The Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu is one of the most unlikely mixes that combines the best traits of both worlds. If you are looking for a hybrid that gets along with humans and pets alike, the Schweenie is a perfect choice.
This mixed breed between a Dachshund and a Shih Tzu results in a small adorable furball that pooch that is full of character. The cross has the height of a Shih Tzu parent and the long body of the Doxie parent giving it an awesome look that catches the eyes of many dog enthusiasts. If you are looking for a low-maintenance, loyal, and affectionate hybrid, the Schweenie is a good one.
The Dachshund Shih Tzu cross has a big personality, a charming face, muscular shoulders, huge dark eyes, and large floppy ears that make it cute. People also love this mixed breed coat because it comes in a striking rusty hue even though it looks ragged at times.
While this description makes you want to get this cross and take it home, there is more to dog ownership. These cute doggies may be hard to resist but taking time to get to know them better is recommended.
This article includes everything you need to know about the Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu. From appearance to temperament, training, exercise, nutritional needs, grooming, price, and more, you will find this comprehensive guide very helpful.
Table of Contents
What is a Dachshund and Shih Tzu mix called?
A crossbreed between a Dachshund and a Shih Tzu is commonly known as a Schweenie.
Schweenies are designer dogs and not purebreds like their parents. For this reason, major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and Kennel Club UK (UKC) do not recognize them as a breed.
This mixed breed, however, is accepted by registries such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
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 companionship 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.
Schweenie Puppies
Dachshund Shih Tzu mix puppies are gorgeous fur balls that come in a range of coats. Some pups can have a thick, shiny undercoat with a long, smooth topcoat. Other Schweenie puppies can sport a silky, shiny, short-haired coat, while others can have a blend of both. When it comes to coat colors, there are many possibilities.
Schweenies have royal blood inside them due to the Shih Tzu parent. Like both parents, this hybrid is devoted and showers its family with a lot of love. These pups are good with kids and get along with other animals, including large dogs. It is good that you supervise their interaction because they may be playful, but their small size makes them vulnerable to injuries.
These puppies need early training and socialization so they can learn how to get along with kids. Taking them to unfamiliar places also lets them learn about new environments and prevent them from becoming anxious among strangers.
If you are planning to take a Dachshund Shih Tzu cross home, expect to spend between $800 and $1,200 when buying from a reputable breeder. They are not the easiest to find since the Schweenie is still a relatively new hybrid.
Schweenie Dog Full Grown
A Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu is just a small dog even when fully grown but with very big personalities.
The Schweenie typically stands 11 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders which is no bigger than its Shih Tzu parent and weighs 9 to 20 lbs. It can either be a non-shedder or shed lightly.
Expect this mixed breed to have a range of coat textures and colors, but they all look adorable! When it comes to maintenance, Schweenies are not as demanding.
A summary table for the Dachshund Shih Tzu mix
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Breed | Crossbreed |
| Size | 11 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 9 to 20 lbs. |
| Grooming | Low-maintenance |
| Best Suited for: | All dog owners, including novices |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, friendly, alert, possessive, inquisitive, and stubborn |
| Coat | Medium to long; silky or coarse; wavy or straight |
| Coat Colors | White, gold, black, brown, red, grey, liver, and brindle or bi-colored or tri-colored |
| Energy Levels | Moderate to high |
| Exercise Requirements | At least 30 minutes per day |
| Health | Average |
| Price | $800 to $1,200 |
History of the Breed
The true origin of the Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu is unidentified. According to VCA Hospitals, most mixed breeds have unknown parentage. What this means is that there are no valid records about their ancestors or how many different breeds are used to create them. That is why we assume that most of them first existed as a result of accidental breeding.
Designer breeds, like the Schweenie, on the other hand, are intentionally bred by combining the best characteristics of both worlds. The advantage of creating a designer dog like the Schweenie is that it helps avoid undesirable recessive traits. With careful and responsible breeding, breeders are also able to create a dog that is healthier than its parents. For these crossbreeds to be listed in the kennel club to be “a breed”, the Schweenie must have been bred from F2 generation crosses resulting in a multi-generational cross or F3 Gen. This is the kind of practice that is only possible with unscrupulous dog breeders, something that the creator of designer dogs says is unfortunate.
That being said, designer dogs have been around for the last 2 to 3 decades and that is all we are sure of. To know more about the Chihuahua Dachshund cross, let us take a look at their parents.
Parents
The Dachshund – Also known as the Sausage Dog, Weiner, Doxie, among other names, the Dachshund dog breed came from Germany. While its origin traces back to the 15th century, the Doxie’s development started in Germany in the 17th century. This dog breed was created as a hunting dog breed and comes in three varieties, including long-coated, smooth-coated, and wire-coated. The Dachshund was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1885.
