Pekingese Shih Tzu mix: This wonderful dog will steal your heart

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

Many people are avid fans of small dog breeds because they’re cute, courageous despite their size, and easy to travel with!

This crossbreed that goes by many nicknames such as Shinese, Shih Tzu Peke, Shih-teze, Peke-Tzu, and Peke-A-Tzu, is no different yet it comes with a few unique extras.

What’s the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix like in terms of appearance and personality? Keep reading and let’s find out!

The origin of the Shinese dog

Like most designer dogs, it’s not known where the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix came from and when they were bred.

What we know is they’re a relatively new breed and they were created to be small, pampered lapdogs and be companions.

We can also learn more about the parent breeds, which will give us an idea of how their hybrid offspring will turn out.

In case you’re wondering, though, the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because they only acknowledge purebreds.

There are organizations that recognize the Shinese and other mixed breeds.

Those include the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), Designer DogsKennel Club (DDKC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).

Ready to meet this fido’s purebred parents?

The royal Pekingese

Pekingese dogs are toy-sized companions kept in palaces and deemed as royalty because of their so-called powers.

That got them to sit with Chinese emperors for years while being cared for by their own servants. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s that their existence was known.

They were found in a temple during the opium wars and got shipped off to England.

That’s where they got surrounded by royal blood again. Queen Victoria was very fond and delighted of the Pekes.

By the 1890s, the breed arrived in the US and got accepted into the AKC in the year 1906.

Pekes are famous for their “lion’s mane” and a coat that comes in different shades of red. Their hair adds effect to their compact, stocky build, giving them a distinct rolling gait and regal bearing.

And if you’ve ever been around one, you’ll notice that this charming pooch is also opinionated and independent. A serious demeanor from such a cute, short-muzzled fido.

The beloved Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu (often misspelled as Shitzu) is another toy dog breed that’s famous in China, particularly those from the Ming Dynasty.

These Lion Dogs were bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet, then placed in Chinese courts, not only to be pets, but as lap warmers.

Although they’re beautiful doggos with long, silky, and soft hair, they were kept hidden behind the walls and were only introduced to the outside world around the 1930s.

While the Peke is confident, the Shih Tzu is an affectionate and lively charmer because being cute is its way of life.

What does a Shih Tzu and Pekingese mix look like?

Although the Pekingese and Shih Tzu have similarities, their hybrid offspring can either have combinations of their characteristics or can lean to looking more like one of them.

The point is, they have no breed standard, so the appearance of this furball will vary.

Generally, they have a long, compact body that they carry with confidence, showing how dignified they are.

They have a totally adorable flat face with brown eyes and nose, then floppy ears on the side.

But did you know breeds with short muzzles are called brachycephalic? We’ll get more into it later when discussing the Shinese’s health.

Size: How big can a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix get?

Shih Tzu & Pekingese mixes are tiny doggos with a full-grown height of 8 to 13 inches (20 to 33 cm) and a weight of 10 to 16 pounds (5 to 7 kg). 

As with any dog breed, females are usually smaller, and a female Shih Tzu Peke is less likely to exceed 10 inches (25 cm).

Since they’re within the toy- to the small-sized range, you probably guessed that they’re suitable apartment pets, and you’re right! They do well in all types of houses, as long as they’re given their daily outdoor time.

The variety of Peke-A-Tzu coat lengths and colors

The Shinese dogs usually have a dense and long double coat, but their coat can also turn out to be wavy and silky.

As we already mentioned, their coat is particularly long on their neck and shoulders, giving the appearance similar to a mane.

These dogs can have a wide range of potential coat colors, including black, brown, white, gray, red, fawn, beige, or light yellow. This breed can also have a mottled or calico pattern in some cases.

Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix Temperament: How Good Are They as Family Pets? 

Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is a great family dog. This breed is good with kids, but they are small, fragile, and can easily get hurt if not handled properly.

The Shinese is a perfect choice for families with older children. If your child is under seven years of age, you need to teach them how to play with the dog and pet him gently.

Although this mixed breed is not normally aggressive, they can bite or nip when they are mishandled and treated roughly.

They can also become upset due to yelling and start to bark, which is another reason to teach your kids how to treat these delicate dogs.

