Shih Tzu Mixes: 25 Adorably Unique Crossbreeds 

The Shih-Tzu has long been a popular choice of dog breed, currently ranking #20 on the American Kennel Club’s list of America’s most popular dogs.

Families love the Shih-Tzu’s easy going nature and their social personality. They especially seem to love the fact that they look like “little lion dogs.” In recent decades, many Shih Tzu mixes have popped up both purposely and by accident.

While mixed breed dogs will always be common, the Shih-Tzu is becoming increasingly popular as a cute, healthy, and mentally stable parent breed for some fun cross-breeds. Keep scrolling for the 25 most adorably unique Shih Tzu mixes. 

1. Affen Tzu

The Affen Tzu is a mix between the Shih Tzu and the Affenpinscher.

Photo: Wag!

Like its two parent breeds, the Affen Tzu is a small dog. It averages just 7 to 16 pounds in weight and 7 to 11 inches in height. Expect your Affen Tzu to inherit some of the typical Affenpinscher’s personality traits.

Intelligence, energy, and a little bit of stubbornness are likely, as are affection and friendliness. Expect, too, any Affenpinscher mix to require a little bit more training and socialization than some other breeds. With the right foundation and dedication, an Affen Tzu can make a wonderful companion.  

2. Auss-Tzu

The Auss-Tzu is a mix between a Shih Tzu and an Australian Shepherd.

Photo: PetGuide

Because the size and weight of Aussies can vary so much, so too can the size and weight of an Auss-Tzu. A little more predictable is the likelihood that your Auss-Tzu will have a thick coat that feels silky to the touch.

You’ll want to make sure your mix is brushed daily, and that you maintain regular appointments with a groomer. Auss-Tzus tend to inherit much of the energy level of their Australian Shepherd parent breed. Many are used for agility training, tricks, and other high-energy activities.

These active dogs require high-protein diets to match their energy levels. Still, Auss-Tzus also make excellent household companions — even if they do require an extra-long walk, or a daily game of fetch. 

3. Bea-Tzu

The Bea-Tzu is arguably one of the cutest Shih Tzu mixes.

Photo: Doglime

The result of a Shih Tzu and Beagle pairing, the Bea-Tzu typically has a Shih Tzu-like coat with a Beagle’s colors and patterns. They range from small to medium in size and can weigh anywhere from 15 to 23 pounds. 

Bea-Tzus inherit much of their personality from purebred Beagles. Many Bea-Tzu owners report that their dogs are very friendly and playful, but also highly intelligent and protective. A well-socialized Bea-Tzu will likely be friendly towards everyone it meets, animals and humans alike. 

4. Blue-Tzu Heeler 

The Blue-Tzu Heeler is a mix between a Shih-Tzu and an Australian Cattle Dog.

Photo: Pinterest

An official member of the registry of designer dogs, Blue-Tzu Heelers end up looking like longer-haired cattle dogs, so can require a fair amount of regular grooming. They can weigh anywhere from 16 to 35 pounds, and have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years as a result of this smaller size. 

Blue-Tzu Heelers need daily exercise to keep up with their moderate energy levels. Long walks, agility, and herding tasks are all excellent ways in which a Blue-Tzu Heeler likes to expend its energy. Though these Shih Tzu mixes are very friendly dogs, they can also be stubborn.  

5. Bolo-Tzu

Though you may mistake it for a teddy bear, the Bolo-Tzu is actually a cross between a Shih-Tzu and a Bolognese.

Photo: PetGuide

These are small dogs, weighing just 9 to 15 pounds. The other physical traits of the Bolo-Tzu aren’t yet consistently predictable. The Bolognese is an increasingly rare dog, making the Bolo-Tzu even rarer. However, one thing is for sure: the Bolo-Tzu makes for an adorable lap dog. 

6. BoShih

The BoShih is the result of crossing a Shih Tzu with a Boston Terrier.

Photo: PetGuide

BoShihs are small to medium-sized dogs and can weigh as little as 10 pounds or as much as 20 pounds. They often end up with the long silky hair of their Shih-Tzu parent, but the black and white coloring of their Boston ancestry. 

The BoShih is bred as a companion dog, but its high energy and keen intelligence also makes it suitable for sport, but not always suitable for children. Like Bostons, BoShihs can suffer from separation anxiety, so would do best with a family that doesn’t travel very much.    

7. Care-Tzu

The Care-Tzu is another adorable Shih Tzu crossbreed.

Photo: PetGuide

A Cairn Terrier mix, the Care-Tzu has a soft coat. They are small dogs, weighing around 15 pounds and coming in at just 9 to 13 inches in height.

