Best Shih Tzu Mixes (From Popular to the Uncommon Mix!) – Top Dog Tips
Finding the best Shih Tzu mixes out there can be quite overwhelming. There are a lot of them!
Shih Tzus are among the most popular ones to mix with other dogs because they are compatible with most breeds.
No wonder they are named the 20th most popular among the 195 breeds by the American Kennel Club in 2020.
I mean, what’s not to like? They’re cute, loyal, and depending on which breed they are combined with, could be goofballs, spunky, or snobs. Nonetheless, they always remain adorable.
I know, because I’m a Shih Tzu mix owner myself!
In this article, let me give you an idea on what are the different Shih Tzu mixes (that we know, so far!) to help you choose the next best fur baby to add to your family.
Best Shih Tzu Mixes: How To Pick The Ideal One?
As most mixed breeds are, it’s difficult to predict what temperament they would get from their parents of different breeds.
But for Shih Tzu mixes, it’s always certain that they would be one of the best companions for the whole family!
And since you’re here reading this article, I know you’ve already set your mind to getting one. But the question is: how to pick the best Shih Tzu mix for you?
1. Got Kids? Any Other Pets?
We already know that Shih Tzus are great with children and other pets. But mixing them with a breed that isn’t, well, we don’t really want to find out what will happen.
There are breeds that are loyal but very territorial to their personal space and owners.
If you have little kids or other fur babies at home, it’s best to consider the most patient and tolerant breeds to mix with a Shih Tzu. Get one that possibly has inherited the friendly and adaptable nature of both its parents (better safe than sorry!)
2. Got Time and Energy?
Shih Tzus, on their own, are quite adaptable. They could be playful and perky, but they could also just comfortably snuggle with you on the couch, no problem.
But if they are mixed with a high-energy breed that needs loads of active time, you may also need to exert more time and effort in exercising them.
Also, Shih Tzu’s double coat of hair needs constant grooming. Is this something you want to be mellowed down or you don’t mind brushing them on the regular?
3. Want ’em Trained Fast?
Shih Tzus are smart dogs, no doubt about that. But they can be hard-headed and stubborn at times too!
If you want them easily trained, pick a mix that could be easily trained and you’ll get yourself a well-behaved Shih Tzu mix that’s good at following rules.
Whether you have a Shih Tzu you want to breed with other dogs or you want it instant and prefer a mixed breed Shih Tzu already, these are the questions you’d want to consider to know which among them is the most compatible to suit your lifestyle.
And so without further ado, let me present to you 47 (so far!) of the best Shih Tzu mixes, from the popular ones to the almost unheard combination.
47 Best Shih Tzu Mixes
1. Shih-poo
Ah, the classic pairing of Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle. I mean, who can’t resist those fluffy furs and always smiling faces?
Shih-poos have big personalities. They are highly adaptable and are quite obedient and intelligent.
Their slightly wavy coat is the perfect mix of both parents and is actually hypoallergenic, thanks to the genes of its Poodle parent.
They can grow for as much as 10-15 inches and can weigh from 10 to 13 pounds.
2. Affen Tzu
This combination of a Shih Tzu and Affenpinscher, called Affen Tzu, is actually a new designer breed.
They can only weigh up to 13 lbs as a fully grown adult, but their lively personality compensate well for their small bodies!
They could be stubborn at times, yet playful and have a docile demeanor. They’re also great for apartment living either for singles or with a growing family.
3. Aussie Tzu
Both Shih Tzu and Australian Shepherd are great with kids–no wonder their mix is the same!
Aussie Tzus love to socialize and can definitely match your highly energetic kids. They need an adequate living space because they like to run a lot.
They are slightly bigger than purebred Shih Tzus, but they can still pass for lap dogs!
4. Shih Mo
Depending on the size of the American Eskimo parent, Shih Mos can weigh up to 25 pounds.
They are also very affectionate with children and know how to play with them even though they are big.
