Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds:  Your Guide to Choosing the One Best for You

by Shawn Mack    |Published 06-02-2023

Thinking about all the Shih Tzu mixed breeds, which one do you think you might like?  Not all people will opt for a mixed breed, but there are some advantages in breeding two pure bred dogs together. There is also some miscommunication and confusion about hybrids as well.

Defining Mixed Breeds

For the purpose of this article, we will use the terms, designer breeds, hybrids, mixed breeds interchangeably to mean the pairing of two purebreds together to create the next generation. Mutts and mongrels are also terms that are sometimes used to describe a dog that has a mixed heritage.

Why Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds?

There are a number of reasons why Shih Tzu mixed breeds exist.

• Accidental Mating:  Two unaltered dogs happen to meet and mate without the owners being aware.  This can happen among neighbors who have dogs that were allowed to or got loose on their own. The urge to mate is extremely strong and females have been known to escape in order to find a mate. It could also happen in breeding facilities was lack of supervision.  It can also happen in homes where there is a male and female that have not been fixed.
• Purposeful Breeding: Some breeders will deliberately create hybrids because there is a demand.  People will request mixes and some breeders will actually charge more for these designer mixes.

Can You Register Your Mixed Breed Dog?

Yes, there are several registries that accept mixed breed dogs.  Here are some of the registries that will register a mixed breed dog:

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Dog Breed Registries - DesignerMixes.org
• National Hybrid Registry
• United All Breed Registry
• Designer Breed Registry

I've put together a long list of Shih Tzu hybrids, below.  Technically any dog can breed with another to create a hybrid, but some matings normally don't happen without the help of a person.  Consider a Great Dane and a Shih Tzu.  Yes it is possible, but rarely seen.

Here we have listed 7 of the most uniquely adorable Shih Tzu mixes so you can choose any one of your choices. If you fell in love with all these cuties listed here, don’t blame us!

Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds

Italian Tzu

Italian Tzu is an amazing combination of Italian Greyhound and Shih Tzu. When the affection of Greyhounds merges with the social skills of Shih Tzu, we get an unlikely mix with an adorable personality.

They are playful, friendly, attentive, and get social with humans and animals alike. With a round face, a black snout, wiry hair, and button ears, they closely resemble their Shih Tzu parents. They are smaller than their Italian Greyhound parent, so they can easily snuggle up with long stretches in a greyhound dog bed. 

Additionally, they are moderate-activity level dogs; you have to ensure their regular exercise and physical activity to keep them healthy and fit. They are best-suited for a couple, individuals, or family who have sufficient energy and time to play and cuddle this amazing Shi Tzu mix.

ShiChi

An exciting combination of Shih Tzu and Chihuahua; this small furry creature ShiChi is popular among dog lovers. They are charming, spunky, and perky, yet full of attitude but at the same time, they are ready to play with you. More so, these tiny furballs always want to be the center of your attention.

Many dog registries, such as Designer Canine Registry and American Canine Hybrid Club have recognized this breed. You will be getting unending love from this breed as both Chihuahuas and Shih Tzu have a long lifespan, around 10 to 18 years.

But I assume this period is still not enough to get all the enjoyment from ShiChi’s cheeky personality and contagious verve.

Shih-poo

These furball offspring of Shih Tzu and toy poodles are a sight for sore eyes. It's definitely possible to resist this furry pack with an always smiley face.

They are obedient, intelligent, adaptive, and always ready to put a smile on your face too. Their slightly wavy coat, inherited from both parents looks perfect. Thanks to the poodle parents, this classic hybrid is hypoallergenic.

They are brilliant designer dogs and love you unconditionally but want your attention in return, though. Plus, they are highly social and easy to train. If you want a dog for your kids that comes with a flood of love and obedience, this one's for you.

Auss-Tzu

Ah, the adorable mix of Shih Tzu and Australian Shepherd is simply unable to resist. Their incredibly small size won’t let you stop them from keeping them in your lap.

But don’t get fooled by their tiny size, the amount of fur they share on a daily basis will catch you off guard. So if you are short of time to look for their proper maintenance, then pass on to another mix.

Not only this, they are quite workaholics like their Australian Shepherd parents, so they need regular exercise and a high protein/fat diet. Ensure proper care of this amusing hybrid to get the most love and fun out of it.

Mal-Shi

It is another great combination of Shih Tzus and yes, you’ve guessed it right “Maltese”. This hybrid mix makes sense as well because both of them share almost the same traits.

