Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes (or Pitshihs) are getting lots of recognition around the world due to their incredible genetic makeup.
Athletic Pitbull and the smooth Shih Tzu are both well-loved companion breeds. They are crossbred to mix the cute traits in Shih Tzu with those of the Shih Tzu and the masculinity of the Pitbull.
It is not a secret it is true that Shih Tzu Pitbull is a unique crossbreed. Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is an exceptional crossbreed, but what is it that you need to do to be a parent for this cross?
In order to keep you in the right track Here are the best advantages and disadvantages of having an Shih Tzu Pitbull mix.
Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix
Are you debating between an active and loving dog or a cute, fluffy ball that loves lying upon your couch? Then, you can have the most desirable of both by buying yourself an Shih Tzu Pitbull mix.
The Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is a breed of dog designed by a designer which was developed by crossing with the royal Shih Tzu with the loyal American Pit Bull Terrier.
The concept behind the creation of Shih Tzu Pitbull mix was to create a dog with the strength and athleticism of the Pitbull as well as the fluffy and cuddly characteristics in Shih Tzu. If you would like to more about all dog breeds then read our other blogs.
It’s true that the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is an incredible companion dog But what exactly does it require to keep this breed?
Here, we’ll discuss everything you must learn concerning how to raise the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix, including the best ways to care for their needs, the type of grooming they need and their needs for exercise and health risks and more. Prior to that we should know how large the dogs grow when they are fully mature.
Pros of Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix
Gorgeous Physical Characteristics
Pitshihs are adorable dogs sporting an elegant appearance of a small lion , with gorgeous long hair. To begin, this breed is the result of crossing an unmixed Shih Tzu with a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier.
There are many theories on the origins of Shih Tzu, what we know is that it was as a companion in China and the name is a reference to “little lion”.
On the other hand the Pitbull originates out of England, Ireland, and Scotland and used to be a part of the earlier civilizations in these regions.
The past aside, here are the physical features which the people who own this blend consider appealing:
Height 10-25 inches
Weight: 15-30 pounds
Colors: Variable between yellow, brown, black and chocolate brown. It’s based on the shade of the parents.
Face: Often prefers the Shih Tzu
Fur: Soft and soft (because it is a result of Shih Tzu genes but not flowing and long since Pitbull has a short coat)
2. Pleasant Temperaments
Pitbulls are famous for their love and loyalty for children. They are also enthusiastic and ready to do their best.
Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are sociable and naturally affectionate. But they aren’t as self-sufficient as Pitbulls and prefer being loved on.
With the loveliness of their owners, Shih Tzu Pitbull cross is, without doubt, a pet that loves family with a great temperament. They are a great fit in any home environment, particularly when well socialized.
3. Don’t Need Intense Exercise
If you’re not able to make time to go for lengthy walks along with your pet, Shih Tzu Pitbull cross could be the ideal pet for you as they don’t require a great deal of movement. A moderate-length walk every day will suffice to keep this puppy content.
4. Longer Lifespan
The life span of Pitbulls is Pitbull is between 8-14 years and that of an Shih Tzu is between 10 to 16 years. You may think that the Pitbull Shih Tzu mix’s span should also fall within the ranges mentioned above.
However, this isn’t the case, since smaller mixed breeds are generally an averagely longer life span than their parents.
But, you must know that the lifespan of a dog will be determined by the standard of living that it is exposed to. A dog suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease, for instance, may live for longer, but it will be in lots of pain.
5. Pitshihs are intelligent and grasp new commands very quickly. Therefore, educating your pet on how to use the toilet and sit or remain and not take food off the counter won’t be difficult.
6. Since Pitbulls are considered as independent breeds, Pitbull Shih Tzu mixes tend to be quite independent.
Cons of Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix
1.Health Issues
Mixes with flat appearances of Shi Tzu may be at an increased risk of becoming brachycephalic. Therefore, they should not be able to swim as they’re more likely to drown. They might also be experiencing breathing problems.
The majority of Shih Tzu crosses are also vulnerable to numerous dental issues because of their skulls being small and the fact that they are overcrowded.
Shih Tzu’s legs that are shortened may be a cause of structural health problems, like elbow and hip dysplasia, as well as serious joint and back pain.
Note: Although the Shih Tzu mix may suffer from these issues crossing breeds can help reduce these issues substantially.
2. More Grooming
Shih Tzu’s coats can be somewhat more difficult to keep clean compared to the coats of Pitbull’s coats.
Pitbull due to their length and silkiness. If your dog is modeled after an Shih Tzu parent the most likely, they will require lots of grooming.
3. Harder to Housebreak
In general, smaller breeds of dogs like Shih Tzu crosses tend to be a bit obstinate and difficult to housebreak.
If your dog isn’t potty-trained properly it is possible to limit his access to certain areas in the house , or cover seats and areas with carpets.
4. Training could be necessary in order to make them less aggressive
Be aware that Pitbulls are dangerous breeds due to their jaws which are strong. They also possess a “gameness characteristic and are more likely to protect or chase objects within your house.
You may have to improve your training mix to lower the chance of injuries, particularly in the event that socialization hasn’t been done in a way that is safe. If that’s your case, an obedience training course could be of great help.
