German shepherd Shih Tzu mix, a rare breed mix that you get after breeding a German shepherd with a Shih Tzu.
Additionally, it’s a breed mix with little information gathered about it yet. Perhaps because this breed mix isn’t that popular.
Also, breeders are still figuring out how safe it is to breed these two dogs that have a huge size variation.
However, the above reasons cannot bar us from knowing more about this breed mix.
The reason being, by comparing and contrasting the traits of this breed’s parents, it will be possible for you to forecast how the resultant hybrid dog will resemble.
Can A German shepherd Mate with a Shih Tzu?
Although controversial, a German shepherd can mate with a Shih Tzu.
Additionally, because of the size difference between these two breeds, the only advisable option is for a male Shih Tzu to mate with a female German shepherd.
The litter size can range from 5 to 10 puppies.
NB: mating a male German shepherd with a female Shih Tzu can turn out to be disastrous or even cause health complications to the dam
The Debate: Interbreeding Big and Small Dogs
It has always been a contention whether it is right to breed a small dog with a big dog—quite a debatable topic. One side says that the resultant breed is much healthier, whereas the other party says it’s unethical.
You can follow this thread here on UK.answers.Yahoo. One anonymous member claims that it’s possible but not advisable.
For once, it’s a debate that won’t end soon. What’s your thought?
German Shepherd and the Shih Tzu
Here are some features that the German shepherd and the Shih Tzu have.
| The Shih Tzu | The German shepherd | |
| Origin | Tibet-china | Germany |
| purpose | Ancient companion dog | Working dog |
| size | Range from 9 to 10.5 inches | Range from 22 to 26 inches |
| weight | No standard weight, 9-16 pounds | Ranges from 55 to 70 pounds |
| Type of coat | Dense double coat, stylish long silky fur, | Double coat with a thick undercoat. |
| Coat color | All are permissible and considered equal. | Common colors; black/tan, red/black |
| temperament | Friendly, upbeat attitude can be stubborn at times, thrives on attention. Perfect for first-time pet owners. | Loyal, alert, and friendly working dog. |
| training | Hard to train | Easy to train |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate, 30 minutes of playtime daily | Extensive, 1 hour of play per day is adequate |
| Relation with children | Perfect with children. However, they have to be monitored on how they interact. | Does well with children |
| Level of barking | low | mild |
| health | A common disease, patellar luxation | Prone to hip dysplasia |
| Life expectancy | 10-18 years | 9-13 years |
The German shepherd Shih Tzu Mix Appearance
The appearance of this breed mix can be hard to predict. However, it will be hugely determined by the parent with the strongest genes.
With that said, expect a breed mix with a length ranging from 8inches-26inches and weight ranging from 9 to 70 pounds.
This mix often has a fuzzy double coat. And predominant colors include black, black and tan, and liver.
Depending on which genes picked, this breed can shed high or less in the year. Note, Shih Tzu doesn’t shed a lot as compared to the German shepherd.
Here is an article discussing how German shepherds shed.
German shepherd Shih Tzu Mix Temperaments
The German shepherd and the Shih Tzu don’t have distant temperaments. Thus we expect a breed mix that is loyal, intelligent, and affectionate to its family members.
Additionally, this breed mix thrives in lots of attention and love. It’s a dog that you should not tie and forget behind the house. It’s more of a companion pet that will cherish living around people.
If not around, you can get this dog some chew toys or even get a pet sitter.
German shepherd Shih Tzu mix will require to be enrolled in a puppy nursery while still young for it to learn socialization skills. Socialization will help in shaping up its behaviors and temperaments.
Also, the socialization of this dog is important. Let the dog interact with other animals, children, and different sounds and sights. Lack of socialization will make this dog aggressive and unfriendly to strangers.
Similar to other dogs, this breed mix can turn out to be nasty if not well handled correctly. Thus, watch out how children and other family members interact with the German shepherd Shih Tzu mix.
Unruly behaviors that can manifest in this dog include excess barking, stubbornness, and aggressiveness.
Overall, this dog makes a great canine companion as he gets along well with other animals and children in the house. However, kids in the house have to be taught how to handle this dog.
Additionally, let the dog respect your authority. However, don’t shout or reprimand this dog.
German shepherd Shih Tzu Breed Mix Health
It’s a misconception that breed mixes don’t suffer from diseases. However, that is not true. No breeder should cheat you that the German shepherd Shih Tzu mix is free from diseases.
