The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is a unique and lovable breed that combines the best traits of its parent breeds. They are known to be loyal and affectionate companions, often forming strong bonds with their family members.
This mix is generally small in size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, making them a great fit for city living or apartments. Their compact size also means they require less exercise than larger breeds.
One key characteristic of the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is their long, flowing coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a challenge for some owners, but with the right tools and techniques, it's manageable.
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Appearance and Grooming
Your Pekingese Shih Tzu mix can weigh anywhere from 10 to 16 lbs and stand between 8 to 12 inches tall. They'll likely have a long, dense, and wavy coat that comes in a variety of colors including brown, white, red, black, and fawn.
Their flat face is a characteristic they inherit from their brachycephalic parents, with a muzzle length that can vary significantly between dogs. A brown nose and brown eyes are common, although some may have a black nose.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their long coat, which can be painful and disrupt blood flow if left unattended. A short walk every day and a fenced-in yard will keep your pup happy and healthy.
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What Does It Look Like?
Your Pekingese Shih Tzu mix can weigh anywhere from 10 to 16 lbs. They usually have a long, dense, and wavy coat.
Their height will typically be around 8 to 12 inches. They can have a variety of coat colors, including brown, white, red, black, and fawn.
Your pup may also have some color variations in their coat. A brown nose and brown eyes are common, but sometimes they can have a black nose.
Their flat face is due to their brachycephalic parents. This means their muzzle length can vary significantly between dogs.
Their floppy ears and long, compact body are also characteristic of this mix breed.
Do Shinese Dogs Shed?
The Shinese dog's coat is a thick and long double coat with long, elegant waves of fur. This type of coat makes grooming a challenge.
While it may look like the Shinese sheds a lot, they actually shed moderately. This is a relief for many owners who worry about excessive shedding.
A Shinese may have a short, plush, and fluffy coat that shines when brushed, but this is a rare occurrence. Regular brushing is still necessary to keep their coat looking its best.
Their facial hairs are long and flowing, which requires regular attention to prevent matting and tangling.
Dog Grooming and Care
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix requires daily brushing to reduce uncontrolled shedding and prevent matting.
Daily walks are a must, and a fenced-in yard is ideal for these pups to run around freely.
Their long and thick coat is prone to tangling and matting, so brushing every day is a must.
Use a Furminator Undercoat Tool to brush and untangle their hairs, and trim the long hair every three months to ease the weight.
Trimming the facial hair improves visibility, and engaging a professional groomer three times a year helps keep the coat healthy and bright.
Bathing your Shinese too frequently can dry out or damage the coat, so one full bath every three months is sufficient.
Use a gentle shampoo like Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo And Conditioner for its natural relief and ability to soothe itchy, dry, and sensitive skin.
A Shinese sheds moderately, not heavily, despite its long flowing facial hairs and soft, puffy body fur.
Their thick and long double coat requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best, with elegant waves of fur that shine when brushed.
Keep in mind that grooming this breed can be a challenge, especially when they have a short, plush, and fluffy coat.
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Temperament and Training
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is known for being fiercely independent and stubborn, so patience, consistency, and firmness are essential when training them. They can be hard to say no to, but with the right approach, they can learn to behave.
They are intelligent dogs, but they can be slow to learn and more disobedient, making training a challenge. However, with positive reinforcement, they can adapt and understand human emotions.
With early socialization, they can be very friendly and social with other dogs, but it's essential to introduce them to other pets at a young age to ensure good behavior. They are not overly territorial or aggressive, but they can be protective of their owners.
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Are Shinese Smart?
The Shinese dogs are very smart, reacting positively to praise and learning to follow instructions faster than most toy dog breeds. They're easy to train, which is a big plus for new dog owners.
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A study by Stanley Coren found that Shih Tzus have low obedience and low working intelligence, but they can adapt and understand human emotions. This mix of traits is a good starting point for understanding the Shinese temperament.
Pekingeses, on the other hand, are intelligent dogs with an independent mind and stubborn streak. This independence can sometimes make training a challenge.
The Shinese inherits the intelligence, independence, and stubbornness of a Pekingese, but also the adaptability and emotional intelligence of a Shih Tzu. This makes them a unique and interesting breed to work with.
To establish authority and train your Shinese, you'll need to be patient, consistent, and firm.
Training Your Dog
Training Your Dog is crucial for any breed, but especially for a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix. They can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are key.
