The Pug Shih Tzu Mix

What do you get when you mix the seriously cute pug with the sweet little Shih Tzu? In this article, we will be exploring the hybrid dog that is the Pug Shih Tzu mix.

pug shih tzu mix
Pug Shih Tzu Mix

Pug Shih Tzu Mix Statistics

Here is a quick run-down on the Pug Shih Tzu mix:

  • Height – 8 to 12 inches
  • Weight – 10 to 20 pounds
  • Lifespan – 9 to 12 years
  • Group – both parent breeds are toy/companion breeds

Shih Tzu History and Background

This dog breed was highly prized amongst royalty, and they were fiercely guarded. They are thought to be descended from the Pekinese and the Lhasa Apso. The Shih Tzu was taken to the Western world (England and Norway) in 1930, where it was given its current name.

Related Reading: Shar-Pei Puggle Mix: A Loyal Wrinkled Guard

Pug Shih Tzu Mix Looks

The pug is a small companion dog with a pushed-in face, big brown eyes, a curly tail, and a short tawny coat with black points. They have short stocky bodies. The pug hails from China, where they were bred as lapdogs for the wealthy in ancient times.

The Shih Tzu is also a companion dog. This breed was developed in Tibet. They have floppy ears and a coat that grows continuously and comes in a wide range of colors. They have large brown eyes and a short snout. Their bodies are short and stout. Shih Tzus are known for their playful and fun personality and their calm and friendly nature. This little dog is quite adaptable, but they are somewhat independent and therefore not easy to train. 

So when the two are combined, there are several outcomes! Some of these dogs may come out more like a pug and some more like a shih tzu. You never really know until they are born and grow up a little.

Many of these little dogs will have the longer coat of the shih tzu and it may feature white, tan, and/or brown markings. They are small dogs, which reflects the fact that both parents are toy breeds.

Expect this hybrid to have a pushed-in face, since both parent breeds do.

Shih Tzu History and Background

Shih Tzu and Pug Mix Temperament

Pugs are sweet, loving, friendly, and smart dogs. Shih Tzus are playful, clever, and affectionate.

So a mixed breed dog of this pairing should be a lovely little dog indeed! They are described as being easy-going and sociable.

They are also wonderful with children.

Pug Shih Tzu Mix Feeding

Being a smaller dog, this cross will only need a few cups of quality dog food per day; a mix of dry and wet food is good for keeping food boredom at bay.

Pugs are prone to weight gain so be sure not to overfeed this mix.

Pug Shih Tzu Mix Looks

Shih Tzu and Pug Mix Grooming

This dog will need regular brushing and clipping due to the Shih Tzu genes that make the coat long.

Get them used to brushing from a young age, and be gentle. A bath with a detangling dog shampoo and conditioner before brushing can help with this.

Pug Shih Tzu Mix Health

Pugs are prone to several ailments including breathing problems (pugs are brachycephalic); eye, skin, bone, and joint issues, and epilepsy.

Shih tzus are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, intervertebral disc disease, liver problems, and breathing problems (shih tzus are also brachycephalic.)

Shih Tzu and Pug Mix Exercise

This little dog will benefit greatly from a brisk daily walk. But don’t overdo it. Overexertion can make it hard for them to breathe. And do not exercise them in hot weather, for the same reason. Play indoor games with them on hot days instead, to keep them moving and stimulated.

Shih Tzu Pug Puppies

This hybrid dog is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, where they are referred to as the “Pug Tzu”. Makes sense!

When looking for a puppy, make sure you find a reputable breeder. The best way to do this is to do your research. Go and meet the breeder, talk to them, and check out their dogs. Ask to see vet records, for both the parents and the pups. Any breeder worth their salt with not have an issue with you coming to see their kennels and their dogs.

Before embarking on the puppy route, though, check your local shelters and rescues. There are high volumes of small hybrid dogs being surrendered. Sadly, ‘backyard breeders’ have tried to cash in on the popularity and cuteness of little mixed breeds like the pug tzu. Backyard breeders do not care about the health and welfare of their dogs or the litter they produce. You do not want to give money to these unscrupulous people and therefore perpetuate this cruel practice.

Training The Pug Shih Tzu Mix

Like any dog breed, this hybrid should be taken to puppy school to learn basic obedience and to socialize with other dogs. They are fast learners.

They may take extra time and patience to toilet-train (pugs are notoriously hard to toilet-train.) The Shih Tzu is independent, but the Shih Tzu pug mix does respond well to training – just be sure to keep the training sessions short (no longer than ten minutes.) 

Who Should Own A Pug Shih Tzu?

This mix is a good choice for first-time pet owners, due to their trainability, kind natures, and their small size. They are good for people who like a daily walk but do not want to do lots of vigorous exercise. 

They are also a great choice for families with children.

They do not bark and do not mind strangers so they are not suitable as guard dogs.

pug and shih tzu mix
Pug and Shih Tzu Mix

Pug Shih Tzu Summary

This mixed dog breed makes a great little companion dog for singles and families alike. They have a nice disposition and they are small enough to adapt well to apartment living. They love to be with their human companions, so if you spend long hours away from home then perhaps consider another breed, as they are prone to separation anxiety.

This hybrid dog does have a few health issues that you need to familiarize yourself with before committing to getting one.

They will need regular grooming because their long coat will keep growing.

This breed likes children so they may well be the perfect little family dog!

Related Reading: The Pug Chinese Crested Mix

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.