How long does a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–17 years, the midpoint of the Chihuahua (14–16 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).

Is a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Home › Chihuahua › Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

A Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Shih Tzu. Most grow into toy-sized dogs of 6–11 lb and live 12–17 years.

Chihuahua, a purebred dog — ChihuahuaPhoto: Caterinarufo, Public domain, source

Shih Tzu, a purebred dog — Shih TzuPhoto: danny O., CC BY 2.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight6–11 lbcan be 3–16 lb

Height7–9 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–17 years

SizeToy-sized

How big does a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix get?

Chihuahua3–6 lb

The mix6–11 lb

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 7–9 inches at the shoulder, against 5–8 in for the Chihuahua and 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low

Shih Tzu has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate

The Chihuahua rates low and the Shih Tzu moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Very low to high

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Chihuahua is usually described as charming, graceful, sassy. The Shih Tzu as affectionate, playful, outgoing. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu vs the mix

Trait	Chihuahua	Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix	Shih Tzu
Weight	3–6 lb	6–11 lb	9–16 lb
Height	5–8 in	7–9 in	9–10.5 in
Lifespan	14–16 yr	12–17 yr	10–18 yr
Shedding	low	low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix

How big does a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix get?: Most grow to 6–11 pounds and 7–9 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 3–16 pounds.
How long does a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–17 years, the midpoint of the Chihuahua (14–16 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).
Does a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix shed?: Shedding is low. Shih Tzu has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Chihuahua mixes

Other Shih Tzu mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.