The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is a little bundle of many fascinating traits. It’s playful, loyal, intelligent, sweet, independent, cute, and outgoing. But above all, it’s one of the most affectionate designer dogs out there.
As the result of crossing two toy canine breeds, this hybrid has the looks, personality, and size to potentially be the best lap dog ever.
That said, being a mixed breed means there isn’t a lot of information available about aspects such as temperament, care requirements, and health status.
Today, we’re sharing a comprehensive guide to help you know more about this precious dog and decide if you two are a good fit!
Keep reading to learn everything related to the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix from its looks and behavior to its lifespan and price.
Where Does the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Come From?
Let’s kick things off with a closer look at the origin of the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix.
Guessing the parent breeds of this hybrid dog is pretty easy just by looking at its name. This adorable pooch is what you get when you cross-breed a pure Pekingese and a pure Shih Tzu.
The AKC (American Kennel Club) doesn’t officially recognize the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix as a dog breed. The reason behind this is that it’s a hybrid canine that’s been mixed on purpose, not a purebred dog.
As a result, the history of the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix can be blurry since there are no real records available. Unfortunately, no one can pinpoint the exact date it first came to exist.
Still, we can get a solid idea of what to expect from this hybrid by studying the history of its parent breeds.
Meet Parent 1
The AKC officially recognized the Pekingese as a breed in 1906. However, this breed has an ancient history that dates hundreds of years back.
Pekingese dogs were held sacred in China. One of the country’s legends says that Buddha created this canine breed.
The Chinese palace considered Pekingese dogs an antique and kept them an exclusive secret until the 1860s. It’s to the point that their true origin remains a mystery now.
After the British troops raided the emperor’s grounds, they managed to find five Pekes inside and brought them back as a gift for Queen Victoria. By the end of the 19th century, Pekes had made it to the United States.
Nowadays, the Pekingese is a rather popular dog breed across the country. It came in 94th (out of 284) in the 2021 AKC popularity ranking.
Meet Parent 2
The AKC officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a breed in 1969. But the actual history of this established breed goes back many centuries prior.
Shih Tzu dogs are an integral part of Chinese royal heritage. It was developed by imperial breeders in the Chinese emperor’s palace to cater to the companionship needs of the rulers.
Shih Tzu translates into ‘small lion’. One of the explanations regarding this name is a folk story of a Tibetan god who owned a Shih Tzu dog that transformed into a lion whenever he gave a certain command.
The Shih Tzu breed remained hidden in the Chinese palace for several centuries. In the 1930s, the breed was finally introduced to the outside world when Beijing breeders noticed the small furry pups.
Nowadays, the Shih Tzu is one of the most beloved breeds in the country. It came in at 22nd place (out of 284) in the 2021 AKC popularity ranking.
What Is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Called?
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is also known as the Shih-teze or the Peke-a-Tzu.
Many people also refer to it as the Shinese, while some call it the Peke-Tzu or the Shih Tzu Peke.
Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Interesting Facts
- Both parents are originally from China.
- It loves being the center of attention.
- It looks like a small toy lion.
What Does a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Look Like?
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is a perfect blend of the physical features of both of its parents.
It’s a small designer dog with a squished, wrinkly face, expressive brown eyes, a brown or black upturned nose, and floppy ears. The rounded head sits on a stout body and has short legs.
This hybrid comes with a naturally long, wavy, coat. It’s thick and double-layered, so grooming is a frequent need.
As for the color, the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix can be black, brown, white, gray, red, or fawn.
How Big and Heavy Does a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Get?
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is a small-sized pooch, which is expected for a lap dog.
The weight of adult male Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix dogs falls between 10 and 16 pounds. They stand at an average height of 8 to 12 inches.
The weight of adult female Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix dogs is about the same, but their height is typically shorter than 10 inches.
Based on these measurements, Pekingese Shih Tzus are classified as toy dogs.
How Do Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Dogs Behave?
Just like its parents, the temperament of Pekingese Shih Tzus is remarkably pleasant. This cute little pooch is affectionate, playful, outgoing, friendly, gentle, and smart.
The intense social tendencies of this hybrid are highlighted by its cheerful presence, but it’s not just fun and games with this little pup.
Pekingese Shih Tzus are fiercely loyal and protective. They make good guard dogs since they’re alert and quite tough despite their size.
These hybrids love to spend time with their owners doing whatever. They crave attention and can suffer from separation anxiety and depression if their owners are away for too long.
They may be wary of strangers at first, but they’re sweet as honey and will quickly warm up to other people and animals.
Like their parents, Pekingese Shih Tzus are independent dogs with a knack for stubbornness. While this can be frustrating, it’s part of their charm.
Is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Good With Kids?
