Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix
The Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Shih Tzu and the Dalmatian. Both of these dogs have very sweet personalities and will probably have a moderate energy level. However, the Shih Tzu is obviously a smaller dog with different personalities. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Shih Tzu or the Dalmatian? 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix
Shih Tzu Dalmatian 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. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Dalmatian History:
The first illustrations of the dog have been found in Croatia in the 1600’s. Like nearly every dog breed, they were used as dogs of war, to help hunt, and to protect the villages and houses. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts. They have a strong hunting instinct and have been used as an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin and bird dogs among other things. You can’t talk about Dalmatians without talking about their role working for the firefighters for their role as firefighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. It is thought they became so compatible with firehouses since they and horses are very compatible. the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. They are also pretty good watchdogs and were used to help protect the firehouse from would be thieves stealing strong, steady horses.
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.
Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix Size and Weight
Shih Tzu
Height: 8 - 11 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 9 - 16 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 16 years
Dalmatian
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years
Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. Since both parent breeds are family oriented dogs, this guy should make a good companion. A well-bred Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix shouldn't be shy or aggressive to either people or other animals. Ideally, this mix is likely to be smart and highly trainable, thanks to the Shih Tzu’s intelligence and the Dalmatian’s love of working with people. They are the type of dog you want to come home to after a long day at work. If you will train them properly, then these are the best pets to have around. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. 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 Dalmatian 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 Intervertebral disk disease, eye problems, epilepsy, deafness, Hypothyroidism, Shih Tzu Dwarfism, CBS, Hip dysplasia, ear infections, skin allergies,
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Shih Tzu Dalmatian Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
This will be a moderately shedding dog. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for moderately long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a moderate energy level as the Shih Tzu is a smaller dog that doesn’t really need as much exercise as other dogs. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog.
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog.
What are the training requirements?
All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. The Shih Tzu is known for being hard-headed so plan on having to put a little more energy into that part. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
Shih Tzu Dalmatian 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, so keep that in mind when feeding them. 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.
I good diet to look into is a Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.