How long does a Shih Tzu Papillon Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–17 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Papillon (14–16 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Papillon 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 Papillon Mix

A Shih Tzu Papillon mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Papillon. Most grow into small dogs of 7–13 lb and live 12–17 years.

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

Papillon, a purebred dog — PapillonPhoto: Gvdmoort, 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.

Weight7–13 lbcan be 5–16 lb

Height8–11 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–17 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Papillon Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix7–13 lb

Papillon5–10 lb

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

Height runs 8–11 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 8–11 in for the Papillon.

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

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Papillon 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 Papillon as friendly, alert, happy. 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 Papillon vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Papillon Mix	Papillon
Weight	9–16 lb	7–13 lb	5–10 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	8–11 in	8–11 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	12–17 yr	14–16 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to moderate	moderate
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Shih Tzu Papillon Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Papillon Mix get?: Most grow to 7–13 pounds and 8–11 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 5–16 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Papillon Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–17 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Papillon (14–16 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon mixes

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