Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix [why you want to bring home a ShiChi!]

The ShiChi dog is a hybrid mix of a purebred Shih Tzu and Chihuahua and is often called a toy breed. They can make excellent pets, especially as apartment dogs. The Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix is small and full of energy with a bursting personality. They have short attention spans and require a good amount of care.

Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas both make excellent lap dogs and when you mix them to produce a ShiChi the result is the same. 

What is a ShiChi Dog?

The ShiChi is the result of mixing a purebred Chihuahua and a purebred Shih Tzu!

Though the ShiChi (or ChiShi, ChiTzu) look a bit different, they have traits that make them a great choice for both individuals and families alike.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the amazing Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix dog called the ShiChis. They are a furball of fun!

History of the Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have a long and interesting history. 

They were known as the dogs of royalty in 9th-century Aztec society. Only those with high enough social status owned the adorable Chihuahua! 

As time passed, they were eventually named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the 19th century, as they were mostly found in that region. 

Chihuahuas remained relatively local in Mexico until the early 20th century when they began to be bought and sold across the United States. 

By 1904, the American Kennel Club had decided to recognize the Chihuahua as an official breed. Since then, they’ve made excellent companions to people and families worldwide. 

History of the Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus have a fascinating history. While they are normally associated with China, they actually originated in Tibet! 

It is believed that Tibet sent China the original Shih Tzu as gifts, which is why they became so associated with the country.

Once the Shih Tzu breed was in China, the Chinese bred them with Pekingese and Pugs, which has led to the modern-day Shih Tzu we know and love. 

Centuries later, Shih Tzus became recognized as an official breed by the AKC in 1969. 

Now, they are known as excellent lap dogs and alert dogs due to their significant awareness of their surroundings. 

History of the ShiChi

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mixed breed dog, unlike their parent breeds, doesn’t have a significant history so far.  They are a relatively new form of hybrid dog.

Though recognized as a popular hybrid breed in many canine circles, they are not recognized as an official breed by the AKC or other purebred organizations. 

It is believed that the first ShiChi was bred sometime only around 10 to 20 years ago but their popularity has skyrocketed since then. 

ShiChi Physical Appearance

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix has an interesting yet adorable physical appearance.

Since their parents are both toy breeds, ShiChis end up being small dogs, perfect for laps and small apartments. 

ShiChi Size

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix will typically only grow to a maximum of 12 pounds unless one of their parents is particularly large for their breed.

They normally stand approximately seven to 10 inches tall.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Coat Colors

ShiChis coat colors can be white, cream, brown, black, or a combination of any of these colors. 

Is a ShiChi Hypoallergenic?

The ShiChi could also have either hair or fur since Chihuahuas have fur but Shih Tzus have hair. 

Generally, this makes them more acceptable for allergy sufferers than other breeds but keep in mind that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. 

ShiChi dogs tend to have a short coat and are low shedding. Keep in mind though that because they are a designer dog with different parent breeds, their coat type can vary.

In either case, long hair or short, they will need regular grooming maintenance.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Temperament

ShiChis are known for their loyalty. They grow attached to their owner and will stick by their side to protect them from harm’s way, regardless of their small stature. 

They also tend to be energetic and playful.

Does the ShiChi Bark a Lot?

Both Shih Tzu and Chihuahua dogs can tend to yap or bark on a regular basis so your ShiChi will be the same.

ShiChis are great warning dogs, as they tend to be vocal and will be the first to bark if a visitor comes to the door. 

Though they are quite intelligent, they can take a bit longer to train than other breeds as they tend to be quite stubborn. 

Does the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Suffer From Small Dog Syndrome?

It is well known that many small dog breeds have a tendency to act as if they are big dogs! They act aggressively in nature despite their small size.

Sure, your ShiChi may have this tendency but in general, they seem to have mild personalities.

They are affectionate and will love spending time with you and your family members.  

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Personality

The ShiChi, as previously stated, is an intelligent, stubborn, loyal, and affectionate dog. Because of their low prey drive, they make an excellent addition to homes with other pets.

They quickly get along with other animals and will typically not have any major issues with other dogs or even cats. 

However, it is important to keep in mind your ShiChi’s safety if you have larger dogs or small children. 

