A Bulldog Shih Tzu mix refers to a mixed breed that is created by crossing the playful Shih Tzu and the friendly Bulldog. These two purebreds vary greatly in terms of physical appearance, except that they are both brachycephalic breeds. However, they have similar dispositions. So, you can only imagine the variation to expect in their cross.
According to research, the modern domestic dog breeds are just 160 years old and exist as a result of selecting distinctive adorning traits. So, how about designer dogs? we shall tackle that later below.
Like both parents, the Shih Tzu Bulldog cross is a superb choice for first-time and skilled dog owners. Having been bred for companionship, they make excellent family dogs that are great with children. This mixed breed has a sweet temperament that makes it very friendly even with strangers but loyal to its family. And just like its parents, the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is apartment-friendly and will enjoy spending its time indoors.
Will the mix have fur or hair?
A smooth or double coat? Is the coat texture straight or silky Will the coat be long or short? Hybrids are hard to predict until they are fully grown so, a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix can resemble any parent or both.
This unique breed combination between a Shih Tzu and a Bulldog creates an adorable pooch that takes after the best traits of both parents. However, dog ownership extends beyond the charming looks, and you should understand it all before you decide to take your puppy home.
In this article, we have gathered all the info you need to know about the Shih Tzu Bulldog mix. From personality to appearance, how to care for the mix, and health issues among others, you will find this article very useful.
Continue reading to learn more about this mixed breed.
Table of Contents
Quick Information on the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
| Other names | Bull Shih, American Bulltzu, Frenchie Bull Tzu |
| Coat type | Short & dense or long & silky |
| Coat colors | Depends on the bulldog type |
| Breed type | Crossbreed |
| Breed Group | Companion dog |
| Weight | 25 to 70 lbs. on average |
| Size | 8 to 25 inches on average |
| Lifespan | 9 to 16 depending on the type of bulldog |
| Health | Average |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Temperament | Good-natured, friendly, loyal & affectionate |
| Hypoallergenic? | No |
| Good with Kids | Yes |
| Origin | USA |
| Puppy price | $1,000 to $3,000 |
What is a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix called?
When developing mixed breeds, dog designers come up with a unique name that identifies a specific hybrid. Instead of searching for a strange term, breeders will blend both names of the parents. When it comes to Bulldog mixes, for instance, you will see the term “bull” either at the beginning of the name or at the end.
An English Bulldog mixed with a Shih Tzu is commonly known as a Bull Shih while a mix between a Shih Tzu and an American Bulldog is called an American Bulltzu. When you cross a French Bulldog with a Shih Tzu, it is called a French Bull Tzu.
The Bull Shih, American Bulltzu, and the French Bull Tzu are not recognized as dog breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC) due to their status as designer dogs and not purebreds. The French Bull Tzu is recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA)
Why mix with Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu dog breed has many adorable qualities that make dog breeders use them to create mixed breeds. Famous for their cheerful, happy dispositions, Shih Tzus are friendly and will get along with any pets and people of different ages. They were primarily bred for companions and there is nothing they do better than this. Shih Tzus are affectionate and will always crave your company and attention.
Unlike Bulldogs that are faced with a plethora of health issues, Shih Tzus are a healthy breed with a long lifespan. Even better, their cute long, silky double coats are hypoallergenic which makes them an excellent choice for people with fur allergies. Like Bulldogs, however, Shih Tzus will enjoy a quiet relaxed lifestyle.
And did we mention that these dogs are less yappy than most toy dog breeds? Most Shih Tzus mixes will inherit the most desirable traits that you are looking for.
The Poodle is also used to create adorable mixed breeds like Shepadoodle and Boodle, among others
Shih Tzu Bulldog mix puppies
It may be hard to predict what a Shih Tzu Bulldog mix puppy will look like. However, these sweet furballs have short snouts like both parents and their ears will be short or a little larger. It will depend on the parent they take after most. These pups can inherit a long, silky coat like the Shih Tzu parent or shorter and dense like the Bulldog parent. Either way, they are adorable.
In terms of disposition, a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix puppy is friendly with everyone, loyal, and very playful. Yet, they may take after the Bulldog’s stubborn streak so, introducing training and socialization early is required. If the pup, however, is a cross between a Frenchie and Shih Tzu, more work is needed since both parent breeds are hard to housetrain. Due to their small size, French Bull Tzu puppies tend to be very fragile so, watch out.
Shih Tzu Bulldog mix puppies come in a range of colors with red, black, fawn, white, and brown being the most common. We shall discuss this comprehensively in the appearance section.
