How long does a Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Boston Terrier (11–13 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier Mix

A Shih Tzu Boston Terrier mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Boston Terrier. Most grow into small dogs of 10–20 lb and live 10–16 years.

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

Boston Terrier, a purebred dog — Boston TerrierPhoto: Svenska Mässan from Sweden, 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.

Weight10–20 lbcan be 9–25 lb

Height12–14 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–16 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix10–20 lb

Boston Terrier12–25 lb

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

Height runs 12–14 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 15–17 in for the Boston Terrier.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very 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 to very high

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier as friendly, bright, amusing. 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 Boston Terrier vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix	Boston Terrier
Weight	9–16 lb	10–20 lb	12–25 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	12–14 in	15–17 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	10–16 yr	11–13 yr
Shedding	very low	very low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix get?: Most grow to 10–20 pounds and 12–14 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–25 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Boston Terrier (11–13 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix shed?: Shedding is very 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 Shih Tzu Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier mixes

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