Some dog breeds are known to have become a more popular choice in the last two decades. A survey was conducted that showed that out of all households that own a dog, 55% of them own a small dog breed.
As the prices of our everyday goods, such as groceries and/or monthly bills, are going up constantly, many future dog owners will opt for a small dog. Sometimes, that is because of the lower price of the maintenance of a small dog.
Often, it has to do with the lifestyle of the individuals. Now, the fast-paced modern lifestyle is trendy, where people often work from home or live a chaotic, busy lifestyle with many work obligations. And the most often reason people opt for a small dog is because people have a need for a companion who will show them the purest kind of affection.
There are many reasons why people decide to own a small dog breed. They generally don’t need much maintenance, you can often carry them in a bag wherever you go, and they will just be grateful to be there, wherever you are – at work, in a restaurant or a cafe, taking a walk, you name it.
This unique dog breed, with two very popular and known parent breeds, is a great option if you want to have a small dog. This dog breed has all the genes that could make it potentially the best lap dog out there.
What Is A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
Crossbreeds are becoming a huge trend in recent decades. People, mostly breeders, have found out that if they mix some dog breeds with their desired physical and psychological characteristics, that they will eventually get a dog that has all of the desired traits.
People wanted to create the best lap dog to have as their companion.. That’s why they decided upon making the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix – the crossbreed that could fulfill all of their needs. The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix has become a popular crossbreed with dog lovers from all around the World. Crossbreeds are also referred to as Hybrid dogs, since they are a dog breed that was manipulated by humans.
This dog breed has Chinese dog breeds as its parent breeds. Crossbreeds are often referred to as designer dogs, because of their trait of being a specifically picked and chosen dog breed.
Being a small breed, this designer dog has become a very popular choice of many recent dog owners and has become popular amongst the dog lover community.
Origin Of The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
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The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is one of the best dogs within the categories of both small dogs and lap dogs. They have been human companions for a few decades now.
However, their parent breeds have both been some of the most famous lap dogs for centuries!
Speaking of the history of this dog breed, we have two breeds included as parent breeds. The parent breeds of this dog breed are the Pekingese dog and the Shih Tzu dog.
The origin of the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix remains a mystery, as with most hybrid dogs, we don’t have the exact information about the first time this crossbreed was made.
It often happens that dog breeds mate without any kind of control by human beings, which means that theoretically speaking, there is or there could be a crossbreed of any and every dog breed that we know of.
However, since we are talking about the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix, we are going to focus on the origins of the parent breeds of this hybrid dog. Both of the parent dog breeds have a rich history behind them, and a trace of nostalgia for the better times, that they carry within their genotypes.
Origin Of The Pekingese Dog
The toy dog breed known as the Pekingese originated in old Chinese Civilization, where it was revered and maintained as a palace pet by relatives of the aristocracy.
When English forces destroyed the Imperial Palace in Peking (Beijing) in 1860, they brought it to the West.
The Pekingese has long been referred to as the “lion dog” in both the East and the West, most likely due to the breed’s exterior look, however, it is also praised for possessing lion-like independence and bravery.
It can weigh up to 14 pounds and has a height of between 6 and 9 inches (15.5 and 22.5 cm). The well-known “sleeve dogs” refer to the little Pekingese dogs that were historically been in sleeves of the Chinese aristocracy.
It is frequently reported that a group of British and French soldiers invaded one of the residences during the seizure of the imperial palace. The emperor’s elderly aunt had stayed inside, however, when the warriors entered the palace, she killed herself.
Aside from her body, in the sleeve of her kimono, five Pekingese dogs were discovered. Prior to the Summer Palace being completely destroyed by fire, the army captured them and took them home.
Origin Of The Shih Tzu Dog
Pekingese and Lhasa Apso dogs were the parent breeds of the Tibetan dog breed known as the Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club considers the Shih Tzu, also known as shih-tzu kou (“lion dog”; Pinyin shizi gou), a toy breed.