They have long, silky locks that need brushing often, and they like pampering and getting cuddled.
5. ShiChi 
Another popular mix is this small, perky, yet full of attitude dog–the ShiChi, a combination of Shih Tzu and, you guessed it, Chihuahua!
These tiny furballs of energy love to be the center of attention. They are spunky, charming, and very, very talkative.
ShiChis can only grow up to 10 inches tall, and their hair could be short or long, depending on the genes they get from either parent.
6. Silky Tzu
Silky Tzus are the offspring of two small and friendly dogs–the Shih Tzu and Silky Terrier.
Silky Tzus are highly sociable, playful, and mischievous true to their terrier genes.
Since they are quite small, they can get easily injured and is not ideal for young children.
7. Bea-Tzu
Bea-Tzus are the perfect combination of their Beagle and Shih Tzu parents. They could have a handy hunting ability with a loving and playful attitude.
They are also comical, loyal, and affectionate and are actually fantastic watchdogs who can howl at strangers!
Bea-Tzus also need to be exercised often, otherwise, their pent-up energy will be spent causing havoc around the house!
8. Mal-Shih
Mixing Shih Tzus and Maltese just makes sense, after all, they have a lot of similar features!
Mal-Shihs either have curly hair or a long and smooth coat that doesn’t shed much even when it’s too hot outside. However, daily grooming is still recommended to take care of those silky locks.
They also have a bold and playful attitude and are very friendly even towards strangers.
9. Jack Tzu
Another Shih Tzu mix that also has terrier genes is the Jack Tzu.
Thanks to its Jack Russel Terrier parent, Jack Tzus are also great watchdogs. They can also be a handful, cheeky, but entertaining.
They are very short and agile and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
When cared for, Jack Tzus can stay with the family for a long time and live up to 15 years.
10. Havashu
Havashu, a combination of Havanese and Shih Tzu, is a small yet mighty mix breed that does well with tricks, agility, and obedience training.
However energetic they may be, they will happily cuddle too.
Although they have a voluptuous long coat, Havashus are still quite easy to care for.
11. French Bull Tzu
From the name itself, the next Shih Tzu mix is combined with the bright and alert French Bulldog.
French Bull Tzus are the right mix of excitable calmness and friendly protectiveness. They love spending time with their owners and often need to learn how to socialize with others.
These mixed breeds can be quite stocky, with wispy hair and large bat ears, they can grow from 9 to 13 inches tall.
12. Cava Tzu 
Once upon a time, Shih Tzus were the emperor lapdogs in China while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were the lapdogs in 16th to 19th century northern England.
Because of their royal lineage, their mix, the Cava Tzu, is also regal, prideful, and eager to please its master.
They could still be playful and graceful but don’t require much exercise and would rather have an afternoon snooze.
Cava Tzus are also patient with children and are intelligent dogs that enjoy training sessions.
13. Pin Tzu
Another smart and easy-to-train mix dog is the Pin Tzu, a combination of Shih Tzu and Mini Pinscher.
This 15-lbs dog has short hair, big puppy eyes, and tall erect ears that could make an awesome watchdog because it sure does like the sound of its own voice (aka barks a lot!)
Pin Tzus are tiny and feisty that need to be socialized at a young age to not be overprotective.
But don’t worry because they are smart and easy to train!
14. Weshi 
Weshis, also known as Westie Tzus or West Highland Tzus, got their physical features mostly from the other parent, the West Highland Terrier.
However, their personalities are a balance of both parents; they could have a high prey drive with excitable energy but remain loving and caring to their family.
Weshis have crazy, wiry coats and can weigh from 12 to 18 pounds as adults.
15. Schnau Tzu
If you are looking for a Shih Tzu mix who doesn’t get easily tired playing fetch or hide and seek with children, then the Schnau Tzu is your guy!
This Shih Tzu-Schnauzer combination is quite intelligent and could easily pick up commands and tricks.
They have adorable big, floppy ears, and ragged, shaggy coats that actually need a lot of grooming.