Though ShiChis are affectionate, young children may not understand a tiny dog’s boundaries and can easily irritate your pup, leading to barking, growling, and possibly biting. 

Always be sure to monitor your larger pets and smaller children with your ShiChi to make sure everyone is playing nicely and happily. 

How to Raise a ShiChi

Because ShiChis are sometimes stubborn, you may want to consider regular training sessions to help your new ShiChi puppy become a great pet. 

Professional trainers can help you teach your pup potty training, basic obedience commands, and crate training. 

Hiring a trainer when they are a puppy may be the best choice if you want a ShiChi. 

Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your new puppy to encourage good behavior versus harsh criticism when they do something wrong.

Is the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Hybrid Easy to Train?

To keep it simple, no, the ShiChi is probably not one of the easiest dogs to train because they tend to have a short attention span. So you need to have lots of patience with this dog.

Always keep training your ShiChi at home even when the trainer is not around so their training is consistent and effective.

ShiChis need basic puppy care just like any other dog breed. You will need to find them some small breed puppy food, which will give them the proper nutrients needed as they develop. 

They will also need fresh water, toys, and regular brushing, especially if your ShiChi has long hair. 

Finally, be sure to engage them in early socialization so they learn to not fear other people and animals. 

Where to Find a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mixed breed, though somewhat rare, can be found in many places. The first place you should look is at your local animal shelters. 

Lots of mixed breed pups like ShiChis end up in animal shelters as strays and need a loving home to care for them.

Outside of a regular animal shelter, you may find breed-specific dog rescues that may have ShiChis. 

You can check out Shih Tzu and Chihuahua rescues which sometimes also adopt out mixed breeds. 

Finally, you can reach out to a ShiChi reputable breeder for a pup if the prior places do not have any. 

How much does a Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix puppy cost?

Because a Shih Tzu Chihuahua is a relatively new designer dog breed you may not easily find one without a little effort which makes them cost more.

On average, you can expect to pay between $600 to $1200 for a mixed breed Shih Tzu Chihuahua puppy but it can vary by the breeder.

Why the ShiChi Such An Amazing Dog?

ShiChis are amazing little dogs because of their uniqueness, loyalty, intelligence, and cuteness. They will always stick by your side and can learn quite a few little tricks. 

They are also the first to alert you to any visitors or dangers, so you’re always prepared.

The ShiChi dog is also the perfect companion breed for small homes or apartments and makes excellent lap dogs. 

They will love to cuddle you on the couch and can also get along with children and animals if they are treated well. What’s not to love about a ShiChi?

Potential Health Risks for the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix

ShiChis have some specific health problems that need to be taken into consideration before you take that little pup home. 

Heart Issues

In particular, heart disease tends to affect this designer dog breed and care should be taken to treat and prevent the effects of heart disease. 

Joint Issues

Patellar luxation is another condition that can affect ShiChis. 

Patellar luxation occurs when a kneecap moves out of its normal location, which can cause pain and irritation while walking. 

Because ShiChis’ legs are so short, this is extremely common as they age.

Hip Dysplasia is another possible health problem for your ShiChi. Hip Dysplasia is often genetically inherited and both parent breeds have been known to suffer from this problem.

Dental Issues

Finally, tooth decay is a problem with these toy breeds. Because ShiChis have such small mouths, it can be hard to clean their teeth easily as their teeth are extremely close together. 

Untreated dental issues like cavities can lead to tooth decay, which is painful for your pup and requires treatment from a vet.

 Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth regularly and feed them with high-quality dog food to prevent tooth decay as much as possible. 

Keep in mind that all dog breeds have health issues and the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix dog is generally going to be a healthy dog if well taken care of.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Hybrid Dog Names

If you are going to have an amazing ShiChi hybrid dog as a family pet you need to make sure you pick a great name for them!

Here are some popular ShiChi names to choose from for your new puppy!

• Bear
• Buttercup
• Charlie
• Cookie
• Elsa
• Finn
• Fluffy
• Gizmo
• Izzy
• Lily
• Mia
• Princess
• Sassy
• Teddy
• Zoe

Related Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Questions

Can the ShiChi have a long coat?

yes! Many ShiChis have long hair because of their Shih Tzu parent, a breed known for its long hair. This hair, while beautiful, is a big responsibility and requires regular grooming. 

