How long does a German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 8–14 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).

Is a German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix easy to train?

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

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German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix

A German Shepherd Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–55 lb and live 8–14 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.

Weight30–55 lbcan be 9–90 lb

Height16–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan8–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix30–55 lb

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

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

Height runs 16–18 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low to high

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 to very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Shih Tzu moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix	Shih Tzu
Weight	50–90 lb	30–55 lb	9–16 lb
Height	22–26 in	16–18 in	9–10.5 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	8–14 yr	10–18 yr
Shedding	high	very low to high	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Toy

Questions about the German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix get?: Most grow to 30–55 pounds and 16–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 8–14 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).
Does a German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to high. 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 German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Shih Tzu mixes

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