16. Blue Tzu Heeler
This name came from the popular nickname Blue Heeler of the Australian Cattle Dog.
Blue Tzu Heeler is a new hybrid that is not yet recognized by any kennel club.
It is a much calmer mix (compared to its parents) but still with a strong herding instinct that needs a lot of exercise.
This is also one of the largest pups in this list that could weigh 20 to 40 pounds and grow up to 17 inches tall.
17. Shiranian 
Another small mixed breed with a big personality is the Shianian, the offspring of Shih Tzu and Pomeranian.
Shiranians are cheerful and sprightly dogs that are super sociable yet barky; be sure to reign them in because they could bark nonstop!
Physically, they are a perfect mix of both parents–the face of a Pomeranian with Shih Tzu for ears.
They are lapdogs that could grow from 7 to 9 inches tall.
18. Coton Tzu
The Coton de Tulear or the Royal dog of Madagascar, mixed with Shih Tzu, makes up these cute cotton balls called Coton Tzus.
As expected of its name, Coton Tzus have soft coats of hair whose colors range from white, black, cream, brindle, or brown.
They also have a super sweet disposition and are actually low maintenance as they rarely need special grooming.
19. Boshih
Another good mixed-breed companion for seniors and children of all ages is the Boshih, a Shih Tzu-Boston Terrier combination.
Boshihs are independent and quite frisky; scroungy yet cute.
They are inquisitive and always curious but are cheerful and adoring to their owners.
A full-size Boshih adult can weigh up to 20 pounds and grow up to 16 inches in height.
20. Crested Tzu
Another hypoallergenic mixed breed on this list is the Crested Tzu, a mix between Shih Tzu and the Chinese Crested dog.
Crested Tzus are talented and smart. They are always full of energy and would always rather play than sleep.
This is also a relatively new mix that has yet to gain popularity among dog enthusiasts, but with their laidback, well-mannered attitude, these lapdogs will surely gain more fanbase in no time!
21. Papastzu
With those fluffy upright ears and always alert eyes, there’s no mistaking that this is a Shih Tzu mix with a Papillon.
Papastzu has a spunky attitude and plentiful energy that needs supervision in social situations (they tend to forget how small they are sometimes!)
Their long, slightly dense hair needs everyday brushing so be ready to always have that grooming time with a Papastzu.
22. Sheltie Tzu
Shetland Sheepdogs have an even temperament, and luckily they pass it down to their Shih Tzu mix, the Sheltie Tzu.
Sheltie Tzus are generally easy to train but could be quite difficult to housebreak, so a little patience is necessary.
When trained, they can go along well with children and even other housepets like cats.
They have dense coats that don’t shed too much, so constant brushing is required to prevent them from matting.
23. Cock-a-Tzu
Cock-a-Tzu, the combination of Shih Tzu and Cocker Spaniel, is another great option for first-time owners or apartment dwellers.
Some people actually call them “that lazy man’s dog” (fun fact!) because they can just sleep all day if you let them!
However, if trained properly, they can also do well in agility courses because underneath those fluffy furs are excitable, lean bodies, and agile limbs.
24. Jatzu
Also known as Chintzu, Jatzu is the offspring of Shih Tzu and the Japanese Chin.
They are excellent companion dogs that are usually polite and restrained but still know when to have fun.
They are also quite intelligent, making them easily trainable and a good family dog.
25. Care Tzu
Obedient, agile, patient, intelligent–these are only some of the characteristics to describe a Care Tzu, a cross between Shih Tzu and the Scottish working dog, Cairn Terrier.
Because of this, Care Tzus often enjoy the outdoors to play under the sun.
When cared for properly, they could live up to 15 years, the perfect companion for your growing kids!
26. Peki Tzu/ Shinese
The perfect combination of a dignified personality and a playful attitude, Peki Tzu surely got a balanced trait from its parents, Shih Tzu and Pekingese dog.