The Shih Tzu, also known as the “lion dog” or “shih-tzu kou” in Chinese, is a longhaired, often alert and lively small dog that stands at around 10 inches (25 cm) height and weighs from 9 to 15 pounds.
The American Kennel Club classifies Shih Tzus as members of either the toy group or the smallest dog breeds when discussing the size of this dog breed. It has short legs, a sturdy build, a short nose, drooping ears, and a thick hairy tail slung over its back.
It is also longer than it is tall. Its thick, colorful coat creates a goatee and a mustache on its face, and it drapes over its eyes.
The creation of this breed dates all the way back to nearly 1000 years ago in the Tibet area. Whereas for the rest of the world, this dog breed was introduced in the late 1920s. However, the American Kennel Club classified the Shih Tzu as an official dog breed in 1969.
What Are Some Other Common Names For A Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix?
Your entire family should enjoy participating in the fun activity of naming your pet. Despite the fact that everyone will have their own ideas, it’s often a good idea to search online for pet name ideas. Unfortunately, finding good names sometimes requires sorting through some awful options.
However, many Pekingese Shih Tzu owners have a tendency to nickname their companions in a way that doesn’t include their pet’s name, but the dog breed’s instead.
Pekingese shih tzu mix dogs go by a variety of names. The most popular nicknames of the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix include Peke-a-tzu, Peke-tzu, Shinese, or Shih-teze. Shinese is the most popular name out of all of them.
People will of course also give their beloved canines some other nicknames that are related to the dog name they have given to their dog, or to something that has no actual reference to the dog’s name. For example, dog owners may also call their dog Bella Boo, or snuggles, or whatever else they feel like.
What Does A Shih Tzu Pekingese Dog Look Like?
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The Shih Tzu Pekingese dog is a great representation of how a dog breed mix can turn out to look fantastic! This mixed breed has strongly inherited both of its parents’ genes when it comes to looks.
One of their parent breed’s, the Pekingese dog, has the feature of a flat face and a flat nose which causes them health problems. However , thanks to the Shihtzu genes, this cross breed doesn’t share these problems.
They usually inherit the purebred Pekingese long hair; however, the shape of their head is usually diamond, just like the Shihtzu’s. Their ears are triangle-shaped, but they are characterized as floppy ears, and their eyes are characteristically round in shape.
Your dog might be born with a coat that is fawn, brown, white, red, or black in color. Their coats may also vary from the above mentioned colors in some cases.
They’ll probably have brown eyes and a brown nose however, a Pekingese Shih Tzu hybrid occasionally has a black nose, just like the Pekingese parent breed.
Last but not least, because the Pekingese and Shih Tzu are both brachycephalic dogs, their offspring will have somewhat flat face features. The faces of Pekingese are flatter than the Shihtzu’s, therefore the muzzle of this mix can be as short as it is in Pekingese dogs or it can be a bit longer like the Shih Tzu’s.
Their tail is very luxurious looking, long and fluffy. It is usually curved and sits high on the back legs.
How Big Does Pekingese And Shih Tzu Mix Get?
Pekingese Shih Tzu mix puppies can look like either the Pekingese or the Shih Tzu parent. They can lean more towards the Pekingese look, or the Shih Tzu look. That cannot be dictated by any dog breeder, since they cannot know which genes the puppies will predominantly inherit.
You may typically anticipate your dog to weigh between 10 and 15 lbs.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix often stands between 8 and 12.5 inches tall. They are known for their long, dense, and wavy coats that fall but also follow their natural body line.
They are considered to be a small dog breed, and even a toy dog breed. That puts them in a specific category of the smallest dogs out there, together with other small dog breeds, such as: the pug, chihuahua, small poodle mixes and toy poodles, maltese, yorkies, etc.
If you put a Shinese and a Great Dane together – the distinction between a large dog breed and a toy dog breed would be extremely obvious!
