Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
The Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Shih Tzu and the Chow Chow. We are providing information on both breeds, but I recommend avoiding this mix as it isn’t a healthy thing to cross. Is it more like the Shih Tzu or the Chow Chow? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix History
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Chow Chow History:
The Chow Chow is thought to be well over 2000 years old. It is one of the oldest dog breeds known. Theoretically it originated from a cross of the Tibetan Mastiff and the Samoyed in the northern parts of Siberia. It resembles both the Mastiff and the Samoyed. Due to the black tongue, there is some argument as to the origin. Regardless of ancestry, the Chow Chow hails primarily from China. Where it was used for centuries as a sporting dog. It is said to have been favored by emperors and wealthy sportsmen. It is a diverse dog as it has been used as both scenting dogs and pointers. You wouldn’t think it, but they have great speed and stamina. This speed and stamina made them good at hunting birds. Their working background has shown them being used for herding, pulling and protection. Unfortunately, in the early days in China, it is well known that the Chow was an important source of food and fur. This culture was protein-starved and needed a good food and supply source. Today, the chow is easily distinguishable by it’s black tongue.
Shih Tzu History:
The origin of the Shih Tzu dates back many centuries to ancient China and Tibet. It is thought that the breed developed by crossing miniature Chinese breeds with small Tibetan breeds – in particular, Lhasa Apsos with the Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was always a favorite of the Emperors of China. During the Tang Dynasty, a pair of these dogs were said to be given to the Chinese court by the king of Vigur. More were sent later by the people of the Ho Chou. In the mid-1600s, small dogs which resembled lions were brought from Tibet to China, and these dogs were used to develop the Shih Tzu breed we know today. The Shih Tzu was popular during the Ming Dynasty as well, favored by royalty and commoners alike.
Awesome videos of Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix puppies
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Size and Weight
Chow
Height: 18 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 44 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 9 - 15 years
Shih Tzu
Height: 8 - 11 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 9 - 16 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 16 years
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. If the Chow shines through it will probably be rather aggressive, if the Shih Tzu shines through it will be at least a little less aggressive. They might be an alpha with a strong personality and needs a strong owner with experience who can set themselves as pack leader. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Dalmatian mixed with the Shih Tzu might be prone to Eye problems, Hypothyroidism, Cancer, skin problems, bloat, patellar luxation, OCD, Joint dysplasia, Swollen hock syndrome,
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
Avoid this mix
What are the exercise requirements?
Avoid this mix
What are the training requirements?
Avoid this mix
Shih Tzu Chow Chow Mix Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.