How long does a Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd 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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Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix

A Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Australian Shepherd. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 25–40 lb and live 11–16 years.

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

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

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

Weight25–40 lbcan be 9–65 lb

Height14–17 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–16 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix25–40 lb

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

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

Height runs 14–17 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd. 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

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

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Australian Shepherd as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Shih Tzu vs Australian Shepherd vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix	Australian Shepherd
Weight	9–16 lb	25–40 lb	40–65 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	14–17 in	18–23 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	11–16 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to moderate	moderate
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Toy	mixed	Herding

Questions about the Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix get?: Most grow to 25–40 pounds and 14–17 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–65 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd 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 Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd 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 Shih Tzu mixes

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

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