Shinese is loyal and protective of their humans, so they will often act as a guard dog or a watchdog. They are usually wary of strangers and they can often be vocal about their suspicions.

Early socialization is necessary if you don’t want to listen to barking whenever something seems off to your pup.

However, the Pekingese Shih Tzu can also be quite clingy. They might react badly when left alone despite being independent otherwise.

Separation anxiety is a common problem with these dogs, so make sure that you only consider them if you are not away from home for too long. They can also be stubborn, which only adds to the problem.

If you put their clinginess aside, these dogs are wonderful companions. They are active, playful, and friendly towards other dogs and pets, as long as they are socialized early.

The Shinese particularly get along well with other small dogs and pets, including cats. You can see how playful Peke-Tzus are in this video.

The intelligence of the Pekingese and Shih Tzu dogs is undeniably high. These are smart dogs that react positively to praise. They are mature and can learn to follow instructions, but they are also independent and stubborn.

It takes patience and consistency to train Shinese dogs. The best way to train them is to start basic training early, including potty training and obedience.

Positive reinforcement works best for this breed, so make sure to reward them whenever they show any progress. You should also try to make the training as fun as possible to make your pooch more cooperative.

How to Take Care of the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix and Keep Your Dog Happy

The Shih-teze is a breed that can tolerate cold and moderately hot weather. However, due to their flat faces, they can have breathing problems if the weather is too hot or humid.

Make sure not to exert them much in hot weather since they can overheat quickly. This is one of the reasons why these dogs can be considered high maintenance, along with their grooming needs.

Grooming: Do the Shinese Dogs Shed and How Frequently?

The Shinese have thick and long coats that require adequate grooming. Their long hair can easily mat and become so tangled that you will struggle to break it free.

Matted fur can also be painful for the dog and disrupt blood flow to extremities in severe cases. 

The parent breeds don’t shed the same way – the Pekingese sheds a lot, while the Shih Tzu is a light shedder. In most cases, the Shih Tzu and Pekingese crossbreed will shed moderately.

In addition to this, the Shih Tzu is hypoallergenic, while the Pekingese is not, which means that the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix has a 50% chance of being hypoallergenic.

It is essential to brush the coat of the Shinese dogs every day to prevent matting and reduce shedding.

Use a metal pin brush for brushing to make it easier to untangle the hair, as well as a slicker brush to keep the hair soft.

Also, trim the hair around your dog’s eyes to keep it short. Otherwise, your dog’s eyes may become fully covered by hair and he may struggle to see.

The best way to ensure a healthy and shiny coat is to take your Peke-A-Tzu to the groomer every three months.

This is also a perfect time for them to get a bath because the groomer can remove any stubborn tangles beforehand.

More frequent bathing is unnecessary but if you want to do it, check for any tangles since you’re not supposed to get them wet.

Are Shinese Dogs Energetic and How Much Exercise They Require?

The Shih Tzu and Pekingese mix is a breed with a moderate energy level. They don’t need a lot of exercise and they can spend a lot of energy on their own when they play and explore their surroundings.

This is particularly true for dogs with a lot of space to explore, like a big house or a yard.

Even if you live in an apartment, your Shinese won’t ask for too much. A short daily walk (30 to 45 minutes) is enough to keep your pup active and healthy.

However, they are usually not opposed to longer walks or even running. Try to walk your Peke-A-Tzu early in the morning or in the evening if the weather is hot to prevent them from overheating.

How to Feed Your Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix the Right Way?

Feeding the Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix is not a difficult task since this small breed doesn’t eat much.

The best course of action is to feed your canine twice a day, half a cup of food per meal – do it once in the morning and once early in the evening.

You can give your dog treats throughout the day but avoid table scraps since they are usually too caloric and fatty.

Small breeds can gain weight easily since they are not too active and the Shinese is not an exception. Avoid foods that are high in artificial ingredients, sugars, salt, and carbohydrates.

Stick to nutritious dog food that includes protein, fiber, and fat. You can also use supplements to improve their overall health, usually in the form of minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Most dog food brands have specific kibble suitable for small breeds that require more calories per pound of body fat.