Yes.
Pekingese Shih Tzu dogs are wonderful with kids. Their affectionate, gentle, and playful nature makes them great pets for families with children.
However, you should provide close supervision to prevent children from roughing the small pooch too much.
The size of these hybrids means they’re delicate and can easily get injured.
Is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Good With Other Pets?
Yes.
A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix will get along well with other household dogs (same or different breed) and pets as long as you provide early training, socialization, and proper introduction.
That said, the small size of this hybrid coupled with its playful nature can put it at risk of getting injured when it clashes with larger pets.
As such, you should always keep an eye on your Shinese around bigger dogs.
Does the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Bark a Lot?
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix can surely be quite the noisy pooch. They can get especially noisy when stressed.
Even if your hybrid dog is a barker, you can train it to quiet down.
Keep in mind that this dog has a prominent protective side so it’ll bark as a warning if someone suspicious comes too close to its home, people, or even toys.
How Long Does a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Live on Average?
The Pekingese Shih Tzu is a generally healthy hybrid breed. It has an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, which falls on the longer end of the spectrum.
Does the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Suffer From Health Issues?
A hybrid dog should be healthier than its parent breeds as genetic recombination or reshuffling generally results in a lower chance of inheriting diseases.
Unfortunately, some health problems that affect both parent breeds may still pass on to their offspring.
In the case of the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, hereditary conditions related to the physical shape of the parents are likely to occur. Additionally, these hybrids are prone to eye problems and skin/eat infections.
Below are some of the main concerns to look out for.
Brachycephalic Dog Syndrome
No one can argue that the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix has an adorable little face.
Unfortunately, it’s the size and conformation of their faces that cause a serious condition known as brachycephalic dog syndrome.
Pups with short muzzles/noses and flat faces are typically affected by this condition because they usually suffer from everted laryngeal saccules, stenotic nares, and elongated soft palate.
Brachycephalic pups struggle to breathe normally due to constriction in their airways. In many cases, surgery is the only solution to relieve the associated respiratory distress.
You should take your Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix to the vet once you notice symptoms such as noisy breathing, excessive snorting, and exercise intolerance.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD, slipped disc, or bulging disc is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal column. The discs between the vertebrae are displaced into the space housing the spinal cord.
When this happens, the pressure on the spinal cord can lead to pain and nerve damage. In some cases, dogs even end up with paralysis.
Because the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix has a long back and short legs like its parent breeds, it’s prone to developing IVDD.
Early intervention is key in this disease. Treatment ranges from medications to surgery depending on the severity of the condition.
Skin Fold Dermatitis
This condition is common among dogs with droopy skin on their faces and/or body. It’s the result of a bacterial infection that appears between those folds.
Luckily, preventing this type of infection is as easy as keeping your pup’s skin clean and dry.
How to Take Care of Your Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
Now that you’re familiar with the appearance and personality of the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, it’s time to learn about its basic care requirements.
How Much Food Does a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Need?
Adult Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix dogs need around half a cup of food twice a day. Schedule a meal in the morning and early evening.
Be careful not to overfeed your hybrid dog to prevent obesity issues that can also complicate its breathing problems.
How Do You Groom a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix?
Although they possess long coats, Pekingese Shih Tzus shed very little.
Still, their hair requires brushing every day with a high-quality, flexible brush to keep it tangle-free, clean, and shiny.
Additionally, be sure to give your pup a trim every few months as the coat can get too thick and heavy for its body.
Gently wipe its eyes daily with a damp cloth and trim the hair around them to prevent irritation and infections.
How Do You Train a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix?
A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix can be quite stubborn like its parents, but it can be made obedient if you start training as early as possible in the puppy stage.
Use positive reinforcement techniques with treats and praises. Be consistent and firm but also gentle and patient.
Does the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Need Exercise?
The Pekingese Shih Tzu requires daily exercise for at least 25 minutes. Not only will this keep them fit, but also prevent mischievous behavior resulting from boredom.
What Is the Price of a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Puppy?
The general price range of a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix puppy from a trusted breeder ranges between $600 and $1,000.
As with all hybrid breeds, they don’t cost as much as their purebred parents. Also, this designer dog will cost you less if you get it when it’s an adult.
Although adoption isn’t the easiest route and you may need to ask around many shelters before you can find one, you can get a rescue Pekingese Shih Tzu. In this case, you’ll likely find adult dogs only, but the experience can be very rewarding.
The exact cost is also affected by multiple other factors such as the lineage of the pup’s parents and the reputation/location of the breeder.
Additionally, don’t forget to consider the cost of food, grooming, regular check-ups, and toys. A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix can stack up some hefty veterinary bills during its lifetime due to its susceptibility to various diseases.