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
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:
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.