This type of dog food contains more modified calories and comes in smaller bites that are easier to eat and digest.

It is also important to consider your dog’s life stage when you choose his meal plan. Shih Tzu Pekingese mix puppies need different nutrients than adult dogs.

Look for a dog food that’s formulated for puppies or ask your vet to help you design a proper diet for your dog and his life stage.

How Healthy Is the Pekingese Shih Tzu and How Long Do They Live?

The Shinese have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, as long as they are cared for adequately. Their biggest issue is the shape of their face and muzzle, which is bound to cause breathing problems.

This is called brachycephalic airway syndrome and it can range in severity from mild discomfort to a lethal problem.

The Pekingese Shih Tzu is also prone to skin allergies. As we said, these dogs have sensitive skin that makes them prone to allergies caused mainly by ticks and fleas.

Use prevention products and check your dog’s coat for ticks and fleas whenever you come home from a walk. If your dog spends a lot of time outside on his own, do this as frequently as you can.

Unfortunately, these are just the main problems for the Peke-A-Tzu. There are other health issues that the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix can suffer from:

• Patellar Luxation
• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Eye Problems
  • Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca – KCS)
  • Entropion
  • Corneal Ulcers
  • Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
• Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis)
• Cleft Lip or Palate
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Skin Fold Pyoderma
• Mouth Abscesses
• Overheating
• Weight Gain
• Lameness
• Ear Infections or Inflammation
  • Otitis Externa

We recommend that you take your Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix to the vet at least once a year for health screening and tests. Once your pooch becomes older, you should increase these screenings to two times a year.

What Is the Price for a Pekingese and Shih Tzu Mix Puppies?

Like many other small dog breeds, the Shinese dogs won’t have a big litter size.

You can expect between two and five puppies per litter, which is one reason why it can be difficult to find the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix puppies for sale.

If you are looking for a Pekingese Shih Tzu mix for sale, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,000 for a puppy.

The price will vary from one breeder to another. It depends on the puppy’s bloodline, scarcity, care, and other factors like how old the Shih Tzu puppy is, previous vaccinations, etc.

Besides the initial cost, you need to calculate other expenses into your initial spending such as food, treats, bedding, toys, food and water dishes, collars or leashes, etc.

At a later date, you will have to pay for vet check-ups, visits to professional groomers, tick and flea prevention, sterilization, and other unexpected expenditures.

How and Where to Look for Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Breeders?

Since the Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix is not one of the most popular breeds, it can be difficult to find a reputable breeder.

It is crucial to avoid puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. Also, most pet stores use these unethical sources for their puppies, so it is better to look online for a trustworthy breeder.

Start your search online for the Shih Tzu Pekingese mix puppies for sale. However, it might be difficult to tell whether a breeder is ethical this way.

It is best to visit the breeder in-person to see the puppy’s parents and their living conditions. Here are a few sites where you can start your search for a Shinese puppy:

• Lancaster Puppies – Pennsylvania
• Greenfield Puppies – New York and Pennsylvania
• Breeders Club – USA

Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix – Where to Adopt?

If you are interested in adopting a Shinese dog, it may be hard to find rescue groups dedicated specifically to this mixed breed.

Check your local shelters and rescue organizations first and try these resources to find your new Peke-A-Tzu puppy:

• Shih Tzu Rescue Group
• Pekingese Rescue Network
• New Beginnings Shih Tzu Rescue

Good Alternatives to a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix

For dog lovers who appreciate small, mixed breeds, Shih Tzu and Pekingese mix is not the only available option.

There are a few other adorable alternatives to consider, especially those that include one of the Shinese parent breeds:

• Other Pekingese Mixes
  • Pekingese Beagle Mix
  • Pekingese Poodle Mix
  • Pekingese Maltese Mix
  • Pekingese Pug Mix

• Other Shih Tzu Mixes
  • Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix 
  • Shih Tzu Bichon Mix
  • Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix

Is the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix a Good Choice for Me?

The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is a good family dog, but it may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners since they can be high-maintenance and clingy.

On the other hand, this breed doesn’t need much exercise and it is a loyal, intelligent, and affectionate dog.

Do you have any experience with Shinese dogs that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments!