Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix: Meet the Active Loyal Dog
Have you been looking for a cute, cuddly hybrid dog that looks a whole lot like a teddy bear? Do you love loyal, devoted pups with soft, fluffy coats? You may want to check out the Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix! Although rare, this mixed-breed pooch is a wonderful choice for the right owner!
The Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix results from breeding a Chow Chow with a Shih Tzu. This will be a small or medium-sized dog weighing anywhere from 17 to 48 pounds.
This mix is likely to have a long, thick, double coat. Expect a range of potential personality traits and behaviors, as both parent breeds are very different in temperament. Some Chow Shih Tzu mixes are friendly and sociable, while others are more reserved and standoffish.
About the Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
Although hard to come by, Shih Tzu Chow Chow mixes are fantastic dogs in the proper setting. This adorable hybrid looks very similar to a teddy bear! The Shih Tzu has a soft, long coat that comes in a range of colors and patterns.
Similarly, Chow Chows have thick, double coats that are fluffy and usually of one solid color. Both breeds in the Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix have Asian heritage and are known for being loyal and devoted to their families.
To fully understand what you can expect with this hybrid, it is helpful to understand the history of both the Shih Tzu and the Chow Chow breeds.
Both the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu breeds originated on the Asian continent. The Chow Chow was a guard dog, while the Shih Tzu was used primarily for companionship.
Chow Chow History
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds. Many think that this breed originated over 2,000 years ago! Chow Chows may be related to Spitz-type dogs and Tibetan Mastiffs. Chow Chows are unique because they have a tongue that showcases a bluish-purple color.
This is called a black tongue, though it isn’t actually black. Chows also have more teeth than any other breed!
Chow Chows are thought to have come from China. They were a favorite breed of Emperors, sportsmen, and Buddhist monks.
Many people used Chow Chows to protect land, and some say that they were the guardians of Buddhist temples.
Chow Chows have dignified and proud personalities. However, these dogs are often affectionate toward their families.
Shih Tzu History
The Shih Tzu is an Asian toy breed of dog. The Shih Tzu likely originated in Tibet. These dogs were favorites of Chinese royals for hundreds of years.
They may have been created by crossing Pekigneese and Lhasa Apso dogs. Shih Tzus were first imported to Europe in 1930.
Although small in stature, Shih Tzus have bold and affectionate dispositions. These dogs are wonderful for those seeking a devoted, enthusiastic, and friendly canine companion. Of all the toy breeds, Shih Tzus are some of the friendliest! The coat of the Shih Tzu is very long and silky.
It can grow down to the floor and does not shed often. This coat is similar to that of the Lhasa Apso or Yorkshire Terrier.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
Shih Tzu Chow Chow mixes are not ideal for every owner. For one thing, the temperament of this mix is hard to predict. Chow Chows and Shih Tzus have drastically different personalities.
While this Shih Tzu is friendly and enthusiastic, the Chow Chow is more skeptical and reserved. When these two breeds are combined, it is difficult to anticipate what to expect.
Additionally, this hybrid can be difficult to train. Chow Chows are known for being stubborn and obstinate. The Shih Tzu is famous for being hard to housebreak.
Moreover, this hybrid will have very demanding grooming requirements. With such a long coat, you can expect to be brushing this dog out frequently. Finally, this hybrid may suffer from some health issues.
Reasons to Avoid the Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
- Hard to predict traits
- Could be standoffish
- May be hard to train
- Demanding grooming needs
- Might not do well with other pets
- Possible behavior issues
Reasons Why You Should Get a Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
There are many reasons that a Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix could be a wonderful pet for your family.
For one thing, the Shih Tzu is one of the most tolerant dog breeds. It may very well be you get a Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix that is extremely affectionate with the family.
Also, this hybrid is likely to be healthier than a purebred Chow Chow or Shih Tzu. On top of that, this hybrid is absolutely adorable. Chow Chow Shih Tzu mix puppies look like living teddy bears!
There are many coat colors possible as well. This hybrid could be a wonderful choice for those seeking a smaller dog with a very loyal personality and an unbelievably cute appearance.
Reasons to Own a Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
- Incredibly cute
- Potentially very loyal
- Could be quite affectionate
- Many coat colors possible
- Usually healthier than a purebred dog
- Unique and quirky
The Appearance of the Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
For this breed pairing to occur, a large male Shih Tzu will usually need to mate with a small female Chow Chow. The features of any resulting puppies will showcase a combination of the physical traits from the Dam and the Sire.
This hybrid often has round eyes and a short snout. They also have short, stout legs. Additionally, this dog is sure to be fluffy, with a long coat in a range of potential colors.