5. Since they could have breathing problems, Pitshihs don’t tolerate a excessive amount of heat and humidity.
Taking Care Of a Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix
When searching for the perfect Pitbull Shih Tzu mixed puppy steer clear of the puppy mills or pet shops where pups are produced in mass quantities.
The puppies from these stores could have health or behavioral issues due to the fact that they are breed in a way that is not responsible and are usually kept in a cruel environment.
Shih Tzu mixes may have breathing issues, so you should avoid wearing neck leashes on them. Instead, choose harnesses that fit all around your body in order to relieve stress.
Because Pitbull Shih Tzu crosses have an affectionate personality, they might require lots of attention and love. Therefore, you should always make the time to nurture your pet when you decide to become parent.
Make sure to buy a few items to give the owner of your Shih Tzu cross as a gesture of gratitude for the part the dog plays in your daily life.
Here are some great ideas 15 of the Best Gifts you can purchase for the Shih Tzu (Or Shih Tzu Owner)
You should brush your Pitshih twice every week to keep your loose hair under the control. The dog you love will also require every now and then a bath using good shampoo for dogs to keep their coat looking his best.
Certain Pitshihs have a great possibility of mouthiness or chewing objects around them. It is possible to combat this by playing catch with treats or by giving the dog chew toys.
Swimming is a no-no in the case of the Pitbull Shih Tzu breed since his face shape can hinder him from swimming properly.
The most common place your dog can be able to hang out in when you’re not at home or have guests is the cage. Therefore, make sure you buy quality dog crates for your Pitshih.
Since Shih Tzu mixes are prone to dental problems and dental issues, it is recommended to take dental hygiene actions in the Pitbull Shih Tzu cross to lower the chance of developing decay. Brush your dog’s teeth using toothpaste and brush, or purchase his a few dental treats.
Pitshihs’ spines are usually too long to offer sufficient support for their legs. So, it is best to avoid vigorous exercises to minimize the chance of developing back pain problems or more serious issues such as paralysis.
Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix
Are you debating between an energetic and trustworthy pet, or a cute fluffy ball who’s favorite activity is lying in your lap? Then, you can get the most of both by buying yourself an Shih Tzu Pitbull mix.
The Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is an innovative hybrid dog breed which was developed by crossing an opulent Shih Tzu with the loyal American Pit Bull Terrier.
The motivation behind the creation of Shih Tzu Pitbull mix was to create a dog that had the strength and athleticism of the Pitbull and the soft cuddly and soft features that are characteristic of Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu.
A Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is an incredible companion dog however, what is it that it will require to keep this breed?
Here, we’ll discuss everything you should learn concerning how to raise the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix, including the best ways to look after their needs, the type of grooming they need and their needs for exercise as well as health hazards, and more.
Before we get started we should know how large the dogs grow when they are mature.
How Big Will A Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix Get?
Its size Shih Tzu and Pitbull mix also known as the PitShih, lies between Medium-sized American Pit Bull Terrier and the small Shih Tzu.
If fully matured and matured, the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix will be anywhere from 10-25 inches. Similar to that the weight of the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.
Appearance
This Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is relatively new to the breed, so it’s difficult to determine with any degree of precision how the first-generation Shih Tzu Pitbull mix will appear.
However, you can anticipate the appearance of the puppy to be somewhere between the parents.
In the majority of cases however, Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes will end in inheriting Shih Tzu’s more elongated face.
Although this gives this Shih Tzu Pitbull mix an attractive appearance, it puts them at chance of developing respiratory ailments which are typical of breeds that are brachycephalic.
Coat
The coats of breeds that are parents are completely opposite. For instance, the Shih Tzu has a dense double coat, with silky and long hair and it is the American Pitbull Terrier has a medium coat, with very short fur.
In the majority of cases, Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes are likely to have a shorter haired coat, paired with the silky texture of the Shihtzu.
The parent breeds are available in a variety of colors. Therefore an Shih Tzu Pitbull mix could include black, brown white, red and chocolate, as well as yellow, brindle, or any combination with these hues.
How Long Do Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes Live?
A typical American Pitbull Terrier has a duration of 8 to 15 years. The Shih Tzu lives for about 10-16 years.
Thus, you can expect that your Shih Tzu Pitbull mix to be around 10 to 15 years. Affirming to the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix a excellent level of care will go a long ways in extending their lifespan.
The majority of crossbreeds are thought to be healthier than purebreds thanks to a phenomenon called hybrid vigor. The Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is the same.
Even with the benefit of hybrid vigor your Pitshih may inherit some health problems of the breeds that are its parents.
Some health problems commonly found in Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes include…
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Shih Tzus are a breed that is brachycephalic If the Pitshih inherits the flat face of the Shih-Tzu it could make them more susceptible of developing Brachycephalic airway syndrome.
The reason for this is obstruction of airways caused by the shorter muzzle. This can make it difficult for dogs suffering from these conditions to breathe normally.
Dental Issues
Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes are also at a higher risk of developing a variety of dental problems. Many Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes have overcrowded teeth due to their skulls being small. The increased overcrowding also increases the likelihood of developing dental issues.
