Shih TzuChihuahua Mix is a hybrid between Shih Tzu and Chihuahua. They make the perfect family and companion dogs that are highly trainable, agile, toy-sized, cute, lovable, jolly, intelligent, eager-to-please, and active. Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix are also known as Shichi, Chitzu, and Chi-Shis. Shih Tzu and Chihuahua differ in their looks. However, every Shichi looks different. The Shichis are suitable for new owners and great for apartment living.
Shih Tzu and Chihuahua were bred in China to develop mini lions. The Designer Breed Registry recognizes Shichi, American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry, Dog Registry of America.
There is no specific documentation on how this breed came to be like other hybrids. This breed, however, got recognized in the early 2000s.
Table of Contents
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Great for apartment living
Not very active
Little grooming
Barks when threatened
Protective of owner
Cannot be indoor all-day
Little exercise
Not stranger-friendly
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Basic Information
Name: Shih Tzu Chihuahua
Height: 7 – 10 inches
Weight: 3 – 12 pounds
Coat: Medium length coat, short undercoat, long wavy topcoats,
Color: Tan and white, black and white, black, tan and white, red and white, black, brown, brown and white, cream.
Energy: Low to medium
Activities: Family dogs, companion dogs, agile, playful,
Breed recognitions: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry, Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Shih Tzu Vs. Chihuahua: A Comparison
Features
Shih Tzu
Chihuahua
Image
Origin
China
Central or South America
Height
8 – 11 inches
6 – 9 inches
Weight
9 – 16 pounds
3 – 6 pounds
Size
Small
Small
Group
Companion dogs
Companion dogs
Children compatibility
Low to medium
High
Family compatibility
Medium
High
Pet compatibility
High
Low to medium
Barking level
High
Medium
Shedding level
Low
Low to medium
Hypoallergenic
Yes
No
Grooming
High
High
Overall health
Medium to high
Low to medium
Energy
Low
Medium
Exercise needs
Low
Low
Trainability
Medium
Medium
Activities
Walking, running
Companion dogs, family dogs
Complications in breeding
No
No
Litter size
2 – 5 puppies
3 puppies
Life span
10 – 16 years
10 -18 years
Other names
Chinese Lion Dog and Chrysanthemum Dog
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Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Personality
Chihuahuas mixed with Shih Tzus vary based on whose parent they resemble. They are usually no taller than 10 inches and weigh between 3 and 9 pounds. They often have a round head and either upright or drooping ears. The Shichi are double coated – a wavy top coat, a short undercoat and can be found in a variety of hues, like:
Black
Brown
Brown and white
Cream
White
Tan and white
Black and white
Black, tan and white
Red and white
They usually have a round face with erect ears like Chihuahuas or floppy ears like Shih Tzu.
Friendliness Overview
Affectionate
High
Family-friendly
High
Kids-friendly
Medium to high
Dog-friendly
Medium
Stranger-friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Goof for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
High
Sensitivity level
Medium to high
Tolerate being alone
Low to medium
Cold tolerance
Low to medium
Heat tolerance
Low to medium
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Shichis are playful and friendly creatures. They are very bright, yet a few get the stubborn streak from the Chihuahua, making training difficult. These dogs are considered to be yappy, especially when they come across outsiders or intimidated in any way. Shichis are often good family dogs who get along well with children and love playing with them. These canines, however, are not the ideal choice if your toddlers are incredibly young. Shichis are little canines that cannot endure hard play and are classified as toy species. Your Shichi’s willingness to tolerate other pets is ultimately determined by which one of his parent types he most closely resembles. While Shih Tzus are normally amicable with other pets, especially dogs, Chihuahuas prefer not to share their owners’ attention with other animals.
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Training
Shih Tzu and Chihuahua Mix will need socialization training in case of getting along with other pets. They would also require training on getting along with toddlers to have safe play. However, if your Shichi takes on Shih Tzu’s temperament, he would be intelligent and eagerly acquire all the tips and tricks. But, if the traits align with the Chihuahua parent, your mix will be stubborn and difficult to train. Positive and reward-based training is the best way to train this hybrid. Some Shichi pet parents would resist spending more time on socialization or training their dogs, thinking that this may cause harm due to their petite size, resulting in small dog syndrome. Some training required for this mixed breed dog are:
Shichis are high-energy canines that don’t require a lot of exercise due to their tiny size. The Shichi may not be the greatest choice if you want to take your dog for long walks and runs; these puppies need to get approximately 20-30 minutes of activity each day.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Low to medium
Intensity
Low to medium
Exercise needs
Low to medium
Playfulness
Medium to high
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Grooming
Grooming a Chihuahua and Shih Tzu mix is fairly easy as they are low in shedding. If your mix takes on Shih Tzu, then the puppy might turn hypoallergenic, and if it takes on Chihuahua, he will be a low shedder. If the coat is longer, you will require a comb and a bristle brush to brush him once a week. Bathing a Shichi is not that important. However, if he gets dirty, then bath him with vet-approved shampoos and other products. Brush his teeth thrice a week, trim his nails and clean his ears once dirty.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
High
Drooling level
Low
Amount of shedding
Low to medium
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Health
A Shih Tzu mix with Chihuahua is considered a healthy dog. They can live up to 15 years. However, there is always a possibility of getting sick for various reasons. Or, he may even be susceptible to his parents’ health issues.
Major issues
Hip dysplasia
Hydrocephalus
Respiratory issues
Hypoglycemia
Tracheal collapse
Minor issues
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Distichiasis
Dental problems
Patellar luxations
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium
Weight gaining tendencies
Medium to high
Size
Small
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. 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.
Hydrocephalus: This is a comparatively rare disease experienced by smaller canines. Dogs with this disease have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside their heads that cannot drain. This puts a lot of pressure on the brain, leading to lousy vision or blindness, seizures, restlessness, trouble learning commands, and coma.
Respiratory issues: Respiratory problems in smaller dogs are very prevalent. Difficulties in breathing are the most common.
Hypoglycemia: Anorexia, excessive tiredness, poor coordination, shaking, muscular twitching, fatigue, convulsions, and skin and gum discoloration are all symptoms of hypoglycemia. When a dog is in low sugar shock, he will usually refuse to eat or drink.
Tracheal collapse: Tracheal collapse is a gradual respiratory disease caused by the collapse of such tissue tracheal rings. As the windpipe contracts, it might create breathing issues in your dog. A severe dry cough may emerge as a result of this. The reason for the tracheal collapse in dogs is usually unknown.
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix needs high-quality dog food. So a cup of dog food divided into several meals a day is perfect for them. These dogs also need dog food that is rich in antioxidants and protein from natural sources such as chicken, beef, fish or eggs.
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Living Condition
Since Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix is loyal, jolly, eager to please their masters and love their family, they will require a very lovable and generous family who would take good care of them and share playful time with them. They are suitable for apartment living.
Adding Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix To Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix puppy to your family
It is better to check the breeder’s certifications before buying a puppy.
Since these dogs bear brachycephalic faces, it is better to examine the puppy’s nose structure before buying to ensure that they do not have difficulty breathing.
Houses with small children are unsuitable for these breeds.
It is recommended to buy some durable toys to channel their chewing tendency into a cheerful demeanor.
These breeds are prone to obesity, so do not overfeed them.
Cost of a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix puppies
Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas are both costly breeds, thus a crossbreed of the two should be even more pricey. Shichi pups may cost anything from $300 to $1,000.