Here is an outline of various health conditions common in this breed mix. However, the probability of contracting the highlighted disease is minimal.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia– a painful joint disorder
- Patellar luxation-a disorder that often affects small dogs. Characterized by the dislocation of the patellar bones.
- Allergies. Like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies. This dog can either suffer from contact, food, and inhalation allergies.
- Cataracts-common eye condition in Chihuahuas. However, it’s not life-threatening.
- Bladder infections– common in females than in male dogs.
Other conditions you should be aware of include obesity, ear, and skin infections.
While at that, ensure that this breed mix adheres to its immunization schedule.
Deworm your dog from the common intestinal parasites. Additionally, learn how to control ticks and fleas on your dog.
Note: ensure that a breeder gives you the health certificates of each parent dog before you get a puppy. The parents of this breed mix, i.e., the Shih Tzu and the German shepherd, should be free from any hereditary conditions.
Fact: Shih Tzu is susceptible to a condition known as an undershot or under bite. This condition is characterized by a long, wide lower jaw as compared to the upper jaw.
This condition causes the dog’s upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside when the mouth is closed.
The Life Span of the German shepherd Shih Tzu Mix
The life span of this mix can range from 9 to 16 years. However, its lifespan will depend on how you nurture and give it care.
German shepherd Shih Tzu Mix Training
This breed is receptive to training, as it is intelligent and always keen to details.
Training should start when the puppy hits 8 weeks. It’s at this prime age that dogs are receptive to training.
Be keen on how you potty train this breed mix. Sometimes potty training the German shepherd Shih Tzu mix can be difficult if it picks up the stubborn nature of the Shih Tzu.
Also, let the training sessions be reward-based. Using positive reinforcements helps the dog capture the pieces of training with ease.
Also Read: Is it easy to train a German Shepherd?
Exercise Needs
A well-structured exercise plan will be adequate for this breed. Overexerting this dog with long tedious road runs will turn out to be disastrous rather than helpful.
Be moderate.
For example, you can spare 1 hour daily divided into two sessions to exercise this dog.
Useful exercises that will help this dog include walking, jogging, or playing fetch.
Lack of exercise shortens the distance between this dog and adverse health conditions like obesity.
Important read: How Much Exercise Does a German Shepherd Need?
Grooming
Like every other dog breed, the German shepherd Shih Tzu mix requires regular grooming sessions.
Grooming session that will help include
- Daily brushing of the coat with an animal-friendly brush
- Nail clipping to prevent overgrowth of nails
- Brushing of teeth twice a week- modern chew toys also helps keep the dog’s teeth free of plaque.
Diet of the German shepherd Shih Tzu Mix
The Diet of this dog will depend on its size and energy levels.
Also, check on the treats that you give this breed mix as too much of them will exceed this dog’s daily calorie requirements.
One cup of food morning and another in the evening will be adequate for this dog.
Also, ensure that clean water is available throughout.
Besides the regular diet, supplements like vitamin b complex and omega will be of help.
Overall, you can consult your vet on the best food to give this dog. Consequently, home-prepared food should be given to the dog after advice from a dog’s nutritionist.
See Also: Best Dog Foods for German Shepherd Puppy.
Where Can I Get a German shepherd Shih Tzu Mix?
Breeders
Getting a breeder who breeds this mix can turn out to be a challenging task. It’s a new breed; thus, not much is known about it to this point.
However, if you are lucky, the parent of this dog breed should be free from hereditary conditions. Note: Let the breeder show you the parent’s health clearance certificates.
Also, avoid breeders who breed teacup dogs.
Animal Shelter
You can adopt or foster a German shepherd Shih Tzu mix from an animal shelter. However, it will be a matter of luck as this breed mix is not popular.
However, if you are not lucky, here are some breed mixes that you can consider.
Plus: How to find free German Shepherd puppy?
Shih Tzu Breed Mixes
Shih Poo
The Shih poo is a breed Mix of (You guessed it) a Shih Tzu and a poodle.
Common Names for this breed mix are ‘shoodle’ or ‘pooshi.’
This is a small-sized dog, ideal as a family pet. This mix is loyal and friendly to its family members. Furthermore, it has minimal grooming needs. Though it’s vital to groom it regularly.
Additionally, it’s an attention seeking dog that can, at times, be stubborn. Thirty minutes of daily exercise will prove to be sufficient for the Shih poo.
Training this breed mix is easy, as both the Shih Tzu and poodle are intelligent and keen listeners.
Shorkie
A breed mix that results from breeding a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie. It is a small-sized dog with its weight not exceeding 12 pounds. Additionally, it is a perfect, loyal, and affectionate companion dog for people living in apartments.
Besides its small size, this dog has an upbeat attitude. New pet owners can find it hard to contain the stubborn nature of this breed mix.
Another interesting mix: German Shepherd Coyote mix.
The Havashu
A breed mix that results from breeding a Havanese with a Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, it’s a small sized dog that does well along with everyone. Other than that, this breed mix shed less as compared to different Shih Tzu breed mix.
The Havashu dog is devoted and always ready to listen to its owner’s instructions. Consequently, it is a perfect fit for single individuals, as this breed mix doesn’t have extensive grooming or exercise needs.
A perfect candidate for separation anxiety if left alone or enclosed in a kennel for long.
Like other small dogs, this breed mix is susceptible to dental problems.
Amazing fact: the Havanese breed is Cuba’s national dog.
Mal-shi
A breed mix that results from breeding a Maltese with a Shih Tzu.
A perfect companion friend as it is loyal, friendly, and affectionate to its family members.
Besides that, this breed mix has minimal grooming needs as it sheds minimal fur throughout the seasons.
This breed mix will follow you everywhere you go, and they will often cherish napping on your lap.
Additionally, it’s a breed mix with minimal exercise needs. 30 minutes of play will be enough
Shiranian
A dog that results from breeding a Pomeranian and a Shih Tzu.
It’s a dog that cherishes the companion of other dogs or other family members. It’s small-bodied; however, it has a big dog’s personality.
Although an ideal family dog, it doesn’t do well with children. Children have to be taught how to
handle this breed mix with care.
The primary grooming task is ensuring the coat is neat and well kept.
Although it is a small dog breed, it requires regular exercise sessions to keep it fit.
German shepherd Breed Mix
Shepsky
A Shepsky is a breed mix of a German shepherd with a Siberian husky.
These are two big dogs that, when bred together, the result is a breed mix with wolf like appearance.
Besides its appearance, this dog is an ideal companion and working dog for any family.
Additionally, it needs regular sessions of playtime to keep it fit. However, other forms of exercise, like walking and jogging together, will still be sufficient.
Shepherd pit mix
A shepherd pit is what you get after breeding a German shepherd and a pit bull.
It is often misunderstood because of its looks. However, beneath those looks, you will find a devoted and loyal companion.
Additionally, it’s loyal and protective of its handlers.
What’s more, this dog will require regular sessions of playtime in the day. One hour of play daily will be adequate.
Sheprador
A popular breed mix that results from breeding a German shepherd and a Labrador.
This is a devoted working dog that thrives in pleasing the owner. They thrive in the companionship of other people or dogs.
Consequently, this breed mix does well in a home with children; often a trait picked from its parents. Additionally, this dog isn’t suitable for people living in an apartment. Furthermore, it is an intelligent breed of dog that excels in agility competitions.
A point to note is that this breed is much prone to hip dysplasia.
Golden Shepherd
As from the name, this breed mix results from breeding a German shepherd with a golden retriever.
An intelligent dog breed that is easy to train. Perfect companion dog for families with children. However, like every other dog, children have to be taught how to interact with this dog.
Boxer Shepherd
A large muscular dog that results from breeding a German shepherd and a boxer. Besides its Intimidating appearance, this dog is playful and submissive to its handlers.
Besides that, this dog is considered one of the best guard dogs, attributed to its brave and alert nature.
German shepherd Malamute Mix
If you need a loyal and protective guard dog, you should choose a German shepherd malamute mix. Also referred to as Alaskan shepherd, this dog results from breeding a German shepherd and an Alaskan malamute.
Besides being a perfect guard, he lives up to be a perfect blissful home companion thriving in lots of attention.
Exercises are necessary to ensure this dog stays fit and in the ideal weight.
You can read more about the German shepherd malamute mix here.
The above are some options that you can consider in place of the German shepherd Shih Tzu mix.
However, evaluate yourself before you decide to live with one of these canines.
Conclusion
The German shepherd Shih Tzu mix turns out to be a loyal and playful home companion. Contrary, this breed mix can be hard to find.
However, the above highlighted optional breed mixes can also turn out to be a lovely home companion.
Let us have your thoughts regarding this breed. Do you have one, or would you mind keeping it as a pet?
