How long does a Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Mix

A Shih Tzu Jack Russell mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Jack Russell Terrier. Most grow into small dogs of 11–16 lb and live 12–16 years.

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

Jack Russell Terrier, a purebred dog — Jack Russell TerrierPhoto: Plank, 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.

Weight11–16 lbcan be 9–17 lb

Height11–12 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–16 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix11–16 lb

Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

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

Height runs 11–12 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 13–14 in for the Jack Russell Terrier.

Figures use the Parson Russell Terrier standard, the AKC breed closest to the Jack Russell.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

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 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

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier as friendly, clever, athletic. 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 Jack Russell vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix	Jack Russell Terrier
Weight	9–16 lb	11–16 lb	13–17 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	11–12 in	13–14 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	12–16 yr	13–15 yr
Shedding	very low	low	low
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Toy	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix get?: Most grow to 11–16 pounds and 11–12 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–17 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Jack Russell Mix shed?: Shedding is 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell mixes

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