Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix is a hybrid of Miniature Schnauzer and Shih Tzu. Also known as Schnau Tzus, they are even smaller than their parent breeds. This dog breed is loyal and perfect as family and companion dogs. Their temperament is not extreme, making them good company for kids in the family. They also mingle well with other pets, making them sociable. However, they suffer from separation anxiety.
Shih Tzu has existed for a long time; experts believe the breed is a mix between the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and a tiny Chinese dog, likely the Pekingese; however, this has not been proved. The Shih Tzu has been a favorite of the Chinese aristocracy since the Tang dynasty, which ruled from 618 to 907. During the Ming dynasty, dogs became more popular among the citizenry. Unfortunately, the breed was endangered during the Chinese revolution, with just seven males and females preserved. These 14 dogs are the forerunners of the present breed.
Schnauzer is considered to have originated in Germany during the Medieval Era, and the breed was frequently shown in Albrecht Durer’s wood carvings. Schnauzers were initially developed to assist farmers and hunters on the farm, but the dogs were also used to defend farmers on their route to the marketplace. The Schnauzer’s moniker is a direct German interpretation of “mustache,” The breed is said to be a cross of German Poodles, Wolf Spitz, and Wire-haired Pinschers. The Miniature Schnauzers were bred as farm dogs in Germany in the 1800s. Later, it became famous as a companion dog. In 1924, the Miniature Schnauzer was introduced to the United States, and in 1926, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Table of Contents
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Loyal | Separation anxiety |
Pet-friendly | Weight gaining tendencies |
Kid-friendly | Major health risks |
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Basic Information
- Name: Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix
- Height: Male/female – 5 to 7 inches
- Weight: Male/female – 7 – 14 lbs
- Coat: Long and sparse coat with Straight texture
- Color: Black, brown, white, fawn, silver
- Energy: Medium to high
- Activities: Family dogs, companion dogs, agile, loyal
- Group: Mixed breed
- Barking level: Low to medium
- Shedding level: Low to medium
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Litter size: 4 – 8 puppies
- Life span: 10 – 12 years
- Other names: Schnau-Tzu, Shih Schnauzer
- Breed recognitions: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog registry America, Inc., International Designer Canine Registry
Schnauzer Vs. Shih Tzu Mix: A Comparison
Features | Miniature Schnauzer | Standard Schnauzer | Giant Schnauzer | Shih Tzu |
Image | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Origin | Germany | Germany | Germany | China |
Height | 13 – 14 inches | 1 ft 5 inches – 1 ft 8 inches | 23 – 27 inches | 8 – 11 inches |
Weight | 11 – 20 pounds | 30 – 50 pounds | 55 – 80 pounds | 9 – 16 pounds |
Size | Toy | Medium | Large | Small |
Group | Terrier dogs | Working group | Working group | Companion dogs |
Children compatibility | Medium | Medium to high | Medium | Low to medium |
Family compatibility | High | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium |
Pet compatibility | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Barking level | Medium | Low to medium | Medium to high | High |
Shedding level | Low to medium | Low | Medium to high | Low |
Hypoallergenic | No | No | No | Yes |
Grooming | Low to medium | Low to medium | Low to medium | High |
Overall health | Medium | High | Medium to high | Medium to high |
Energy | High | High | High | Low |
Exercise needs | High | High | High | Low |
Trainability | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium |
Activities | Family dogs, companion dogs, watchdogs, ratter, agile | Family dogs, companion dogs, watchdogs, tracking, herding | Companion dogs, driving cattle, herding, guard dogs, tracking, carting | Walking, running |
Complications in breeding | No | No | No | No |
Litter size | 3 – 8 puppies | 4 – 8 puppies | 5 – 8 puppies | 2 – 5 puppies |
Life span | 12 – 14 years | 13 – 16 years | 10 – 12 years | 10 – 16 years |
Other names | Mini Schnauzer,zwergschnauzer | Wirehaired Pinschers | Riesenschnauzer | Chinese Lion Dog and Chrysanthemum Dog |
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Personality
Schnau-Tzu may acquire the physical traits of both of their parent breeds. The general physical characteristics of a Schnau-Tzu are:
- Round and brown, hazel or green eyes
- Black or brown nose
- Curled tail
- Floppy ears
- Short legs
- Brown or black paw pads
- Long coat, sparse coat density, straight coat texture of color black, brown, fawn, white, silver
Friendliness Overview
Affectionate | Medium to high |
Family-friendly | High |
Kid-friendly | Medium to high |
Pet-friendly | Medium to high |
Stranger-friendly | Medium to high |
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living | Medium to high |
Good for new owners | Medium to high |
Sensitivity | Medium to high |
Tolerates being alone | Medium |
Heat tolerance | Medium |
Cold tolerance | Medium to high |
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
Schnauzer and Shih Tzu Mix temperament is mild and best for being a family dog and companion dog. Schnau-Tzus are:
- Eager-to-please pets
- Bright
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Easy to train
- Playful
- Active
- Energetic
- Social
- Moody
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Training
A Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix is easy to train as they are intelligent, responsive, obedient. Since they are eager to please their masters, they will quickly catch the skills. However, this breed becomes less confident in front of bigger dogs and animals. Therefore, they will need adequate training on socialization.
