How long does a Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–17 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu Mix

A Shih Tzu Shiba Inu mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Shiba Inu. Most grow into small dogs of 13–20 lb and live 12–17 years.

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

Shiba Inu, a purebred dog — Shiba InuPhoto: Roberto Vasarri, Public domain, source

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

Weight13–20 lbcan be 9–23 lb

Height11–14 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–17 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix13–20 lb

Shiba Inu17–23 lb

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

Height runs 11–14 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 13.5–16.5 in for the Shiba Inu.

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

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Shiba Inu low; 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 Shiba Inu as alert, active, attentive. 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 Shiba Inu vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Mix	Shiba Inu
Weight	9–16 lb	13–20 lb	17–23 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	11–14 in	13.5–16.5 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	12–17 yr	13–16 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to moderate	moderate
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Mix get?: Most grow to 13–20 pounds and 11–14 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–23 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Shiba Inu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–17 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu mixes

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