How long does a Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix live?

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

Is a Shih Tzu Border Collie 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 Border Collie Mix

A Shih Tzu Border Collie mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Border Collie. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–35 lb and live 11–16 years.

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

Border Collie, a purebred dog — Border ColliePhoto: Horacio Cambeiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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 9–55 lb

Height14–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–16 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix20–35 lb

Border Collie30–55 lb

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

Height runs 14–16 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 18–22 in for the Border Collie. 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 Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Border Collie very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

High

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Border Collie as affectionate, smart, energetic. 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 Border Collie vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix	Border Collie
Weight	9–16 lb	20–35 lb	30–55 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	14–16 in	18–22 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	11–16 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to moderate	moderate
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Toy	mixed	Herding

Questions about the Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix get?: Most grow to 20–35 pounds and 14–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–55 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Border Collie (12–15 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie mixes

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