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Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix – Everything You Need To Know

Shih Tzu Chihuahua 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. 

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Great for apartment livingNot very active
Little groomingBarks when threatened
Protective of ownerCannot be indoor all-day
Little exerciseNot 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, 
  • Group: Mixed breed
  • Barking level: Low to medium
  • Shedding level: Low to medium
  • Hypoallergenic: May be (Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic, Chihuahuas are non-hypoallergenic)
  • Litter size: 3 – 4 puppies
  • Life span: 12 – 15 years
  • Other names: Shichi, Chitzu, Chi-Shi
  • 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

FeaturesShih TzuChihuahua
Image
OriginChinaCentral or South America
Height8 – 11 inches6 – 9 inches
Weight9 – 16 pounds3 – 6 pounds
SizeSmallSmall
GroupCompanion dogsCompanion dogs
Children compatibilityLow to mediumHigh
Family compatibilityMediumHigh
Pet compatibilityHighLow to medium
Barking levelHighMedium
Shedding levelLowLow to medium
HypoallergenicYesNo
GroomingHighHigh
Overall healthMedium to highLow to medium
EnergyLowMedium
Exercise needsLowLow
TrainabilityMediumMedium
ActivitiesWalking, runningCompanion dogs, family dogs
Complications in breedingNoNo
Litter size2 – 5 puppies3 puppies
Life span10 – 16 years10 -18 years
Other namesChinese Lion Dog and Chrysanthemum Dog

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

AffectionateHigh
Family-friendlyHigh
Kids-friendlyMedium to high
Dog-friendlyMedium
Stranger-friendlyMedium

Adaptability Overview

Goof for apartment livingHigh
Good for new ownersHigh
Sensitivity levelMedium to high
Tolerate being aloneLow to medium
Cold toleranceLow to medium
Heat toleranceLow 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:

Trainability Overview

Easy to trainMedium
IntelligenceMedium to high
Prey driveMedium to high
Mouthiness tendenciesMedium to high
Barking or howling tendenciesLow to medium
Wanderlust tendenciesLow to medium

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Exercise Needs

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 levelLow to medium
IntensityLow to medium
Exercise needsLow to medium
PlayfulnessMedium 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 groomHigh
Drooling levelLow
Amount of sheddingLow 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 healthMedium
Weight gaining tendenciesMedium to high
SizeSmall

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.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Puppy
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Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Photos

Image sources: Puppies Club, Bipsindia, Pinterest, Insight-egypt, Dogable, Pinterest, Pinterest, Your dog advisor, Freeads, The dog snobs

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Videos

Interesting Facts about the Adorable Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix (Shichi) | Should you get one?

Shih Tzu/Chihuahua SHICHI growing up ! SO cute !!!

My ShiChi Dog | Shitzu | 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
  • Schnau-Tzu
  • 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

Other Chihuahua Mixes

  • Cheeks
  • Affenhuahua
  • Chimation
  • Chispaniel
  • BoChi
  • Cheagle
  • Jach Chi
  • Chiweenie
  • Chigi or Chorgi
  • Cheenese
  • Chipoo or Poochi
  • Chorkie
  • Chug
  • Pomchu
  • Rat-Cha
  • Chizers
  • Labrahuahua
  • Malchi
  • Chipin
  • Chion
  • Boxachi
  • Golden Chi
  • Italian Greyhuahua
  • Taco Terrier
  • French Bullhuahua
  • Toxirn
  • Chi Apso
  • Wire Chioxy
  • ChiChon
  • Eskimo Chi
  • Scotchi
  • American Bullhuahua
  • Chidale
  • Bolo-Chi
  • Chussel
  • Chi Chi
  • Chin-Wa
  • Chatterdale
  • Shiba-Chi
  • Chestie
  • Silkyhuahua
  • Chi Staffy Bull
  • Smooth Chisoxy

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