provides everything he needs to stay happy and healthy.

To keep his brain functioning well and his skin, coat, and mustache nourished and shiny, look for kibble that includes omega-3 fatty acids like salmon oils and flaxseed.

Dried kibbles are particularly important for smaller breeds like the Shih Apso, as they help keep his teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup.

Feed your Shih Apso between 2 and 3 meals a day to prevent overeating, and avoid free feeding as he can get into the habit of munching too much.

To avoid a porky pooch, be mindful of portion sizes and don't feed him more energy than he needs.

The Shih Apso's parents are truly ancient dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso, one of its parent breeds, is believed to date back to 800 BC.

Its origins are rooted in Tibet, where it was bred by monks and nobility as a companion and guard dog. The Lhasa Apso was considered a sacred dog in Tibet and was only allowed to leave the country if gifted by the Dalai Lama.

The Shih Tzu, the other parent breed, has its origins in China and Tibet, where it was treasured as a pet and referred to as a 'lion dog'. The first Shih Tzus arrived in the UK in 1928 and eventually made their way to the US, where they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

These adorable Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mixes are just as cute as their parent breeds.

They can make wonderful family pets, especially for families with children.

These breeds are affectionate companions to their families and can form strong bonds with their owners.

They're just as feisty as their parents, but in a charming and playful way.

With proper care and attention, they can thrive as loving and loyal companions.

These mixed-breed dogs are an excellent choice for many families due to their loving and adaptable nature.