How long does a Shih Tzu Doberman Mix live?

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

Is a Shih Tzu Doberman 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 Doberman Mix

A Shih Tzu Doberman mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Doberman. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–60 lb and live 10–15 years.

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

Doberman, a purebred dog — DobermanPhoto: Fran Hogan, CC BY 2.5, source

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

Weight35–60 lbcan be 9–100 lb

Height16–19 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Shih Tzu Doberman Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix35–60 lb

Doberman60–100 lb

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

Height runs 16–19 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 24–28 in for the Doberman. 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

Moderate to very high

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Doberman very high; 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 Doberman as loyal, fearless, alert. 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 Doberman vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Doberman Mix	Doberman
Weight	9–16 lb	35–60 lb	60–100 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	16–19 in	24–28 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	10–15 yr	10–12 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to high	high
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Toy	mixed	Working

Questions about the Shih Tzu Doberman Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Doberman Mix get?: Most grow to 35–60 pounds and 16–19 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–100 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Doberman Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–15 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Doberman (10–12 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Doberman 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 Doberman 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 Doberman mixes

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