In the meantime, check out these adorable images of Shih Tzu Bulldog mix puppies below:
History of the Breed
Although the history of domestic dogs dates back 160 years, the origin of the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is vague. However, both parents are popular companion dogs from Europe and Tibet. No one knows when this mixed breed was first created or where it happened. Most mixed breeds exist as a result of accidental breeding. But in the last 20 to 30 years, this motivated breeders to start breeding two purebreds on purpose to develop a designer dog. It is likely that this practice began somewhere in North America.
Prior to the 1800s, as Darwin’s Ark records, dogs were presumably mostly picked for functions like hunting, protecting, and herding. Modern dog breeds are a recent creation determined by conformation to a physical objective and purity of ancestry. What about mixed breeds?
Dog designers are thought to have created mixed breeds to lessen the health risks that affect purebreds, especially Bulldogs in this case. As such, most hybrids will be healthier than their parents. In addition, they inherit striking qualities from both parents making them better family dogs. As designer dogs grow in popularity, breeders continue to look for more options by mixing purebreds that most people adore.
To learn more about the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix, let us take a brief look at their parents.
Table of comparison between Bulldogs and Shih Tzus
| Characteristics | Shih Tzu | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8 to 11 inches | 12 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 8.8 to 16 lbs. | 16 to 130 lbs. |
| Health | Above-average | Average |
| Temperament | Playful, spunky, happy, affectionate, friendly & calm | Affectionate, patient, cal, & willful |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Lifespan | 10 to 16 years | 8 to 13 years |
| Puppy Prices | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,200 to $4,500 |
Parents
The Bulldog – The Bulldog hails from Europe, specifically England, and was bred with a strong build to be fierce and courageous. This personality is what made it fit for sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting where people would bet until the sport was banned for animal cruelty. Bulldogs almost became extinct after this but thanks to their fanatics, it was developed into the more placid, non-aggressive, and loving dog we know today. While the breed retains the bravery it had in the arena, it is more social and loyal and gets along with kids making it an incredible family dog.
The American Kennel Club accepted the Bulldog as a dog breed in 1886. From this descendant are three varieties of bulldogs, including the English bulldog and the French bulldog, both of which are recognized by the AKC as a dog breed. The other variety, the American bulldog, however, is yet to be accepted as a dog breed by this kennel club. The American and French bulldogs have a higher dog IQ making them smarter than the English bulldog and their ancestors as well.
On average, these medium-sized dogs live between 8 and 10 years. However, they are disposed to many health issues that can reduce their lifespan. Common health problems in Bulldogs are hip dysplasia, cherry eye, obesity, overheating, thyroid problems, skin problems, and more. This article gives more info on how to care for your bulldog. Ever imagined what a Poodle mixed with an English bulldog looks like?
The Shih Tzu – The ancestry of the Shih Tzu dog breed is unclear, but these lovable pooches are said to have originated from Tibet. In Britain, however, the dog is classified as a Chinese breed since it arrived in England from China, according to the Shih Tzu Club. That aside, these dogs were purposely bred for companionship and are famous for their ever-growing silky coat. Known to be hypoallergenic, Shih Tzus were kept by Chinese royals and are terrific family dogs.
Recognized by the AKC as a dog breed in 1969, the Shih Tzu has a sweet personality but is said to have a low dog IQ when it comes to obedience and work. Yet, they are very trainable dogs. The Shih Tzu dogs are cherished because of their playful and loving nature plus their large round eyes that give them an adorable appearance. These dogs tend to get along with everyone regardless of their age as well as other dogs and pets despite their size. This AKC article describes the Shih Tzu standard.
Generally, the Shih Tzu is a healthy dog breed that lives 10 to 16 years but is not without its fair share of health problems. These include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections, eye problems, allergies, and collapsing trachea, among others. Read more about Shih Tzu’s health in this article.
Appearance
So, what does the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix look like? How big will a Shih Tzu Bulldog mix get?
It is tricky to tell what your Bulldog Shih Tzu mix will look like until it is fully grown. These puppies will likely look like either parents or be a unique mixture of both. Remember that even pups from the same litter may look and behave very differently. It depends on the traits that dominate most. However, you can expect this mixed breed to be brachycephalic like both parents.
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
In most cases, the English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix tends to take after the bulldog parent’s stocky and muscular physique. When it comes to the size, these furballs will stand anywhere between 10 and 14 inches in height at the withers. Expect this cross to weigh more than the Shih Tzu at 20 to 30 lbs. but lower than the Bulldog parent.
A Bull Shih can come in two types of coats, including the short and dense like the Bulldog parent or the long, silky coat of the Shih Tzu parent. Either way, this mix is lovely! When it comes to coat colors, expect them to come in black, red, fawn, white, and brown.