What Colors Do Pekingese And Shih Tzu Mix Come In?
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The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix can come in every color that its parent breeds appear in. And both of the parent breeds appear in many colors. Just as the purebred parent breeds can appear in a variety of colors, so can their child, the hybrid dog.
As the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix has long hair, which is usually on the thicker side (having a thicker undercoat), it is very fluffy to the touch.
The colors in which the Shih Tzu Pekingese mix appears are usually solid. Since the Pekingese comes mostly in solid colors. However, sometimes the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix can be two-colored, thanks to the Shih Tzu parent breed.
The most frequent solid colors that the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix comes in are beige (often referred to as champagne or tan), dark brown, black, gray, and white.
However, in recent years, the Shih Tzu Pekingese mix has started appearing in different shades of brown too!
When it comes to two colored versions of the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix, the most common is black and white, just like its parent breed, the Shih Tzu.
However, this hybrid dog does also appear in gray and white, brown and white, brown and black, beige and white, and also pure white with gray/black spots.
Whatever the coat color of the crossbreed dog – their face can often be darker than the rest of their body!
What Is The Temperament Of A Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix?
A Pekingese Shih Tzu mix makes a good lap dog for both big families and singles. Although this breed gets along well with children, they are small, delicate, and easily hurt if not treated carefully.
Families with older kids should consider the Shinese. If your son or daughter is younger than seven eight years old, you should show them how and where to engage with the dog as well as how to give him a gentle pet.
Despite the fact that the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is not often vicious, if handled incorrectly and given harsh treatment, it may bite or nip.
Additional motivation to instruct your youngsters how to respect these sensitive canines is that yelling might make them upset and cause them to start barking.
Shinese are family dogs devoted to protecting their humans, hence they frequently behave as a small, yet alert guard dog and also a watch dog. They are very cautious of strangers, or people that they don’t like for some reason, which they will demonstrate by barking.
This means that this dog breed can be a great protector of you and your family. They have the 7th sense of which people are good and which are not, and they won’t hesitate to inform you about their feelings towards other people.
Other than that, they are very intelligent dogs that can get whatever they want. They absolutely know that no one can resist their puppy eyes when they beg for a bite when you are having your meal. They are easily spoiled. I mean, the emperors couldn’t resist their princess attitudes, how could we?
Why Is Early Socialization Important?
Your dog has to be positively introduced to different circumstances, people, and pets in order to be well-socialized. Making your dog experience something bad could backfire and instill a persistent fear in them.
The first time you take the pup to a dog park, do not just let him run around and play. This is not how puppies should be socialized. While this could be effective for some puppies, many others might develop severe anxiety when a large number of unfamiliar canines suddenly approach them.
It will be most advantageous to introduce your puppy to new surroundings in a secure, controlled manner.
Veterinarian behavior experts agree that slightly earlier socialization will frequently save pets’ lives by lowering the number of canines who must be eventually given up or put down, due to hostility or any other negative behaviors.
Socialization is a highly important strategy in also preventing some mental illnesses, such as general anxiety and separation anxiety. Training your dog from a young age will have a great impact on its teenage and adult years and will also make your life easier.
Is The Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix A Healthy Dog Breed?
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It is often advised to choose a pair of crossbreed puppies that complement one another – parent dog breeds who could make up for each other’s shortcomings. If you are determined to give your pup a brachycephalic parent, they should preferably be mated with a dog from a breed that has a lovely, long muzzle and a healthy face structure.
This may contribute to the creation of pups with longer muzzles than their flat-faced parent. And this may lessen (but not necessarily completely eliminate) the respiratory, cooling, airway, and ocular issues that flat faces are known for.
The two brachycephalic parents of Pekingese Shih Tzu hybrid puppies have short legs and lengthy backs. As a result, they probably experience similar health problems.
Nevertheless, it is better to have this crossbreed than either of the purebred parent breeds. You may ask yourself why, well the answer is very simple. Crossbreeds tend to be generally healthier and experience much fewer health issues!
The crossbreed of the Shih Tzu and the Pekingese has managed to give the designer dog the specific Pekingese flat face, yet mostly without the problems with breathing, thanks to the Shih Tzu’s longer muzzle genes!
In short, if you are a fan of the Shih Tzu or the Pekingese looks but you want to run away from some possible future unhappy health-related events , this dog breed might just be the perfect solution.
Health Issues Of A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
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Every dog breed has some genetically inherited traits. In this case, we are talking about the health issues that can be (but are not always) , genetically inherited from the parents of the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix.
Every dog breed can suffer from hip dysplasia; however, some may suffer from more health problems.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix does not have a lot on their plates when it comes to health problems, but nonetheless, they have their health problems just as every dog breed has.
The health issues that the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix suffers are:
• Intervertebral disc disease: this is a characteristic health problem known to appear in some dog breeds. It is characterized as a health problem where a bone disk has slipped and is hurting the dog’s spine. Some of the dog breeds that are affected by this problem are Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Beagles, and hot dogs (just kidding, Dachshunds).
The intervertebral discs becoming so rigid that they are unable to adequately cushion the vertebrae, is the most frequent cause of IVDD. The hardening may develop gradually or as a result of an external stimulus that is quite strong.
Unfortunately, you may have to think about euthanasia as a last resort, if your dog has IVDD and is severely impacted by it and there is no suitable practical, or effective treatment. The option of putting your dog down in this case could be the only humane option.
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: most dogs who suffer from this illness can breathe more freely via their mouths than through their nostrils. The severity of the symptoms increases with the number of anomalies. This is characteristic of dogs with short muzzles.
When discussing a specific group of upper airway anomalies that affect brachycephalic dogs, the term “brachycephalic airway syndrome” is used. “Congenital obstructive upper airway illness” or “brachycephalic respiratory syndrome” are some of the other ways that this health problem can be addressed.
Due to their shorter skull bones, brachycephalic dogs seem to have a pushed-in face and nose. The anatomy of the mouth and nose, as well as its connection to other muscles and ligaments, are disrupted as a result of the shorter face and nose bones; a number of these variations may result in physical issues for the impacted dog.
How Long Do Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix Dogs Live?
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Size is important for most mammals: large creatures, like elephants and whales, have much longer lifespans than smaller creatures, like mice. However, this law is the opposite for dogs.
For instance, little Chihuahuas can live up to 15 years, which is eight years more than their considerably larger Great Dane cousins.
According to popular belief, huge canines simply mature more quickly than tiny dogs. While some little breeds would only accumulate 10 pounds in a year, it’s not unusual for some gigantic breeds to gain up to 100lbs (45.36 kilograms) in that time (4.54 kilograms).
Some enormous breeds’ propensity for fast growth appears to shorten their lifespan. There are frequently certain generalizations made when examining the typical life expectancies of canines based on the breed; yet, even in the same size group, there can be some variations.
For example, a small dog breed, which has some genetically inherited health issues and health problems, may live shorter than some large-sized dog breed.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix has a life expectancy which ranges from 11 to 16 years. Small dog breeds have longer life expectancies than some larger dog breeds.
However this is actually the usual life expectancy of any healthy dog breed!
This is thanks to the standard small dog life expectancy of both parent breeds, of which the Pekingese has the least health problems that can be shared with the pug.
Do Shinese Dogs Shed?
A dog species (or crossbreed) referred to as hypoallergenic, is one that is allegedly better suited to allergy sufferers than other breeds. The assertions that some dog breeds are hypoallergenic, however, are unfounded, and although individual dog allergen levels fluctuate, the breed is not a major role. This conclusion has been reached by renowned allergen researchers.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix does not shed. It is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, therefore shedding is extremely low. For you, that means – less cleaning and more grooming. The shedless trait is inherited from the Shih Tzu parent, which is known to be a hypoallergenic dog breed.
To some, dog hair is a trigger for various allergies, which include non-stop sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, etc. One breed of dog’s fluids can induce an allergy whereas another breed does not.
Recent research has suggested that bringing dogs home when they are young, may lessen the risk of sensitization to them. Research has also shown that people affected with allergies tend to develop their immune systems when around dogs that they minimally react to.
Their Pomeranian-like coat is really fluffy to touch! Therefore, if you are suffering from allergies, the Shinese might just be the right fit for you and they might help you build up your immune system too!
Separation Anxiety
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Puppies must learn how to enjoy their alone time and play with their toys. Make sure to only pick up your puppy while he is peacefully engaged in toy play when you want to socialize him with the family after he has had some alone time.
Make sure to only pick up your puppy while he is peacefully engaged in toy play when you want to socialize him with the family after he has had some alone time.
Reward your puppy for engaging in the behaviors you want them to. The likelihood of a puppy developing separation anxiety later in life will be lower if the puppy is well adjusted.
Dogs with separation anxiety are typically too dependent on or connected to their family members. When they are removed from their owners, they experience severe anxiety and exhibit distress behaviors including vocalizing, destroying, or soiling the house.
The majority of anxious dogs attempt to stay close to their owners and follow them around the house wherever they go. But the real signs of the anxiety actually show when you are about to leave, and when your puppy finds that out.
Puppies suffering from separation anxiety can display some negative behaviors such as barking, nibbling on items, preventing you to leave anywhere without them, crying, etc.
However, you can easily deal with this problem with early socialization and through positive reinforcement training methods.
Your dog will, however, definitely feel more comfortable if you leave them a shirt that you have already been wearing, a toy that they really like, and some interactive dog toys that they can spend time playing with.
Maintenance Of The Shinese: Food & Grooming
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It’s better to give them chow made specifically for toy breeds. You should definitely look for the best dog food for Shih Tzus on the market when finding the perfect dog food for this dog breed. One scoop of kibble each day is plenty because they don’t have a big appetite.
The kibble needs to be designed for small-breed dogs and contain no additional additives or fillers. It should have a little amount of raw components and be minimal in fat and carbohydrates. Offer toy breed dogs dry dog food only, and never give them raw meat.
Omega 3 fatty acids and foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, peas, raspberries, carrots, etc., can always be added to your dog’s diet.
If you feed these dogs too much, offer them too many treats, and don’t exercise them enough, they may frequently get overweight. Be careful with that!
When it comes to grooming the Shih Tzu Pekingese mix, compared to other double-coated dogs these canines shed relatively little, their fur needs daily care to prevent tangles and matting.
Both of their coat layers should be accessible to any grooming items you use. For the dog, a matted undercoat may be much more uncomfortable than a matted top layer.
Every few months, your dog should get a haircut by a groomer because their dense fur will be too heavy for their small frame (mostly in the summer months). Moist dog wipes can be used to gently massage the face to keep the skin folds clean.
How Much Exercise Does The Shinese Need?
This cute little flat face dog has a moderate level of need for exercise.
They do need their daily walks to maintain both mental and physical health. However, they will be perfectly content with spending around half an hour to 45 minutes a day outside.
Of course, that includes the 3-times a day policy for potty, and also the very needed socialization with other dogs and human beings.
They may enjoy visits to the dog park since they are known to be very popular amongst other dogs – they are a very playful dog breed, which makes them amusing to other dogs.
Nevertheless, they will also enjoy playing catch with you, or just generally playing. Hide and seek is something that many Shineses do enjoy, which I find really cute.
They are not the type of dog breed that will hunt down a squirrel, but they will still acknowledge if a cat passes by. They may be small, but they are fierce!
Choosing The Right Breeder
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Those two months play an extremely important role in your puppy’s life because they will learn the most important things with their breeder (such as potty training).