Because they have long, dense, and wavy coats, they require everyday brushing and daily walks (even just for a short period of time!)
Since both parents are generally brachycephalic, it’s also likely that your Peki Tzu is flat-faced, so you may want to be mindful of the possible health consequences.
Nevertheless, they are cute, loyal dogs that are worth considering!
27. Shih Apso
Another dog breed that homebodies may want to consider is the Shih Apso, a cross between Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso.
They are the ideal lapdog with their gentle nature, plus they don’t have much energy. But they also need even just a little exercise (and so do you!)
And by the way, their long hair needs constant trimming, especially on the face.
28. Shorkie Tzu
Shorkie Tzus also don’t need much outdoor time. They’d happily spend their energies playing around inside the house.
This mix between Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier is usually a small, calm dog that’s easy to manage.
They’d also happily use their voices to alert you when someone unknown is near, a trait they got from both parents that are also always alert and very vocal.
29. Shorgi
A designer breed that always craves human attention and affection, Shorgi is the combination of Shih Tzu and Corgi.
If you get this mixed breed to guard the house while you are away, well, I’m sorry but you can’t–Shorgis just can’t be left home alone!
They can be quite destructive out of sheer boredom, so make sure to tire them during playtime.
They also have thick fur, good for mild and cooler climates.
30. Tzu Basset
Also one of the largest dogs on this list is the Tzu Basset, a Shih Tzu mixed with Basset Hound that can weigh up to 40 pounds.
Because of this, they may not be the best lapdogs but rest assured that they are great companions.
They are also intelligent and quite the people-pleaser. They can pick up commands fast, but sometimes, their Shih Tzu genes kick in and they become too stubborn to move.
However, they will surely love and dedicate much of their waking hours loving and entertaining the whole family.
31. Pug Tzu
This mixed breed may be funky looking, but it is definitely happy-go-lucky.
A combination of a Pug and Shih Tzu, the Pug Tzu is a good-natured dog that is rarely aggressive.
They can also be excellent playmates for your kids and is quite adaptable to apartment living.
32. Shar Tzu/ Shih Pei
They are independent, adventurous, and can be quite territorial. The Shar Tzu or Shih Pei is a combination of Shih Tzu and a Chinese Shar-Pei.
This mix is small yet hefty, and they can be easily spoiled because of their refined and picky taste. But don’t give in to those puppy eyes! It’s best to train them and know who’s the boss.
But once bonded, Shar Tzus can surely be loyal ’til the end.
33. Shiffon
This Shih Tzu-Brussels Griffon mix has plenty of energy to burn for playing fetch!
Shiffons are also fairly smart but can be quite stubborn so training them may be extra challenging, especially for newbie owners.
But once trained, they can be excellent companions for kids and other pets, just remember to socialize them at a young age to prevent any trouble!
34. Schweenie
The adorable name certainly matches the adorable looks of a Schweenie!
This mix between Shih Tzu, and wait for it… Weenies aka Dachshund is a lively and outgoing breed that enjoys being the constant companion of its owners.
They love running around for daily exercise whether indoors or outdoors.
Schweenies also rarely shed but that still depends on who the dominant parent is!
35. Sco-shi 
Sco-shi, a mixed breed from Shih Tzu and Scottish Terrier parentage, is quite independent and can be standoffish to strangers.
They are still considered small dogs that will not weigh more than 20 pounds. They have medium to long-length hair that cold either be straight or wiry.
Sco-shis are also easy to train and are very adaptable to different environments.
36. Fo-Tzu
As the offspring of Shih Tzu and Toy Fox Terrier, Fo-Tzus are also relatively small, with a height that’s not more than 13 inches and a weight of less than 12 pounds.
These mixed breeds may be snappy at times and may not be as okay with young kids unlike other Shih Tzu mixes. So singles, this could be the dog for you!
Also, their medium-length coat is fairly easy to maintain. Weekly brushing and grooming will suffice to keep them pretty and healthy-looking.