Positive training techniques are a great way to get pleasure and enjoyment out of training your dog. They will enjoy it too! Keep your training 'positive only' for best results.
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Potty and crate training may be a bit of a challenge with a tiny dog, so do read up on advice on this before bringing a puppy home. This will make life easier for both you and your dog.
Socialization is very important for a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix, as they can be a little aloof with strangers. Good socialization in the first few months will help your pup to be comfortable with strangers and reduce the chance of later aggression problems.
A study by Stanley Coren found that Shih Tzus have low obedience and low working intelligence. However, this mix has the intelligence, independence, and stubbornness of a Pekingese and the adaptability and emotional intelligence of a Shih Tzu.
Training can modify their behavior, and many Shinese do great with smaller kids because they were socialized with them early. What can't be changed or modified is their care, however.
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Health and Care
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix has a number of health problems due to their conformation, especially their flat faces.
They are at risk of inheriting any of the problems common to either the Pekingese or Shih Tzu breed, including brachycephalic syndrome.
Daily brushing and exercising are essential for this mix breed.
A short walk every day and a fenced-in yard are recommended to keep them happy and healthy.
Their eyes and skin need to be checked daily to remove any irritants and discover any issues before they become full-blown problems.
Their major and common health issues include problems related to their genetic heritage, physical attributes, care regime, and environment.
A healthy mix of suitable exercise, recommended nutrition, and appropriate supplements is crucial for their well-being.
Their loyalty and affectionateness make them hard to resist, but their care requirements must be considered.
Training can modify their behavior, but their care needs cannot be changed or modified.
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Breed Dog Lifespan
A Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix, also known as a Shinese, can live for 10 to 15 years.
These dogs have a longer average life expectancy than their purebred Shih Tzu parents due to the benefits of crossbreeding.
The Shinese dog's hardiness and resilience to inherited diseases contribute to its longer lifespan.
Crossbreeding can make a dog harder to predict in terms of health issues, but it can also lead to a more robust and resilient pet.
This is just one of the many benefits of mixing breeds, and it's definitely something to consider if you're looking for a long-term companion.
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Health
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is a sweet and loyal companion, but they do come with some health concerns. Their flat faces can make it difficult for them to breathe and cool themselves down.
Their brachycephalic faces are a result of their breeding history, and it's a common issue in both Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds. This can lead to problems such as over heating, inability to exercise, and eye issues.
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Pekingese Shih Tzu mixes are prone to intervertebral disc disease, a painful spinal condition that can cause paralysis. Their long backs and short legs make them more susceptible to this condition.
Exercise is crucial for any dog, but for a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix, it's essential to keep it gentle and avoid exercising in the heat. Their compressed faces can make it hard for them to breathe and cool themselves down.
If you're considering bringing a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix into your family, it's essential to be aware of their potential health issues. They may require more frequent vet visits and special care to manage their breathing and cooling problems.
Their nostrils can be too narrow to comfortably breathe through, and they may need surgery to address these issues. It's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who has done their research and is committed to breeding healthy dogs.
If you do decide to bring a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix into your family, be prepared to provide a healthy mix of suitable exercise, recommended nutrition, and appropriate supplements.
Caring for Shinese Dogs
Daily brushing is essential for your Shinese dog, as it helps prevent matting and tangling of their long, elegant waves of fur.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent shedding, which they do moderately.
A short walk every day is necessary to keep your Shinese dog happy and healthy, and a fenced-in yard is ideal for them to run around freely.
Check their eyes and skin daily to remove any irritants and catch any issues before they become full-blown problems.
Training your Shinese dog requires patience and positive reinforcement, as they can be a bit aloof with strangers and may require socialization from an early age.
Potty and crate training can be a challenge with small breeds, so it's essential to read up on advice before bringing a puppy home.
A healthy mix of suitable exercise, recommended nutrition, and appropriate supplements is crucial for your Shinese dog's overall well-being.
Their face shape and stature can make them prone to discomfort and pain, so it's essential to consider this when deciding if a Shinese is the right breed for you and your family.
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Finding and Owning a Shinese
Finding a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix puppy can be a challenge, but there are some steps you can take to ensure you bring home a healthy and happy pup. You may not be able to tell the difference between a reputable breeder and a puppy mill online, so it's best to call them and visit in person.
A reputable breeder will have happy, healthy parents, caring owners, and good living quarters. A completely booked up schedule can be a good sign of a popular reputable breeder. If you're feeling lost, our puppy search guide can give you a great start.