Both parents of the English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix have short snouts which means that your mix will inherit the same. Whether the face will be more flattened like the Bulldog parent is left to chance. That being said, a Bull Shih will have floppy ears that are either short or a bit larger depending on the parent they take after most.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The American Bulltzu will have a physique that leans towards the American Bulldog parent that is athletic. And although it will not be as large as the Bulldog parent, the mix is bigger than the Shih Tzu. So, expect this cross to stand around 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders with a weight of between 35 and 70 lbs.
This mixed breed mostly has medium hair, but some puppies in the litter might inherit the Shih Tzu parent’s long, silky coat. Common coat colors for the American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix are red, white, brown, and hues of red. A combination of these colors is also possible.
Since both parents of the American Bulltzu are brachycephalic, so this crossbreed will be short-nosed. Some puppies might take after the bulldog’s more flattened face or not. Expect this mixed breed to have either droopy ears like the Shih Tzu parent or ones that stand straight over the head like the American Bulldog parent.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The French Bulldog is smaller than its American and English Bulldog cousins. So, when mixed with the Shih Tzu, the resulting pup will stand anywhere between 8 and 12 inches tall at the withers on average. As for the weight, this cross will be around 15 to 25 lbs. The ultimate size will be determined by their gender and the parent they favor most.
French Bull Tzus are brachycephalic which means they will have a short muzzle like their parents but that is where their resemblances end. When it comes to the type of coat, this crossbreed can have the short, sleek coat of the Frenchie or the long, silky coat of the Shih Tzu. Mostly, however, they have medium to long hair that is shaggy but cute.
When it comes to the coat colors, expect anything from solid to brindle and bi-color. It is also possible for this mix to have shades and combinations of fawn, cream, black, red, white, and more.
Temperament and Characteristics
Just like the appearance, you can’t be sure of the kind of personality your Bulldog Shih Tzu mix will have. Bulldogs come in three types, each with a distinct temperament. Think about how active, smart, and energetic the French and American Bulldogs are compared to the relatively intelligent, calm, and lazy English Bulldogs. Shih Tzus are active with medium energy levels.
So, what kind of temperament will the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix have?
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Like the English Bulldog parent, the Bull Shih tends to be docile with a laid-back nature. These furballs are gentle which makes them a great addition to homes with children. This personality makes the English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix an excellent choice for elderly people or retirees. You will also love the kind of loyalty that this mixed breed showers you with.
The Bull Shih is playful, and its goofy nature will keep you entertained when you have had a bad day. Mostly, this mixed breed is not the athletic type even though it is active and full of life. As such, it will enjoy laying on the couch beside you to watch your favorite show or movie. Beware, however, that they tend to gain weight pretty fast and should be exercised adequately.
It is possible, however, for the Bull Shih to inherit the stubbornness of the bulldog parent. And if they are more like the English Bulldog, they will not be pet friendly so, introduce socialization early.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The American Bulldog and the Shih Tzu have some similarities when it comes to temperament. So, expect the American Bulltzu to be very close to its family as well as patient and great with children of all ages. These fur babies are energetic and active so, they will likely not be the lazy type like their Bull Shih cousins.
This mixed breed is affectionate, and like both parents, it will do anything to seek your attention. The American Bulltzu is loving so, expect it to follow you around the house as it wants to be close to you every time. To some extent, the American Bulltzu may be protective of their owner like the bulldog parent. However, this will depend on the parent genes that dominate the most.
If the American Bulldog side overshadows, the American Bulltzu may show some degree of stubbornness. This parent is also known for not being so friendly to strangers and other pets and this jealousy may lead to some level of aggression. So, make sure the mix is socialized early.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Both the Frenchie and the Shih Tzu are great pets and companions as that is what they were primarily bred for. As such, the same is expected of their mixed breed. When trained and allowed to meet people from puppyhood, they are sweet and friendly to everyone even strangers. The French Bull Tzu also gets along with children including older, polite kids.
This cross is very affectionate but tends to love one person more in the family that reciprocates their love more. Therefore, the French Bull Tzu will be prone to separation anxiety if they live with one person. Expect this mixed breed to follow you from one room to another as well as adore a cuddle every once in a while.
The French Bull Tzu is playful and also has a goofy side that will keep you amused with silly antics in the effort of getting your attention.
Ease of Training
The Bulldog is known for being inherently stubborn which is the opposite of what the Shih Tzu is like. Whether the Shih Tzu Bulldog cross is willful depends on the parent they take after most, and this will affect their training.