Some ShiChis get their long hair from a long-haired Chihuahua parent, depending on the mix of parent dogs. 

Don’t forget with a hybrid dog it’s like a box of chocolates! You are never sure exactly what you will get!

However, it is important to note that not all ShiChis have long hair! Though rarer, there are some ShiChi dogs that will have a short coat and it could be wavy or straight. 

Always look at the parents of the ShiChi you are considering if you are wondering what your puppy may grow up to look like. 

How big will my Shih Tzu Chihuahua Hybrid dog get?

Your ShiChi will only be between seven to 10 inches high and four to 12 pounds in weight. 

They are an extremely small toy breed that will not get large, which means they don’t need much space to live. 

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix can only tolerate short walks since their legs are so short and their bodies so small.

 

Are ShiChis good apartment dogs?

As mentioned above, the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mixed breed makes an amazing apartment dog!

Their small size and cuddly nature make them perfect canine companions for small living spaces. 

They also don’t need as much exercise as larger dogs, which makes exercising them in your apartment or outside on a walk much easier than with other breeds. 

Does your apartment complex allow dogs?

Caution! Before taking that adorable ShiChi home, make sure your apartment complex allows dogs. 

Though ShiChis are small, some apartments may not allow pets at all. If yours does, congrats! A happy ShiChi can be there to greet you when you come home every day!

Can the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix dog be left alone?

As with any dog, you don’t want to leave them alone for too long. Dogs are highly social creatures and the ShiChi is especially so!

Being left alone for long periods of time can prompt them to mischief and is also not healthy for them.

What are ShiChi’s favorite toys?

Because ShiChis have such small mouths, they prefer small, gentle toys such as stuffed animals or teething ropes. 

They also like nylon bones for chewing and interactive toys which require them to move objects to get treats. Toys that require thinking are great for the intelligent ShiChi. 

Is the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix an official breed?

Though not an official AKC-recognized breed, ShiChis are recognized as a hybrid breed by many different organizations. 

Since the two parent breeds are very similar to one another in appearance and temperament, the combination of the two produces a dog with little genetic or behavioral issues. 

This makes the ShiChi dog a popular and attractive hybrid toy breed. 

What organizations recognize the ShiChi as a hybrid breed?

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Breed Registry
• Dog Registry of America
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• International Designer Canine Registry

 
These groups all recognize the ShiChi as an official hybrid breed. This makes puppies from this hybrid breed much easier to find from breeders across the globe. 

Does the ShiChi get along with other dogs?

Because of their gentle but social nature, ShiChis tend to get along with other dogs very well. 

Because they are a toy breed, you will have to be careful putting your ShiChi with a larger or more aggressive breed, as they could become accidentally injured. 

A proper introduction is always important for pets of any size.

To slowly introduce your new ShiChi mixed dog to their new family members, let them explore a nearby room with the door closed so your other pets can smell them under the door. 

After a few days of this and swapping bedding, let them meet one another with cautious supervision. When they are fully comfortable with one another, supervision can decrease. 

If you have any concerns about introducing your pets, always talk to your vet for more guidance. 

Does the ShiChi dog get along with children?

Definitely! ShiChis are gentle dogs that can certainly get along with children. 

However, you should always make sure your children are ready for a new dog and understand how to interact with it. 

Gentle play and direct supervision is essential for teaching your child how to play with the dog and giving your dog the space it needs to relax. 

If you are concerned about your new pup and your children, consider working with a trainer to teach your child how to interact with the dog and your dog how to interact with your child. 

Talking to your vet is another option if you are concerned about your dog’s ability to get along with other pets or family members. 

What is a Chrysanthemum dog?

You may hear the Shih Tzu called a Chrysanthemum dog. That is because the shape of their face and the way their facial hair grows somewhat resembles the Chrysanthemum flower.

Your ShiChi may have these traits due to their Shih Tzu parent breed!

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Dogs are Wonderful Pets

ShiChis are great for first-time dog owners and experienced pet owners alike. They have sweet temperaments, tend to be cuddly and fit nicely in small-sized apartments. 

If you’re interested in adopting a ShiChi, reach out to your local animal shelters, ShiChi rescues, and ShiChi breeders to find a pup perfect for your family.

If you are debating which small dog would be perfect for you consider a ShiChi!