If Schnau-Tzu takes Schnauzer’s gene – he will be intelligent and learn tricks quickly, while if he goes by Shih Tzu’s lineage, it will be challenging to train.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train | Medium to high |
Intelligence | Medium to high |
Mouthiness tendencies | Medium |
Barking or howling tendencies | Low to medium |
Prey drive | Medium to high |
Wanderlust tendencies | Low to medium |
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Exercise Needs
The exercise needs of a Schnauzer Shih Tzu may vary from one to another. It will depend on the gene pool he carries. Usually, 45 minutes of daily activity is required. It may include 8 miles of walk and other physical activities to keep him physically and mentally stimulated.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level | Medium to high |
Intensity | Medium |
Exercise needs | Medium |
Playfulness | Medium to high |
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Grooming
Grooming your Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix is necessary even though he is a light to medium shedder. You must:
- Brush his coat often weekly
- Brush his teeth thrice a week
- Clip his nails once it is long
- Ears must often be cleaned
Tools you need to groom your Schnau-Tzu
Grooming overview
Easy to groom | Low to medium |
Drooling tendencies | Low |
Amount of shedding | Low to medium |
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Health
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix runs low in health. They are susceptible to major and minor health issues that may lead to death if left untreated. Their average life span is shorter for a small dog breed. While some small canines live up to or over 15 years, these dogs live only up to 12 years.
Major health issues
- IVDD
- Diabetes
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- Eye disorders and Diseases
- Hip Dysplasia
- Myotonia Congenita
- Congenital Megaesophagus
- Von Willebrands’ Disease
Minor health issues
- Otitis Externa
- Cataracts
- Urolithiasis
- Bladder Stones
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Cleft Lip or Palate
- Bladder issues
- Reverse Sneezing
- Umbilical Hernia
Health Overview
Overall health | Medium |
Weight gaining tendencies | Medium to high |
Size | Small |
IVDD: Spinal degeneration impacts all Schnau-Tzus. IVDD is caused by the lengthy body not supplying sufficient support to the spine. If the condition worsens, it might result in pain and paralysis.
Diabetes: Dogs can suffer from diabetes as humans. It is difficult to cure but can be managed if your dog is kept under proper diet and supervision.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: A brachycephalic syndrome is a group of upper airway anomalies that cause a dog’s breathing to be partially obstructed. Several diseases are usually present at the same time in this illness.
Pancreatitis: Dogs may get inflamed pancreas which might get unnoticed. It can be a leading cause of death in dogs if their diet is not supervised and proper medication is not taken.
Eye disorders and Diseases: Eye issues like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes are prevalent in dogs.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. In addition, the cartilage and bones in the dog’s hip start to wear away as he develops. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.
Myotonia Congenita: This uncommon illness, also known as “myotonia congenita,” occurs by causing muscle fibers to contract continuously. Myotonia is a painful, genetic illness caused by chloride channel abnormalities in dogs.
Congenital Megaesophagus: Congenital megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus is missing muscle from birth, causing the dog to regurgitate his food. Vet costs may add up quickly.
Von Willebrands’ Disease: The most prevalent hereditary bleeding problem in dogs is Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD). It’s caused by a lack of a specific protein that helps platelets (blood cells that aid with clotting) adhere together and form clots to close damaged blood arteries. Von Willebrand factor is the name of the missing protein (VWF).