This designer breed has been carefully developed as a family companion dog that is both cuddly and free of the health issues common in other small dogs. Care-Tzus require a moderate amount of exercise, but are otherwise easy to care for. 

8. Cava-Tzu

The popular Cava-Tzu is a mix between a Shih-Tzu and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Photo: DoggieDesigner

Though Cava-Tzus often resemble their Shih-Tzu parent more, they do inherit the unique colors of their spaniel ancestors. Cava-Tzus are small dogs and typically weigh just 10 to 16 pounds. 

Cava-Tzus make excellent family pets. They are smart and playful and are usually very good with children. They are also ideal for apartment living, as they don’t require much exercise.  

9. Cock-a-Tzu

Cross a Cocker Spaniel with a Shih Tzu and you’ll get a Cock-a-Tzu.

Photo: Shih Tzu Dogs

This cute and fun designer dog is medium sized, weighing in at 25 to 35 pounds. The Cock-a-Tzu has a double-layered coat, and it’s wavy tresses need daily brushing. 

Though they require a little extra maintenance, Cock-a-Tzus make great family dogs. They are smart and eager to please. As both of their parent breeds, they are good with children. Cock-a-Tzus aren’t as active as other types of dogs, and short walks or the occasional day at doggie daycare usually satisfy their exercise needs.  

10. Coton-Tzu

Coton-Tzus are a mix between Shih Tzus and the rare Coton de Tulear.

Photo: Wag!

They weigh between 8 and 15 pounds and can have medium or long hair. Though their coat is silky, it doesn’t require as much grooming as some other Shih Tzu mixes. They are very good with children and make excellent family dogs. 

11. Crested-Tzu

The cute Crested-Tzu is the result of breeding a Shih Tzu and a Chinese Crested.

Photo: K9 Magazine

This designer dog is deliberately bred. Usually, they are very easy to train, and since they don’t require much exercise, are well suited to apartment living.

While the Crested-Tzu is a very loving dog, small children easily overwhelm them. For this reason, Crested-Tzus are usually recommended for individuals, or for families with older children. And they sure are cute! Unlike their Chinese Crested parent, they have hair covering their whole body. Happily, many Crested-Tzus inherit the pointy, alert ears, too. A small dog, Crested-Tzus weigh between 9 and 15 pounds.    

 12. French Bull Tzu

The French Bull Tzu is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a French Bulldog.

Photo: PetGuide

This small dog reaches a maximum weight of 25 pounds. Interestingly, most French Bull Tzus inherit much of their bully parent’s look, complete with the famous ears. 

French Bull Tzus are very loyal dogs who love spending time with their humans. While they aren’t naturally known as great dogs for children, they can easily get along well when properly socialized. French Bull Tzus are not very high energy, so don’t require much more exercise than a daily walk. 

13. Havashu

The Havashu is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Havanese. This cute pooch is on the smaller side of the scale — just 7 to 14 pounds. 

Photo: The Happy Puppy Site

Havashus love to please, and are known to be devoted dogs who love to cuddle. They enjoy being active, but are also suitable for apartment living. And with their gentle nature, it’s no wonder the Havashu is becoming quite a popular family dog. 

14. Jack Tzu

The Jack Tzu is a mix between the Shih Tzu and the Jack Russell Terrier.

Photo: Doggie Designer

These small dogs usually weigh between 14 and 23 pounds. While they commonly inherit the body shape of the Jack Russell, they tend to have longer fur that is softer to touch. 

Like their Jack Russell Terrier parent, Jack Tzus are full of energy. They are also quite stubborn. Therefore, consistent training and exercise is usually the key to making this terrier mix a member of the household. 

15. Mal-Shi

The Mal-Shi is a Maltese/Shih-Tzu hybrid. These Maltese mixes are some of the smallest on our list, averaging just 6 to 8 pounds.

Photo: Infinity Pups

Mal-Shis are hypoallergenic, making them an ideal companion dog for those with allergies. 

The Mal-Shi is a popular family dog and is even becoming a popular therapy dog. They are gentle, playful, and energetic, though their small size means they don’t require much formal exercise.  

16. Pin-Tzu

Breeding a Miniature Pinscher to a Shih Tzu results in a Pin-Tzu. These dogs are as small as expected, reaching a maximum weight of about 13 pounds. 

Photo: The Smart Canine

Despite being a toy breed, they are very protective and make effective watchdogs. While most Pin-Tzu owners will report that their dogs are good with children, they can get nippy when they feel overwhelmed. 

17. Schnau-Tzu

The Schnau-Tzu is a mix between a Shih-Tzu and a Schnauzer.

