How long does a Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–15 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).

Is a Golden Retriever 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.

Home › Golden Retriever › Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix

Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix

A Golden Retriever Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Shih Tzu. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–45 lb and live 10–15 years.

Golden Retriever, a purebred dog — Golden RetrieverPhoto: Janneke Vreugdenhil, derivative work by Anka Friedrich, 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.

Weight30–45 lbcan be 9–75 lb

Height15–17 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix get?

Golden Retriever55–75 lb

The mix30–45 lb

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

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

Height runs 15–17 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24 in for the Golden Retriever 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 moderate

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 to very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is usually described as friendly, intelligent, devoted. 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.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu vs the mix

Trait	Golden Retriever	Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix	Shih Tzu
Weight	55–75 lb	30–45 lb	9–16 lb
Height	21.5–24 in	15–17 in	9–10.5 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	10–15 yr	10–18 yr
Shedding	moderate	very low to moderate	very low
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Sporting	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix

How big does a Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix get?: Most grow to 30–45 pounds and 15–17 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–75 pounds.
How long does a Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–15 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).
Does a Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to moderate. 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever mixes

Other Shih Tzu mixes

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