Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Care Guide: A Pampered Palace Pup

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The Pekingese Shih Tzu mix is an elegant mix.

These lovely little pups have long, luxurious fur just begging to be pet and cuddled.

Their sweet scrunchy face and lovable lap dog tendencies can win just about anyone’s heart.

Be gentle and patient with these sensitive little souls – their spoiled behavior may be frustrating at times, but all they ever really want is your unconditional love.

Is the Shinese right for your home? Read on for a complete guide on how to pamper this precious pooch…

Contents and Quick Navigation

• What is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix? (Overview)
• Pros and Cons
• Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Appearance
  • Height and Weight
  • Colors and Coat
• 6 Fun Facts About The Shinese
• Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Personality and Temperament
  • Are They A Good Family Dog?
• Caring for a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
  • Exercise Requirements
  • Grooming and Shedding
  • Feeding and Diet
  • Known Health Problems
• How To Train A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
• Quick Breed Summary Table
• Summary

What is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix? (Overview)

The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, also known as a Shinese, is a cross between a Pekingese and a Shih Tzu.

Both of these parent breeds come from the homes of Chinese royalty.

It is classified as both a hybrid and a toy breed.

As a toy breed it is versatile enough to adapt to just about any lifestyle.

These pampered pups get very attached to their owners. They are playful, fun loving and need to spend as much time on their feet as they do in your lap.

When you take in a Shinese be prepared for a dog that wants to be treated like royalty. They need plenty of pampering and they are often spoiled and stubborn.

• Overview: Hybrid (Pekingese/Shih Tzu).
• Purpose: Companion.
• Weight: 10-16 pounds.
• Size: 8-12 inches.
• Temperament: Regal, affectionate and independent.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Good for owners of all backgrounds.
• Very affectionate and loving.
• Great for children.
• Born to be a companion animal.

Cons:

• Susceptible to certain health issues.
• Can be irritable during training.
• Intensive daily grooming requirements.
• Very anxious when the owner is away.

Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Appearance

There is no true breed standard for this mix breed so they can inherit any number of traits from the Shih Tzu or the Pekingese.

However both parents are very similar in appearance.

So you should expect a short dog with a compact body and long, wavy fur.

They carry themselves with a confident, dignified air befitting of a noble palace pet.

Height and Weight

Females are usually no taller than 10 inches. Males can stand anywhere from 8 to 12 inches.

Both genders weigh anywhere from 10 to 16 pounds.

Colors and Coat

This breed boasts a huge variety of dark and light colors. Black, grey, white and many shades of brown are all possibilities.

In many cases Pekingese Shih Tzu mixes may have a mottled or calico pattern.

The body and face colors may contrast so that the dog appears to be wearing a mask.

The Shih Tzu Pekingese mix will usually have a thick double coat that is long and appears in elegant waves. However some pups may inherit a shorter, fluffier coat that looks a bit like plush. It shines beautifully when it is brushed daily.

6 Fun Facts About The Shinese

1. Both parent breeds began as palace pets in China. The Pekingese began in China’s Peking district, while the Shih Tzu hails from Tibet.
2. The Pekingese was once reserved for Chinese royalty. It was so exclusive that it was not discovered by the western world until the 19th century.
3. Shih Tzu Pekingese mixes resemble tiny toy lions.
4. It is thought that the modern day Shih Tzu descended from an early Pekingese. It is no wonder that the two breeds mix so well.
5. The Pekingese is one of many breeds regarded as sacred guardians in Ancient China.
6. Their parent (the Shih Tzu) is one of the most popular toy breeds in the USA today, due to its adaptability and easy care.

Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Personality and Temperament

It is very easy to spoil a Shinese rotten.

These furry aristocrats will demand all of the love and attention that you can give them.

They are surprisingly playful for such a small dog and they love to run and jump.

Every day you get home they will enthusiastically greet you with a barrage of kisses and cuddles. And when it is time to relax and unwind, they will curl up right beside you on the couch.

Many new owners make the mistake of under-exercising toy breed dogs or carrying them instead of letting them walk. Your dog will become very irritable if not walked and played with each day.

While these pups are not typically aggressive or destructive, they will act out when stressed or frightened. Excessive barking, biting and destructive behavior are all signs of a distressed dog.

This very needy breed does not like to be left alone for long periods (crate training is necessary to keep your dog feeling safe and secure while you are out).

If you have next door neighbors, beware.

These little dogs have big voices and a lot to say.

They are likely to bark when someone rings the doorbell or even passes by the house. Their protective streak tends to make them very suspicious of other people.

Once they do learn to socialize, these dogs are friendly and eager to please and make wonderful pets for children. Your Pekingese Shih Tzu mix will get along well with other similar breeds and even cats, but large dogs should be kept far away.

Are They A Good Family Dog?