During that period, they are able to build up a cognitive memory of what is safe and what is normal, and what they should and shouldn’t be afraid of.
Even prenatal events will have an impact on your puppy’s future because the mother’s stress levels throughout pregnancy will affect her babies’ resilience to stress.
Puppy-biting and chewing problems may be less common in puppies from exceptionally reputable breeders, and they may also be easier to potty train if they aren’t trained already.
They may have been on car journeys, have been separated from their breeder, siblings, and parents, and they would have gained some manners and gotten used to some new sounds.
That is why choosing the right dog breeder is of high importance – the two first months of the dog’s life will put a stamp on the rest of it. In that period, all of the crucial things are to be learned and obtained, which determine the puppy’s temperament and personality.
Does The American Kennel Club Approve of the Shinese Dog?
The AKC or the American Kennel Club approved both the Shih Tzu and the Pekingese dog a long time ago. That means that the parent breeds are approved as officially recognized dog breeds.
The Pekingese dog was approved as an official dog breed all the way back in 1906! Which makes this dog breed popular worldwide for almost 120 years. Significant!
The Shih Tzu dog breed was approved as an official dog breed in 1969. A little bit later than the Pekingese, but nevertheless, a long time ago.
However, the American Kennel Club has not yet approved the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix as an official dog breed. There are various initiatives regarding this topic, but none of them have actually been acknowledged.
But who knows, the future remains a mystery. However, we are almost sure that the AKC will gradually start approving crossbreeds, since they have almost become something of a norm, and you can even say trendy, within the last two decades.
Similar Mixed Dog Breeds
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As crossbreeds, hybrid dogs, or designer dogs are becoming more and more popular as the days go by, there have been many interesting mixes that you may find amusing to look at or want to consider.
Small dog breeds have become a trend worldwide, since they perfectly fit the lifestyles of modern people. They are easier to maintain in various ways, which is one of the reasons that most dog owners opt for smaller dogs.
The Shih Tzu dog and the Pekingese dog have always been popular in the small dog kingdom. However, since the crossbreeding of the two above-mentioned dogs has become popular, there have also been similar dog mixes to this one that are becoming important to dog lovers worldwide.
The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix and the Maltese Chihuahua mix are two of the most popular small dog mixes for people worldwide. The Chihuahua Shih Tzu puppy mix has a really long life expectancy and incredibly few health problems. The Maltese Chihuahua mix is considerably smaller than the other mixes though.
Yorkie and Poodle mixes are also becoming very popular. Basically, whatever smaller mixed puppy you get for yourself, you can expect them to have a longer lifespan and less health problems (especially if they don’t have a flat face) than either of their parent breeds.
Final Thoughts
Small dog breeds are beloved by many people because they are adorable, brave (despite their petite size), and convenient to travel with.
There are many nicknames for this dog breed. Some of them are the Shinese dog, The Pokemon Peke-Tzu, Shih-Teze and many more. The nicknames are given to this dog because of its adorable personality and even more adorable looks.
Although the Pekingese Shih Tzu hybrid is a fantastic family dog, first-time dog owners might not want to get one because of their high maintenance and clingy nature.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix fits into the healthy dog breed categoryt. They don’t suffer from any cardinal or malignant health problems, which makes them a relatively healthy dog breed.
They are loyal lap dogs that will always be happy to share some joyful moments with you, and prefer cuddling and watching TV with you, to doing exercises or going for a run.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix are known as both great family dogs and great dogs for single owners. Thanks to their ability to be alert, they can also serve you as watchdogs, and sometimes even guard dogs. They are alert of strangers at all times and will guard their families or owners with their huge hearts and small bodies.
They are considered smart dogs, and they will quickly learn the way to your heart. They are born spoiled; this comes from their origin t – they were royal and imperial companions in ancient times, used to having only the best food, groomers, and commodities.
The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is a great choice if you are looking for a small, healthy dog breed, which is great both as a family lap dog and as a watchdog.