37. Italian Tzu
Another breed that can be quite independent is the Italian Tzu, a cross between Shih Tzu and Italian Greyhound.
Italian Tzus like daily walks, although they’re not excessively active and don’t need a great amount of exercise.
But when outdoors and it’s sunny, be mindful of them as they are susceptible to overheating.
Italian Greyhounds are also a perfect family companion who doesn’t mind being left alone at home from time to time.
38. Zuchon/Shichon
One of the most sought-after designer breeds, this Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix looks like a teddy bear comes to life!
The Zuchon, or Shichon to some, has fluffy silky fur that is also hypoallergenic. However, they may need constant grooming as they are prone to matting.
Zuchons have a mild temperament; they are not demanding and are always well-behaved.
They can also weigh from 5 to 15 pounds as fully-grown adults.
39. Skip Tzu
This Shih Tzu-Schipperke combination can inherit the physical attributes of both parents.
Skip Tzu, as they are fondly called, has a cheerful face and erect ears that appears to be always alert.
They can also be hyperactive but are still easy to manage compared to their purebred Shih Tzu parent.
40. Tibetan Tzu
This is a rare mix of Shih Tzu with another breed–a Tibetan Terrier, no less.
They are very clever, and sometimes they can even outsmart their own owners!
Although they are loyal, cuddly, and calmer large dogs, they need to be introduced to
41. Bolo Tzu
Bolo Tzus are a true toy dog companion coming from two small breeds, the Shih Tzu and Bolognese.
Because Bolognese is a rare purebred dog, no wonder that this mix is not well known at all.
But once more people get to witness their paw-sitive vibes and how people-loving they are, we’d probably see them more often sometime soon!
42. Bully Tzu
One of the most interesting mixed breeds on this list is the Bully Tzu, a combination of a Bulldog and a Shih Tzu.
We know how durable and strong Bulldogs look, while Shih Tzus are just the opposite.
They may have physical differences, but their personalities are actually quite similar. They are both affectionate, gentle, and easygoing and Bully Tzu certainly got these traits!
43. Shih Tzusky/ Husky Shih Tzu
Another unusual combo is the Shih Tzusky or simply the Husky Shih Tzu.
This rarety makes it one of the coveted hybrids of dogs not just because of how unique it looks but also how loving and loyal they can be!
They are great with children and are devoted watchdogs of the family.
However, they can also be heavy-shedders and need constant grooming.
44. Pitshih
Pitshih is the combination of Shih Tzu and Pitbull, which is kinda unusual just thinking about it.
But breeding both dogs results in this mixed breed that is not only loyal but also sweet and brave.
45. German Shih Tzu
True to its German Shepherd genes, the German Shih Tzu is athletic, hard-working, and intensely loyal.
They also retain that regal air often seen in the German Shepherd.
But one thing they get from their Shi Tzu parents is their friendly disposition. They are also affectionate furballs who don’t mind getting smothered with smooches!
46. Ratshi Terrier
The American Rat Terrier and the Shih Tzu are two small breeds that when combined, produced the energetic and fun-loving mix known as the Ratshi Terrier.
They are affectionate but independent and can be impatient and short-tempered at times.
In most cases, Ratshi Terriers have a shaggy, medium-length coat and need daily brushing to keep them matt-free.
47. Golden Shih Tzu
Just like both its parents, Golden Retriever and Shih Tzu, Golden Shih Tzus are friendly, goofy, and playful.
They are only slightly larger than a Shih Tzu and can weigh up to 40 pounds.
Best Shih Tzu Mixes Summary
So there you have the 47 best Shih Tzu mixes out there!
There really are a lot of different Shih Tzu mixes that we can all choose from and because they are a popular mix, I’m sure there will still be a lot of them to discover sometime soon.
I hope this helped you decide which one is the most compatible and suitable to your preference and lifestyle.
READ NEXT: BEST MIXED BREED DOGS FOR SENIORS: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE
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