How long does a Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Schnauzer (12–15 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Schnauzer 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.

Home › Shih Tzu › Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix

Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix

A Shih Tzu Schnauzer mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Schnauzer. Most grow into small dogs of 10–18 lb and live 11–16 years.

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

Schnauzer, a purebred dog — SchnauzerPhoto: Zorik07, 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.

Weight10–18 lbcan be 9–20 lb

Height10–12 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–16 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix10–18 lb

Schnauzer11–20 lb

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

Height runs 10–12 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 12–14 in for the Schnauzer.

Figures are for the Miniature Schnauzer, the size most mixes come from.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low

Shih Tzu and Schnauzer have 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 Schnauzer very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Very high

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Schnauzer as friendly, smart, obedient. 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 Schnauzer vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix	Schnauzer
Weight	9–16 lb	10–18 lb	11–20 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	10–12 in	12–14 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	11–16 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix get?: Most grow to 10–18 pounds and 10–12 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–20 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Schnauzer (12–15 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Schnauzer Mix shed?: Shedding is very low. Shih Tzu and Schnauzer have 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 Schnauzer 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 Schnauzer mixes

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