How long does a Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix live?

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

Is a Shih Tzu Dalmatian 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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Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix

A Shih Tzu Dalmatian mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Dalmatian. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 25–45 lb and live 10–16 years.

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

Dalmatian, a purebred dog — DalmatianPhoto: Desaix83, d'après le travail de Le dalmatien, 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.

Weight25–45 lbcan be 9–70 lb

Height14–17 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–16 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix25–45 lb

Dalmatian45–70 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Shih Tzu Dalmatian 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 19–24 in for the Dalmatian. 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 very 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

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

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Dalmatian moderate; 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 Dalmatian as dignified, smart, outgoing. 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 Dalmatian vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix	Dalmatian
Weight	9–16 lb	25–45 lb	45–70 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	14–17 in	19–24 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	10–16 yr	11–13 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to very high	very high
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Toy	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix get?: Most grow to 25–45 pounds and 14–17 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–70 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Dalmatian (11–13 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to very 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 Dalmatian Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Shih Tzu mixes

Other Dalmatian mixes

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