Occasional Tests
- Eye
- Skeletal
- Physical Examination
- X-Rays
- Blood and Urine Protein Screen
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Diet and Nutrition
Schnau Tzus need a half cup or a full cup of dog food twice a day. While feeding them, you should be mindful about:
- Providing them with a hypoallergenic diet.
- Providing a minimum of 25% of protein.
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Living Condition
A Schnau Tzu requires a loving and generous family. He is well adapted to apartments due to his size. His activity requirements are medium, making him suitable for a home with no backyard.
Adding a Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix To Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix to your family
Always look for a reputable breeder before adding a Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix puppy to your family. A reputable breeder will provide you with the gene testing certificates, vaccination certificates, health details. You may even request to look for their parent breeds to ensure their authenticity and health.
Cost of a Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Puppy
A Schnau Tzu puppy may cost around $150 to $400. The range varies from one breeder to another. Hence, you should research before getting a Schnau-Tzu puppy.
Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Photos










Schnauzer Shih Tzu Mix Videos
Shih Tzu cross Schnauzer | Our Puppy | Oreo
Bladder stones in our shih tzu-schnauzer
Beethoven, the 2-year-old Shih Tzu/Schnauzer mix on FOX6 News
Other Schnauzer Mixes
- Airedale Terrier and Schnauzer Mix
- Affenpinscher and Schnauzer Mix
- Basset Hound and Schnauzer Mix
- Bichon Frise and Schnauzer
- Bolognese and Schnauzer Mix
- Border Collie and Schnauzer
- Boston Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer
- Brussels Griffon and Schnauzer Mix
- Bulldog Schnauzer
- Cairn Terrier and Schnauzer Mix
- Cocker Spaniel and Schnauzer
- Eskimo Schnauzer
- German Shepherd and Schnauzer Mix
- Havanese and Schnauzer Mix
- Jacknauzer
- Lhasa Apsa and Schnauzer Mix
- Maltese and Schnauzer Mix
- Miniature Pinscher and Schnauzer Mix
- Miniature Schnoxie
- Miniature Schnaupin
- Pitbull and Schnauzer
- Pom-A-Nauze
- Schnauzer and American Eskimo Dog
- Schnauzer and Boston Terrier
- Schnauzer and Husky Mix
- Schnauzer and Corgi Mix
- Schnauzer and Dachshund Mix
- Schnauzer and Havanese Mix
- Schnauzer and Jack Russel Mix
- Schnauzer and Labrador Mix
- Schnauzer and Labrador Retriever Mix
- Schnauzer and Pug Mix
- Schneagle
- Schnelpie
- Schnoodle
- Shiba Ina and Schnauzer Mix
- Shih Tzu and Schnauzer Mix
- Yorkshire Terrier and Schnauzer Mix
- Welsh Terrier and Schnauzer Mix
- Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix
Other Shih Tzu Mixes
- Affen Tzu
- Shih-Mo
- Blue-Tzu Heeler
- Standard Auss-Tzu
- Tzu Basset
- Bea-Tzu
- Shichon (Zuchon)
- Daisy Dog
- Bolo-Tzu
- BoShih
- Shiffon
- Bully-Tzu
- Care-Tzu
- Cava-Tzu
- ShiChi
- Cock-A-Tzu
- Shorgi
- Coton Tzu
- Crested Tzu
- Schweenie
- Engatzu Spaniel
- French Bull Tzu
- Havashu
- Italian Tzu
- Jack Tzu
- Jatzu
- Shih Apso
- Mal-Shi
- Mini Fo-Tzu
- Auss-Tzu
- Pin-Tzu
- Schnau-Tzu
- Papastzu
- Shinese
- Shiranian
- Shih-Poo
- Pug-Zu
- Ratshi Terrier
- Sco-Shi
- Shar Tzu
- Sheltie Tzu
- Silky Tzu
- Skip-Shzu
- Smooth Fo-Tzu
- Fo-Tzu
- Toy Fo-Tzu
- Shih Tzu + Westie = Weshi
- Shih Tzu + Wire fox Terrier= Wire Fo-Tzu
- Shih Tzu + Yorkie = Shorkie Tzu