Mixed Shih Tzu Breeds | Hybrid Shih Tzu Dogs

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Mixed Shih Tzu Breeds - Hybrid Shih Tzu Dogs

Shih Poo

The mixed Shih Tzu dog the Shih Poo is a hybrid cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. This is most often wtih a miniature Poodle. Becuase the Poodle has hair and not fur and may people are not allergic to Poodles, this Shih Poo dog usually also has those hypoallergenic qualities. The average weight of the Shih Poo is 10-15 pounds (4.53 - 6.80 kg). The average life span of the Shih Poo is 15 years.   What color is the Shih Poo? This Shih Tzu mixed breed dog can be found in just about every color imaginable, thanks to the Poodle genes.

                   Zuchon (or Shichon)

This mixed Shih Tzu hybrid dog, named the Zuchon or Shichon is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. The average weight of a Zuchon is 7 - 12 pounds (3.17 - 5.44 kg). The lifespan of a Zuchon is approximately 15 years. The color of a Zuchon is usually several different colors mixed into 1 coat. While this Shih Tzu mixed breed is not an officially recognized as its own dog breed, the American Canine Hybrid Club does recognize it.

Shih Mo

What is a Shih Mo? This Shih Tzu mixed breed is a cross between a Shih Tzu and an American Eskimo dog. This mixed Shih Tzu dog can be small or medicum sized; the weight of this dog is between 12 - 24 pounds (5.44-10.88 kg). How big is a Shih Mo? The dog's height will be between 12 and 15 inches (30.48 -38.10 cm). The colors of this mixed Shih Tzu breed vary, most dogs do have white in the base coat. The average life span of a Shih Mo is 13 years. The Shih Mo is not a recognized dog breed and is only recognized as a Shih Tzu hybrid dog.

Mal-Shi (or Shih-tese, Shihtese)

This mixed Shih Tzu dog is the Mal-Shi. This cross between a Shih Tzu and a Maltese is also sometimes spelled MalShi or named a Shihtese or Shih-Tese. Most of these mixed Shih Tzu breeds are completely white or have a base color of white, as this gene color from the Maltese dog is strong. The weight of a Mal Shi varies between 8 and 15 pounds (3.62 - 6.80 kg). This mixed Shih Tzu dog is not recognized as an official breed; however is accepted as a hybrid breed in the American Canine Hybrid Club.

                              Daisy Dog

This cute Daisy Dog is the mix of 3 dogs: The Shih Tzu, Poodle and Bichon. The weight of a Daisy Dog will vary between an average of 6 and 11 pounds (2.72- 4.98 kg). The life span of a Daisy Dog is approximately 14 years. Because 3 different dog breeds create this hybrid Shih Tzu mix, the color combinations of this dog vary greatly. Some Daisy Dogs are white with a touch of grey on the ears, others have a black base coat with patches of tan or white. The combinations are endless.

                              Bo Shih

What is a Bo Shih? The Bo Shih is a hybrid dog which crosses the Shih Tzu with a Boston Terrier. How big is a Bo Shih? This mixed Shih Tzu dog will be between 6 and 11 pounds (2.72- 4.98 kg). The height of an adult Bo Shih dog will be between 9 and 11 inches (22.86 - 27.94 cm). The average life span of the Bo Shih is 12 - 14 years. The amazing fur color combinations (which are usually at least 3 mixed colors) make this one interesting Shih Tzu mixed breed dog. The Bo Shih is not a recognized breed.

The Controversy

This is quite controversial, many Shih Tzu breeders breed the Tzu to improve the lines of the dog breed. Each litter is carefully planned, to improve the bloodlines and conformation of the Shih Tzu. When a Shih Tzu is bred with a different dog breed, this causes the Tzu line to lose integrity. While these Designer dogs may be popular, if everyone did this, we would not have the Shih Tzu breed anymore!

Explanation of These Hybrid Dogs

All of the above dog are Hybrid dogs. These are also sometimes referred to as Designer dogs. There is a big difference between a hybrid dog and a mixed breed (or mongrel dog). These hybrid dogs are bred carefully, using 2 different 100% purebred dogs, such as the Shih Poo hybrid dog, which is the end result of breeding a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Poodle. These hybrid Shih Tzu breeds are created through careful a breeding selection and process.

Long ago, dog breeds where created just this way. For example: The Boxer dog breed came into existence when a Bullenbeisser dog was bred with an English Bulldog. This created the hybrid dog that later became to be recognized as the Boxer.

Therefore, any Shih Tzu hybrid dog has the potential to someday be recognized as an official dog breed. It will be the careful breeding selection of the dog breeders and the responsibility of these Shih Tzu hybrid dog owners (such as not breeding their hybrid dog with another mixed dog) that will ultimately determine if a Shih Tzu hybrid dog develops a strong enough bloodline to be accepted as an official dog breed.

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