How long does a Lab Shih Tzu Mix live?

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

Is a Lab 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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Lab Shih Tzu Mix

A Lab Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Shih Tzu. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–50 lb and live 10–15 years.

Labrador Retriever, a purebred dog — Labrador RetrieverPhoto: SixtyWeb, CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.

Weight30–50 lbcan be 9–80 lb

Height15–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Lab Shih Tzu Mix get?

Labrador Retriever55–80 lb

The mix30–50 lb

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

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

Height runs 15–18 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24.5 in for the Labrador 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 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 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is usually described as friendly, active, outgoing. 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.

Lab vs Shih Tzu vs the mix

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Lab Shih Tzu Mix	Shih Tzu
Weight	55–80 lb	30–50 lb	9–16 lb
Height	21.5–24.5 in	15–18 in	9–10.5 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	10–15 yr	10–18 yr
Shedding	high	very low to high	very low
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Sporting	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Lab Shih Tzu Mix

How big does a Lab Shih Tzu Mix get?: Most grow to 30–50 pounds and 15–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–80 pounds.
How long does a Lab Shih Tzu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–15 years, the midpoint of the Labrador Retriever (10–12 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).
Does a Lab 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 Lab 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 Lab mixes

Other Shih Tzu mixes

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