How long does a Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–17 years, the midpoint of the Pit Bull (12–16 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).

Is a Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix easy to train?

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

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Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix

A Pit Bull Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Pit Bull and a Shih Tzu. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 25–45 lb and live 11–17 years.

Pit Bull, a purebred dog — Pit BullPhoto: Kpo!:D, 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.

Weight25–45 lbcan be 9–70 lb

Height13–15 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–17 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix get?

Pit Bull40–70 lb

The mix25–45 lb

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

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

Height runs 13–15 inches at the shoulder, against 17–19 in for the Pit Bull 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.

Pit bull is a type, not one AKC breed. Size figures use the American Staffordshire Terrier standard.

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 Pit Bull rates moderate 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 Pit Bull is usually described as confident, smart, good-natured. 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.

Pit Bull vs Shih Tzu vs the mix

Trait	Pit Bull	Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix	Shih Tzu
Weight	40–70 lb	25–45 lb	9–16 lb
Height	17–19 in	13–15 in	9–10.5 in
Lifespan	12–16 yr	11–17 yr	10–18 yr
Shedding	low	low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Terrier	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix

How big does a Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix get?: Most grow to 25–45 pounds and 13–15 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–70 pounds.
How long does a Pit Bull Shih Tzu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–17 years, the midpoint of the Pit Bull (12–16 years) and the Shih Tzu (10–18 years).
Does a Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull mixes

Other Shih Tzu mixes

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