Owning a Shinese requires a healthy mix of suitable exercise, recommended nutrition, and appropriate supplements. You can also modify their behavior through training, which is especially helpful if you have smaller kids. Many Shinese do great with small kids because they were socialized with them early.
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Finding a Puppy
You may not be able to tell the difference between a reputable breeder and a puppy mill just by looking at their online presence.
A completely booked up schedule can be a good sign of a reputable breeder.
You can increase your chances of finding a healthy and happy pup by looking for happy, healthy parents, caring owners, and good living quarters.
If you're having trouble finding a reputable breeder, don't be discouraged, just be aware that it may take some time.
Calling a potential breeder and visiting them in person is a good way to get a sense of their operation.
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Rescues
Rescues can be a great way to find a Shinese, and it's worth considering. If you're looking to rescue a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, start by contacting local adoption centers and shelters.
These organizations may have information on whether this mix is available in your area. They may also be able to point you in the direction of breeders or owners looking to rehome a Shinese.
You can also try contacting organizations or breeders of the parent breeds, the Pekingese and Shih Tzu, to see if they know of any Shinese looking for a new home. This may take some time and effort, but it's doable.
If you're looking for rescue organizations specifically for the Shinese, you may be out of luck. However, both parent breeds have groups and organizations devoted to them.
Here are some US-based resources for Shih Tzu rescue:
- Shih Tzu Rescue is a good resource
- New Beginnings group are also dedicated to Shih Tzu rescue
- Pekingese Rescue Network may be able to help you out as well.
Keep in mind that these organizations may not specifically have Shinese available, but they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Owning a Shinese
Owning a Shinese can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their unique needs and personality traits.
The Shinese is a smart dog, but they can be slow to learn and may require patience and consistency from their owner.
They are fiercely independent and stubborn, so establishing authority and training them requires effort and dedication.
Shinese puppies are tiny and energetic, so they need plenty of space to run around and play.
As they grow, they will create strong bonds with their human companions, but they can be hard to say no to due to their loving and protective nature.
Training can modify their behavior, and many Shinese do great with smaller kids if they are socialized early.
Their care requirements are relatively straightforward, but their face shape and stature can make them prone to discomfort and pain.
Ultimately, owning a Shinese is a big responsibility, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for the right owner.
Exercise and Lifestyle
Exercise is a must for your Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, with at least two daily walks or runs of 10 to 15 minutes each needed to keep them happy and healthy.
Your dog loves to walk and play, and engaging in different classic doggie games provides sufficient exercise. They'll expend most of their energy playing in the yard or a bigger apartment.
They're a playful but moderate energy dog, so they don't need lots of exercises. Repeated invitations to play are a given, so be prepared to get moving!
If your dog likes running, a jog might be a great way to get some exercise in. Just be sure to avoid rigorous or exacting activities that make it difficult for the dog to breathe or cool down.
Pros and Cons of Pets
Getting a pet can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
One of the biggest pros of having a pet is the companionship they provide. A Pekingese Shih Tzu mix can be a loyal and loving companion, always happy to see you come home.
These dogs are relatively small in size, making them a great choice for apartment living or for those who don't have a lot of space.
They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only short walks and playtime each day.
However, one of the cons of getting a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is that they can be prone to health issues, such as eye problems and respiratory issues.
Their long coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a significant time commitment.
Despite these challenges, many owners find the rewards of owning a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix to be well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix called?
The Shinese is a crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Pekingese, resulting in a small, affectionate companion dog. Learn more about this adorable hybrid's characteristics, temperament, and needs.
How long do Pekingese Shih Tzus live?
Pekingese typically live 12-14 years, while Shih Tzus live 10-16 years. Lifespan varies between these two breeds, but both can be long-lived companions.
Are Shinese dogs hypoallergenic?
Shinese dogs are not necessarily hypoallergenic, as they are a cross between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu, two breeds that can trigger allergies in some people
Sources
- Pekingese Rescue Network (pekingeserescue.org)
- Shih Tzu Rescue (shihtzurescue.org)
- American Shih Tzu Club (shihtzu.org)
- Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix - Your Complete Breed Guide To ... (thegoodypet.com)
- Shinese (Pekingese & Shih-Tzu Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, ... (hepper.com)
- Shinese - Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix Puppy (101dogbreeds.com)
- Engaging Tails: Teddy Roosevelt the Shih Tzu-Pekingese ... (dailydogtag.com)
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