As both Shih Tzu and Maltese are hypoallergenic, Mal-Shi is also a low-shedder pooch and suits well for people with allergies.

They are superactive, playful, and outgoing, but are easy to train. Their coat is soft, and curly, and comes in a variety of colors. Though they don't shed much, you still have to take the best care of their silky locks.

Jack Tzu

The delightful combination of Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu will, of course, result in active and intelligent offspring. They are small, spunky, and adorable designer dogs that are always friendly and cuddly. And yes! Their terrier gene makes them great watchdogs.

With a short nose, shaggy coat, and amusing underbite, they are a delight to watch and love. That said, they can also inherit long hair from their Russell Terrier parents. Their intelligence and active personality can suit apartment dwellers but you have to ensure their regular training and exercise.

If you take care of them properly, they can continue to offer companionship, devotion, and love for up to 15 years.

Havashu

Havanshu has successfully inherited the lively and charming personalities of two well-known small breeds; Havanese and Shih Tzu. They are entertaining, playful as well as friendly, even with strangers. Ahm! That makes them no-so-good watchdogs, though.

But they are packed with love and compassion and ideal for families with kids because of their playful personalities. More so, they are hypoallergenic and low shedding, so sound perfect for people suffering from allergies.

They are not very demanding and can adapt to your environment, whether you live in an apartment or a farm. That said, just like humans, there comes a phase where they just crave to cuddle on your lap.

Here's Just a Few More Possibilities for You to Consider

If you didn't fall in love with one of the hybrids above, there are more Shih Tzu mixed breeds to consider:

Affen-Tzu:  Affenpinscher and Shih Tzu

Bea-Tzu: Beagle + Shih Tzu

Bolo-Tzu: Bolognese + Shih Tzu

Bo-Shih: Boston Terrier + Shih Tzu

Care-Tzu: Cairn Terrier + Shih Tzu

Cava Tzu: Cavalier King Charles + Shih Tzu

Cock A Tzu: Cocker Spaniel +Shih Tzu

Fo-Tzu: Shih Tzu  + Toy Fox Terrier

Jatzu: Japanese Chin + Shih Tzu

Papastzu:  Papillon + Shih Tzu

Pug Zu: Pug + Shih Tzu

ShiChi: Chihuahua + Shih Tzu

Schnau-Tzu: Miniature Schnauzer + Shih Tzu

Schweenie: Dachshund + Shih Tzu

Sco-Shi: Scottish Terrier + Shih Tzu 

Shar Tzu: Shar-Pei + Shih Tzu

Sheltie Tzu: Shetland Sheepdog + Shih Tzu

Shiffon: Brussels Griffon + Shih Tzu

Shih-Mo: American Eskimo + Shih Tzu 

Zuchon (Shichon, Tzu Frise): Bichon Frisé + Shih Tzu

Shinese: Pekingese + Shih Tzu

Shiranian: Pomeranian + Shih Tzu

Shorgi: Pembroke Welsh Corgi + Shih-Tzu

Shorkie Tzu: Yorkshire Terrier + Shih Tzu

Silky Tzu: Australian Silky Terrier + Shih-Tzu

Skip-Tzu: Schipperke + Shih Tzu mix 

Weshi: Shih Tzu + West Highland White Terrier

Understanding Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds

To know more about the temperment of a mixed breed puppy, you really need to be aware of the personality of the parents.  You can learn about the Shih Tzu breed on this site, but it's also a good idea to learn as much as you can about the breed that mated with the Shih Tzu.  Any of these pure-bred dogs can be used to create a Shih Tzu mix.  

Here is a comprehensive Guide to the Dog Breeds Listed Below, all listed in alphabetical order

A to M Small Dog Breeds

N to Z Small Dog Breeds

Final Words

It is irresistible to shim with delight on watching a short-faced Shih Tzu running towards you for a cuddle. But you will get a double dose of goodness when Shih Tzu is cross-bred with other adorable breeds.

We have listed some of the uniquely adorable Shi Tzu mixes to help you decide which of them suits you well. All these hybrids are exceptionally amazing with a great temperament. Some might be more demanding in terms of your attention or maintenance needs.

But this is nothing when you compare it with the infinite affection and loyalty you receive from these delightful mixes.

Author Bio

About Janice

Janice is the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu. Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, she served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.

Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.

She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu.

When not writing, reading, or researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, her husband, and her family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Smart-Knit-Crocheting.