They are a very adaptable dog which makes them wonderful for most families.

Just remember they are easily frightened and do not tolerate rough play. So they should be supervised carefully with young children.

Caring for a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix

If you can get through training these pooches they are a very manageable breed.

It makes a good first time pet or a lovable companion for kids.

While grooming will take up a lot of time, this dog’s basic needs do not differ very much from any other small breed dog.

Pekingese Shih Tzu mixes are not the healthiest hybrids around. New owners must understand the many different health issues their dog may develop and learn how to manage them.

Exercise Requirements

While it may be tempting to carry your small pooch around all day, many owners forget that these cuddly dogs still need time to be on their feet to walk.

This breed loves to walk and to run and should be taken out for at least 2x 10-15 minute walks each day.

In addition to walking the Shinese can be very playful when they are in the mood.

They will drop their favorite toy in your lap when it is time to play. You can try out any of the classic doggie games such as ball games, chew and toss toys, and games of running and fetching. If your dog especially loves to run, you can take them out for a jog with you. But once they are all tired out they will expect you to carry them home!

• Number of Walks Per Day: 1+.
• Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 35 Minutes.

Grooming and Shedding

These dogs shed surprisingly little when compared to other double coated dogs. Still, their fur needs daily maintenance to avoid tangles and mats.

Any tools that you use for grooming should reach both layers of their coat. A matted undercoat can be even more uncomfortable for the dog than a tangled top layer.

Your dog’s thick fur will be very heavy on their small body, so a haircut is needed every few months (especially in warmer weather).

A light face mask can help keep their skin folds clean.

Feeding and Diet

It is very easy to feed a Shih Tzu Peke too much or too little.

So it is best to feed them kibble specially formulated for toy breeds.

They do not have a very large appetite, so one cup of kibble a day is enough.

The kibble should be made for small breed dogs and contain no extra fillers or additives. It should be low on carbs and fats, and made up of mostly raw ingredients. Do not give wet foods or raw meats to toy breed dogs.

Calories Per Day:	Cups of Kibble Per Day:
400	~1

Known Health Problems

Apart from training the biggest problem with this breed is their health issues.

Many health issues in the breed are the result of faulty breeding practices or poor genetics.

• Many Pekingese and their related breeds are bred for scrunchy faces and upturned noses. Unfortunately this can result in brachycephalic airway syndrome. A deformed airway causes severe breathing difficulty and respiratory issues.
• Another common issue is called skin fold pyoderma. This is a bacterial infection that occurs in the skin folds of dogs with droopy faces. Keep your dog’s face clean and dry (especially during the summer) in order to prevent the condition.

How Long Does A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Live?

A healthy Shih Tzu mix can live between 12 and 15 years.

How Much Does A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Cost?

On average expect to pay around $600.

How To Train A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix

Training these pups is one of the major difficulties of this otherwise happy breed. These spoiled rotten pups often act out when they do not get their own way.

A reluctant Pekingese Shih Tzu mix must be motivated to train – cuddles and hugs are much healthier motivators than spoiling them with treats.

Obedience training is one of the first things you should tackle, along with crate training to counter separation anxiety.

A backyard agility course is an excellent way to make training fun.

Shih Tzus are known for their love of running and jumping.

Design a backyard course full of hurdles, obstacles and toys to fetch and chase. Change up the course every day so that your puppy will never get bored. If your pup is more of a Pekingese, they will enjoy a backyard walking course more than one designed with agility in mind.

Early socialization is needed to help this puppy’s natural shyness.

Any good breeder should have already gotten your puppy used to being handled, but the rest is up to you.

Taking your dog to puppy class will help them learn to trust strangers and other dogs.

Quick Breed Summary Table

Breed Characteristics
Size:	8-12 inches.
Weight:	10-16lb.
Lifespan:	12-15 years.
Coat:	Long double coat.
Color:	Black, brown, white and grey are the most common.
Do They Shed:	Yes.
Temperament:	Loving, protective, independent, haughty and spoiled.
Intelligence:	Low.
Socialization:	Shy and anxious if not socialized early.
Destructive Behavior:	May act aggressively or chew on furniture.
People Skills:	Attached to their owners and quite leery of others.
Good with Children:	Yes.
Activity Levels:	Moderate.

Summary

Whether you are a seasoned dog keeper or a new owner just starting out, the Pekingese Shih Tzu mix has something for you.

They are born household dogs that fit in just about anywhere at all.

While these dogs are not difficult, their frisky personalities may throw their owners for a loop. Alongside their cute and cuddly personality is an inborn suspicion of others.

They do not mind being carried, just remember they need time to run and play like any other dog.

If you give them all of the grooming and pampering that they demand, you will have a very happy pup.

Do you think you have what it takes to care for this little lion dog? Let us know in the comments section below…