So, is the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix easy to train?
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The Bull Shih is not one of the brightest mixes since both parents are not very intelligent. So, you will find teaching basic commands requires repetition. They are, however, trainable although the stubborn side of the English Bulldog parent may make it tougher. As such, training this mix requires the implementation of positive reinforcement if you want them to cooperate.
The Shih Tzu parent tends to be difficult to housebreak so, it is better to introduce training when the mix is young. A Bull Shih is somewhat lazy and hates long training sessions as it is very easy for them to get bored and lose interest. Therefore, use short and exciting sessions and throw a few treats for everything they do right to motivate them.
This mixed breed gets along with kids and strangers, but the Bulldog side is not so great with other pets. As such, you can take them for walks to the dog park and other public places to help build confidence and trust.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Thanks to the bright American Bulldog, teaching the American Bulltzu basic commands is easy. In addition, both parents are trainable although the American Bulldog parent has a willful nature, and the Shih Tzu is difficult to housebreak. This means that you must begin training this mixed breed very early. Waiting until they are older will require hiring a professional dog trainer.
The American Bulltzu is loving and enjoys attention like its parents, something that you can take advantage of to ease training. Building a strong bond and including play sessions in your training regime is more productive. These pups will not mind long training periods as long as they are thrilled.
Overall, the American Bulltzu is friendly but needs early socialization to get along with other pets and strangers. Walking them in public places and dog parks helps curb the jealous traits of the American Bulldog parent that would otherwise make this mix aggressive.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The French Bull Tzu is very trainable despite being bred from two parents that are very tricky to tame. Housebreaking of this mixed breed should be done when they are very young. Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, training has never been easier with this mix. However, you will need to bribe them with a few treats if you want them to respond well to training.
Some of the challenges that you will encounter when training the French Bull Tzu are a short attention span and a willful nature. Therefore, you must practice patience and be willing to repeat commands for some time before they grasp them. Remember to also train this mix how to walk on a leash properly before taking them out in public.
Thanks to its people-oriented nature, the French Bull Tzu will have no trouble relating well with other pets and kids. If you have older kids, however, train them not to roughhouse this mix and they will get along just fine.
Exercise Requirements
The exercise needs of any doggie will depend on its activity levels and health. With the Shih Tzu Bulldog mix, however, their exercise needs are limited despite being energetic because of the short muzzle. This makes the hybrid susceptible to breathing problems, plus keep in mind that Bulldogs are also prone to overheating.
So, how much time should a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix exercise? What activities are best for them?
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
A Bull Shih is more relaxed and has moderate levels of energy which means that it still needs exercise. Therefore, this mixed breed needs regular but moderate exercise to keep it fit and prevent the risk of developing obesity.
On average, the English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix needs 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day that does not include strenuous activities. Use short exercise sessions so that your Bull Shih does not run out of breath.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The American Bulltzu has medium to high energy levels depending on the parent that dominates most. So, their exercise requirements are between low and medium as they still need to burn off the excess energy. Like its Bull Shih cousin above, the American Bulltzu is prone to obesity.
This crossbreed should have exercise sessions that are between 30 and 45 minutes long per day. It will not mind tiring exercises as long as they are not long due to breathing problems.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Since the French Bull Tzu is a smaller canine compared to its larger cousins above, its exercise needs are not demanding as it gets tired easily. Because this mix loves to eat, they tend to be overweight which is not good for their compact body. So, make sure that they exercise adequately.
Given their activity levels, French Bull Tzus should have 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day including daily walks and playtime in their regular routine. Make sure that you also engage their bright minds using games and puzzle toys.
Nutritional Requirements
An ideal Bulldog Shih Tzu mix diet should meet dogs’ nutritional needs. That means that it must comprise the 6 basic nutrients including water, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All these vital nutrients must make up your dog’s regular diet for proper growth and optimal health.
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The Bull Shih has limited exercise needs but still needs a balanced diet that meets their needs and helps maintain a healthy weight. So, feed your English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix high-quality dog food. Approx. 1 to 2 cups each day is enough for your Bull Shih.
An English Bulldog Shih Tzu tends to overeat so, divide this food into smaller portions.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
An American Bulltzu is known to over-eat which makes it gain more weight. You should give this mixed breed 2 cups of food every day and make sure that you split it into 2 meals. An ideal diet for the American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix should be the one formulated for medium to large dogs.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The French Bull Tzu thrives best on high-quality dry dog food that is formulated for small dog breeds. Like their cousins, the mix loves to eat and this results in weight gain that is detrimental to their small bodies. This hybrid should consume 2 cups of food every day divided into small portions, so it does not stuff itself.