Joint And Back Issues
Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes are also at a higher risk of developing a variety of structural health problems, including elbow dysplasia, hips and intervertebral disc problems and intervertebral disc disease, both of which could cause pain for your dog.
How To Take Care Of Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes?
Dietary Requirements
You Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix will require 2 to 3 cups food each day, based the size of their dog. For puppies, the food needs to be divided into four meals. Adults can serve two meals a each day.
What do you need to feed to your Shih Tzu Pitbull mix? The most nutritious dog food for the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix is Pet Plate dog food.
We suggest Pet Plate for three reasons. The first is that the food they serve is produced in the same manner as are used in human food. Additionally, the recipes are designed by a certified pet nutritionist.
There are four recipes to pick depending on the preferences of your dog. We recommend also giving your dog multivitamins to enhance their diet.
After observing how Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes are susceptible to developing dental problems and dental issues, we suggest to invest on dental-related water supplements.
Add these ingredients to your dog’s drinking water can help to prevent these dental issues.
Exercise Requirements
Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes will require between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity each day, based the size of their breed. Be careful not to make your workout too difficult. A strenuous workout can quickly increase the chance of joint and back injuries.
Due to their brachycephalic characteristics that they have, it is best not to play with the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix in hot temperatures, as these dogs are unable to regulate their temperature.
Their short and flat muzzle makes Shih Tzu Pitbull breeds highly susceptible to drowning, which is why it is not recommended to let your Pitshih to swim.
Are Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes Less Aggressive? Temperaments Of Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes
They both American Pitbull Terrier and the Shih Tzu are pleasant dogs with a great temperament which is why you will get exactly the same behavior of the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix. Pitshihs are bred for a single reason; to share and receive love from their families.
Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes are also extremely playful and social making them great pets for children. They’re also cautious of children, a trait that they got by the Pitbull parent.
Are Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes are friendly and confident dogs who are extremely unlikely to display any form of aggression towards humans. But, they may be somewhat territorial, which may cause them to show some aggression toward other dogs.
They also possess a prey drive that could lead to them following small animals such as cats.
The best way to teach the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix not to be aggressive towards the other dog is to bond with them at a young age so they are used to other dogs.
Can Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes Be Left Alone All Day?
Shih Tzus as well as American Pitbull Terriers can be famous for their clingy nature. They like to be near to their loved ones throughout the day, that’s why you can expect that from you Shih Tzu Pitbull mix.
Pitshihs aren’t the type of dog that you could leave for the entire day. You should only buy the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix if you’ll have them around you throughout the day.
Do Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes Shed? Grooming Tips For Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes
Are Shih Tzu Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Although Shih Tzus have been proven to be hypoallergenic but their cousin, the American Pit Bull Terrier is not, meaning that the mix that results is likely to be moderate shedder which is unlikely to prove hypoallergenic. If you’re seeking an entirely hypoallergenic dog the Pitshih isn’t the right choice for you.
Brushing
The amount of time you spend brushing Shih Tzu Pitbull breeds require depends on the family the coat they are inherited from. If their coat is similar to the coat of the Shih Tzu, you’ll need to brush them regularly.
In the event that their hair is more similar to the Pitbull you can manage just the equivalent of two or three brushing sessions every week.
When you’re brushing with your Shih Tzu Pitbull mix, you’ll need tools that effectively straighten their hair in order to keep it from tangling and free of hair that is dead without risk of causing injury to your pet’s skin. To do this, our preferred choice is to use the Furminator undercoat tool.
Bathing
The Shih Tzu Pitbull mix will also require regular baths to ensure their coat is in good condition and also to stop bad smells. Ideally, provide you Shih Tzu Pitbull mix a bath every couple of months.
If, however, they’re especially smelly or dirty and smelly, you do not have to wait a month to bathe them.
Bathing your Pitshih in an excellent shampoo specifically designed especially for pets will just keep their coats clean but also help to moisturize the skin, preventing scale and dryness.
We’ve found the Mighty Dogz 2-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner as the most effective for this.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix? The cost of an Shih Tzu Pitbull mix will be in the $1,000- $2,000 to $2,000. However, sometimes breeders can charge as high as $4,000 for puppies bred from top bloodlines of high-quality.
If you’re not ready to shell out this amount there is the option to adopt a Pitshih in a shelter for as little as $300.
Can A Shih Tzu And Pitbull Get Along? Even though Shih Tzus will not have difficulties interacting with dogs of other breeds, the majority of American Pitbull Terriers aren’t adept at interacting with other dogs.
If they were raised in a close relationship from a young age, it’s feasible for them to be able to coexist very well.
Can A Pitbull Mate With A Shih Tzu? Yes. There is a possibility for Pitbulls Pitbull to mat with an Shih Tzu and produce viable offspring, which are often referred to Shih Tzu Pitbull mixes or Pitshihs.
Because of the dimensions and physical distinctions in the breeds it’s difficult to determine what puppies will look like.
Bottom-line
Here are some pros and cons to having the Shih Tzu Pitbull mix. We hope that you are able to decide if you would take care of this wonderful cross or if you want to try it with a different breed.
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