These features impart a teddy bear look to the mix. The tail could be straight or curved. The size of this dog can vary, as the Chow Chow weighs 58 pounds on average while the Shih Tzu weighs an average of 13 pounds.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Coat and Colors
This dog has a long, fluffy coat that can be one or two layers thick. Single-layered coats are possible if the traits of the Shih Tzu are dominant.
Double-layered coats are likely if the Chow Chow’s traits are dominant. Coat colors can range from lightest white to deep black and everything in-between.
Chow Chows are predominantly reddish-orange in color, while Shih Tzus are usually white or cream with dark brown and black patches.
Therefore, this hybrid’s coat could easily be reddish with creamy patches or darker coloration on the muzzle and tail. However, black Shih Tzu Chow Chow mixes are also possible, with light white patches on the face or chest areas.
Grooming Your Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
The grooming demands of this hybrid will vary depending on the density and length of the coat.
However, you can expect this hybrid to have demanding grooming needs in general. Since the Shih Tzu has a long coat that continuously grows, matting and tangles are possible.
Chow Chows have wooly, double-layered coats. This means that they have a silky soft coat on top with denser, shorter fur underneath.
This coat has the potential to get matted. Chow Chows are seasonal shedders. This means that twice a year, their coats will shed heavily.
This means that you will be brushing your Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix every day to keep its coat healthy and manageable.
Additionally, this dog will need to be combed out thoroughly and fully dried after every bath. Coat conditioners may help you keep your Shih Tzu Chow Chow’s coat from tangling and matting.
It is also wise to teach this dog to tolerate blow dryers and clippers from a young age.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Lifespan
Shih Tzus are generally healthy and can live anywhere from 10 to 17 years. Chow Chows have a slightly shorter lifespan, ranging from 9 to 12 years. You can expect this dog to live about 10 years on average.
To prolong the life of your Chow Chow Shih Tzu mix, adequate exercise, a healthy diet, and proper dental care are recommended.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Health Problems
Chow Chows suffer from various health issues including aortic problems, digestive ailments, hip dysplasia, knee issues, eye issues, and dental problems.
Shih Tzus also suffer from a few health problems including ocular issues, dental problems, and ear infections.
Although this mix is likely to be healthier than a purebred Chow or Shi Tzu, it is wise to schedule regular veterinary visits.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Food Requirements
Chow Chows are known for having sensitive stomachs. So, be careful what you feed this mix.
If you are introducing certain treats, dairy foods, vegetables, or other food items that differ from regular dog food, proceed with caution.
This dog does well on a diet of raw food or regular dry kibble. It is recommended that you offer this dog plenty to chew on. Dental chews can help improve your dog’s dental health.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Exercise Requirements
The Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix should do well with moderate exercise. This dog has medium to low energy levels. The Chow Chow Shih Tzu mix can also do well in small spaces or apartments.
Expect to take this dog out for a brisk walk once a day. As your Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix gets older, its energy levels are likely to decline slightly.
Traits and Personality of a Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
This dog has a unique personality that can be hard to predict. For instance, Shih Tzus are one of the friendliest toy breed dogs around.
However, Chow Chows can be standoffish and distant. With that being said, some Chow Chows are extremely cuddly and affectionate. It will all come down to your individual pup.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix and Families
This is the type of dog that can do very well in a family setting if raised with them from puppyhood.
So, if you adopt a Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix puppy, it will probably do fine with your children. Just be sure to supervise young children with your Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix.
Also, Chow Chows sometimes have issues with their vision. As such, they are prone to snapping or biting if something touches them that they cannot see. This is another reason to provide supervision around young kids.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix and Other Pets
This hybrid can do fine with other animals in your household as long as they are socialized with them from an early age. In fact, Chow Chows are known to do very well with cats if they are raised with them. The same goes for Shih Tzus.
If you want to ensure that your Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix will do well with other animals in your home, adopt one as a puppy and introduce it to your other pets in a happy environment.
If all introductions are positive experiences, your Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix will be more likely to enjoy the company of other animal companions.
Tips for Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Training
It is important to raise your Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix with consistent training and positive socialization from a young age.
This is one of the most difficult hybrids to train. The Shih Tzu is known for being hard to housebreak while the Chow Chow is famous for being stubborn and strong-willed.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Puppies for Sale
It can be very hard to find Shih Tzu Chow Chow mix puppies for sale. Shih Tzus usually only have about two or three puppies at a time.
Chow Chow dogs are hard to come by these days. So, you may have to search for a puppy for a long time.
If you do finally find one of these hybrids, be sure to choose a puppy that is well-balanced and healthy.