Health Issues
Shih Tzus and the Bulldogs are vulnerable to a range of health issues and their offspring can inherit any that is common to both but not all of them. Those with a shortened muzzle are more prone to breathing problems compared to those with a longer one. It is also worth noting that the Bulldog parent are predisposed to overheating problems.
So, is the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix healthier than its parents?
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The Bull Shih is predisposed to health problems such as airway obstruction, hip dysplasia, obesity, eye problems, and intervertebral disc disease.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Common health issues in American Bulltzus include allergies, hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, and eye problems.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Health problems in the French Bull Tzu are respiratory difficulties, eye problems, skin issues, canine disc disease, pulmonary stenosis, and hemivertebrae.
Life Expectancy
The Shih Tzu lives longer than all types of Bulldogs with a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years. And while the English Bulldog lives 8 to 10 years, the French Bulldog and American Bulldog have longer lifespans at 10 to 14 and 10 to 15 years, respectively.
So, how long will a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix live?
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Since English Bulldogs have a shorter lifespan than the Shih Tzu, the Bull Shih has a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
American Bulldogs and Shih Tzus have close lifespans so, expect the American Bulltzu to live between 10 and 16 years.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The lifespan for a French Bull Tzu is between 10 and 14 years, but this mainly depends on genetics plus the quality of care you are giving your mix throughout their life.
Remember that the ages above are calculated based on the average age of both parents.
Grooming
The maintenance needs of your Bulldog Shih Tzu mix depend on which parent they take after most. Typically, Bulldogs have a short, smooth-textured, smooth, and glossy coat that is straight, while the Shih Tzu has a short double coat that is straight and coarse.
On the one hand, Shih Tzus tend to shed more than other dogs throughout the year. Bulldogs, on the other hand, are considered average shedders. Therefore, a Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix will have a short coat that differs significantly in texture.
All in all, both dog breeds are not high maintenance when it comes to grooming which is a good thing.
So, is the Bulldog Shih Tzu cross easy to groom?
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
This hybrid has low grooming needs with a coat that should be brushed 3 times a week to keep it lustrous and tangle-free. If the coat is long like that of the Shih Tzu parent, brushing it daily is recommended. You can also trim it. Make sure that your Bull Shih baths once every two months.
The floppy ears of this mixed breed need special attention with regular checkups and cleanings to remove debris and dirt. If you notice redness or any sign of infection, take your pup to the vet. In addition to this, brush their teeth every day or three times a week and trim their nails every 4 to 6 weeks.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The American Bulltzu is easy to groom as its coat needs to be brushed 3 times a week to keep it shiny. Make sure that your Bull Shih baths once every two months to get rid of the doggy odor and dirt.
The droopy ears of this hybrid should be checked regularly and cleaned gently to remove debris and dirt. If you see redness or any sign of infection, take your pup to the vet immediately. For optimal dental health, brush their teeth every day or three times a week. Trim their nails every 4 to 6 weeks as well.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
A French Bull Tzu can take after any parent’s coat, but its grooming needs are relatively easy. If it has a long flowing coat of the Shih Tzu, daily brushing and regular trimming are recommended. Those with a short, sleek coat need brushing a few times a week. Do not bathe this mix regularly unless it develops that dog smell.
Mostly, this hybrid will inherit the Frenchie’s wrinkled face with skin folds that need to be wiped well with a wet cloth and dried gently. As you clean the floppy ears, look for any symptoms of infections and consult your vet if noted. Clip the nails every 4 to 6 weeks and brush their teeth daily or thrice a week.
How much is a Shih Tzu Bulldog mix?
Are you looking for a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix for sale? Both Bulldog and Shih Tzus are costly breeds that are priced above $1,000 dollars at the minimum.
The cost of a Bull Shih or French Bull Tzu puppy will depend on a number of factors, including the reputation of the breeder and their location.
English Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
The price of a Bull Shih puppy ranges between $2,500 and $3,000.
American Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
An American Bulltzu should cost you $1,000 to $2,500.
French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix
Expect to pay anywhere between $1,300 and $2,000.
If the puppy is bred from pedigree parents, you should expect to pay more.
It is always good that you ask the breeder to provide all the info on the mixed breed parents and see where the breeder works. This will give you a picture of what kind of pup you are taking home.
Where to Adopt
Adopting a Shih Tzu Bulldog mix is always better and cheaper than buying, especially when you do not know where to find a responsible breeder. As such, start by asking workers from your local shelter whether this mixed breed is available. If not available there, you can contact the rescue organizations of the Bulldog or Shih Tzu parents.
FAQs
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