Photo: Nom Nom

This cute little hybrid dog is on the smaller side, and can weigh as little as 7 pounds. Though much of their overall look resembles that of the Shih Tzu, they do tend to inherit the floppy ears of their Schnauzer parent.

Schnau-Tzus are very smart dogs. They are fairly active and benefit from regular physical and mental stimulation. They do well with children and other pets and are becoming increasingly popular family dogs. 

18. Sheltie Tzu

The Sheltie Tzu is an adorable cross between a Shih Tzu and a Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie.

Photo: Pinterest

These small dogs weigh between 15 and 20 pounds, and usually inherit a lot of physical features from their Shih Tzu parent. Their long hair tends to mat easily, so regular grooming is important.

Sheltie Tzus also inherit their laid-back personality from their Sheltie side. These sweet dogs are well known for loving anyone and everyone, even children and cats. However, they can be tough to house train, so a little early patience may be necessary. 

19. ShiChi

A ShiChi is one of many popular Shih Tzu mixes. Half Chihuahua, the ShiChi can be as small as 5 pounds, or as large as 12 pounds.

Photo: LoveYourDog

The Shih Tzu side of this designer breed tends to mellow out the energy of the purebred Chihuahua. Thus, ShiChis are known for being laid-back and loving, but with a big personality. 

20. Shih Mo

The Shih Mo is a unique crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and an American Eskimo dog.

Photo: The Smart Canine

This popular hybrid is a small dog, standing as high as 16 inches and reaching a max weight of 22 pounds. They often feature long cream-colored fur that is silky to the touch. 

Shih Moes are not brimming over with energy and therefore are not in need of a whole lot of exercise. They prefer to be lap dogs and companions and are especially good with children.  

21. Shih-Poo

These days, Poodle crossbreeds are all the rage, and Shih-Poos are no exception.

Photo: All Things Dogs

Usually, Shih Tzus are bred to miniature Poodles. This results in a Shih Tzu/Poodle mix that weighs somewhere between 13 and 20 pounds. Like both parent breeds, Shih-Poos require regular grooming. 

Shih-Poos — also called Shipoos or Shitzpoos — can be shy around strangers, but very loving and affectionate towards its own human(s). Shih-Poos are very easy to train, and tend to be eager to please. 

22. Shiranian 

The Shiranian is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian.

Photo: PetGuide

Shiranians can weigh as little as 4 pounds, though most average closer to 13 pounds. These designer dogs have long silky fur and require regular appointments with a groomer. Like their parent breeds, they also come in a variety of colors, including the rarer sable, red, and brindle. 

Shiranians are very playful and intelligent. Still, they don’t require much exercise. This makes them ideal companions for families, children, and older dog owners. Some Shiranians do inherit the separation anxiety for which Pomeranians are known.   

23. Shorkie Tzu

The cute little Shorkie Tzu is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier.

Photo: LoveYourDog

This Yorkie mix doesn’t get much bigger than its Yorkie parent. Weighing in at just 7 to 15 pounds, the Shorkie Tzu is becoming more and more popular as a companion dog or lap dog. 

Shorkie Tzus require very little maintenance, and they don’t need much exercise. This makes them uniquely suited to apartment living or as companions for people who are immobile.  

24. Silky Tzu

The Silky Tzu is a cross between a Shih Tzu and the aptly named Silky Terrier.

Photo: Wag!

They are small dogs and weigh anywhere between 7 and 12 pounds. They come in a variety of color combinations and are usually hypoallergenic. This makes them a popular choice of dog for those with allergies. 

Silky Tzus are very affectionate but can become easily overwhelmed by lots of activity. While they don’t require a ton of exercise, they do require regular grooming appointments.  

25. Weshi 

And finally, the Weshi is a cute cross between a Shih-Tzu and a West Highland Terrier, or Westie. Weshies, or Westi Tzus, are small dogs weighing between 11 and 16 pounds.

Photo: Veranda on Highland

They often inherit a number of physical features from their Westie parent, including the pointy tail and the “mustache.” 

Weshis also inherit the West Highland Terriers penchant for hunting vermin and should be well socialized so as not to exhibit a prey drive towards cats and other small animals. Weshis are outgoing and loving and are popular family dogs.

A Final Thought: 

It shouldn’t be too surprising that Shih Tzu mixes are increasing in popularity. After all, they’re adorable, healthy, and make great family dogs. They even have a royal background, having been bred for the Chinese Emperor.

If you choose to welcome a Shih Tzu mix into your family, remember to feed it high-quality dog food, provide it with exercise and love, and maintain regular grooming appointments. If you do this, you are sure to find that your Shih Tzu mix will become your best friend.