How long does a Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix live?

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

Is a Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix easy to train?

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

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Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix

A Shih Tzu Blue Heeler mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Blue Heeler. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–35 lb and live 11–17 years.

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

Blue Heeler, a purebred dog — Blue HeelerPhoto: Zingpix, CC BY 3.0, source

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

Weight20–35 lbcan be 9–50 lb

Height13–15 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–17 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix20–35 lb

Blue Heeler35–50 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Shih Tzu Blue Heeler 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 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 17–20 in for the Blue Heeler. 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

Very low to moderate

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Blue Heeler very low; 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 Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Blue Heeler as alert, curious, pleasant. 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 Blue Heeler vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix	Blue Heeler
Weight	9–16 lb	20–35 lb	35–50 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	13–15 in	17–20 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	11–17 yr	12–16 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to high	high
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Toy	mixed	Herding

Questions about the Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix get?: Most grow to 20–35 pounds and 13–15 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–50 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–17 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Blue Heeler (12–16 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Blue Heeler 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 Shih Tzu Blue Heeler Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Shih Tzu mixes

Other Blue Heeler mixes

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