Dachshunds have a great history! These dogs were used during World War II by soldiers in many strategies, including hunting for food that humans could not reach. They served bravely and died in large numbers, but some still survived. The adventurous spirit is what makes Doxies special doggies as well as an affable personality.
Dachshunds make excellent family dogs and companions for most families. In fact, they ranked as the 10th most popular dog breed here in the US according to the AKC in 2021. In terms of dog IQ, Dachshunds are considered average-intelligent dogs at 92nd position in the AKC listing. Doxies come in colors such as black, black & tan, chocolate & tan, chocolate & cream, blue & tan, cream, tan, and red.
This dog breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years but is susceptible to certain health issues that may affect this lifespan. Some common health problems in Dachshunds include patella luxation, intervertebral disc disease, eye problems, obesity, and hip dysplasia.
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 coats. 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. Shih Tzus dogs are loved 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.
Table comparison of Parents of Dachshund Shih Tzu mix: Comparative features of Dachshund and Shih Tzu
| Feature | Dachshund | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8 to 9 inches | 8 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 16 to 32 lbs. | 9 to 16 lbs. |
| Temperament | Playful, devoted, clever, Loyal, independent, and active | Friendly, playful, loyal, affectionate, obedient, smart, brave, gentle, spunky, and stubborn |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Health | Average | Average |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Puppy Prices | $300 to $3,500 | $500 to $1,600 |
Schweenie Dog Breed: Appearance
Predicting how your Dachshund mixed with Shih Tzu will look like is an arduous task, especially when they are young. Given that both parents are small dog breeds, you would expect the Schweenie to be a small dog as well but with a very big personality. That is what makes them so adorable and explains their rising popularity.
So, how big will a Dachshund and Shih Tzu mix?
Typically, a Schweenie stands between 11 and 20 inches tall at the withers which makes it a very small dog with a weight of 9 to 20 lbs.
As mentioned earlier, the Schweenie takes after the height of the Shih Tzu parent and the long body of the Sausage Dog parent. This gives it an adorable appearance that you can’t resist, especially when they look at you with those large dark eyes. The eyes are like those of the Shih Tzu parent.
Expect a Schweenie to have broad, strong shoulders that make it a strong dog for its small size. This mixed breed tends to take after the short legs of the Doxie parent.
Dachshund Shih Tzu mix dogs are gorgeous fur balls that come in a range of coats. Some of them can have a thick, shiny undercoat with a long, smooth topcoat. Other Schweenie puppies can sport a silky, shiny, short-haired coat, while others can have a blend of both.
Common coat colors for the Shih Tzu Dachshund mix include rusty red, white, orange, black, cream, gold, or brown. Black, however, is the most common coat color for this hybrid.
Temperament and Characteristics
Just like with the appearance, it is hard to know what to expect from mixed dog breeds such as the Schweenie. Both parents tend to be aggressive, and while one is independent, the other one is stubborn. A mix of these two can take after any parent or both.
Generally, Schweenies are small dogs that shower their owners with a lot of affection. These furballs are friendly to everyone and very devoted to their owners. This degree of loyalty, however, can make the hybrid aggressive to unfamiliar persons. Mostly, they will bark at a stranger the moment they see them.
Schweenies are calm and good with other dogs. However, the Dachshund parent’s hunting instincts can make them chase after small animals in the household or outdoors. This high prey drive can expose them to danger especially when you are walking them in public. Early training on a leash is recommended for this mixed breed.
Mostly, the Dachshund Shih Tzu mix is smart and curious but can be very reserved sometimes. These small cuties love attention and being around their owners and tend to follow them everywhere. This, in turn, makes them susceptible to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
Ease of Training
Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes are relatively easy to train, especially for the people they form a closer bond. It is possible, however, for the hybrid to take after the Dachshund parent’s stubborn streak and make training a challenge.
That being said, Schweenies need a trainer that is firm. Like all dogs with an independent and stubborn streak, using positive reinforcement such as treats, and verbal praises is recommended. In addition, these hybrids are hard to housebreak so, you should introduce this training while they are still puppies.
Even though Dachshund Shih Tzu mixes are social and good with other dogs, socializing them early is crucial. This will help curb the likelihood to bark whenever they come across unfamiliar faces.
Exercise Requirements
Dachshunds are surprisingly high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercises to keep them healthy and happy. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have moderate energy levels but still needs regular exercise. The Dachshund Shih Tzu cross has moderate to high energy levels.
One thing that makes the Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu is that it is highly adaptable and can live in most homes, including apartments. But they still need daily exercise to keep fit and healthy.
That being said, Schweenies need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily that including short walks each day. They also would appreciate some outdoor activities at the dog park and indoor play.
If these pups are not outside playing, they are inside around relaxing on your laps or enjoying a nap.
Nutritional Requirements
An ideal Dachshund mix with a Shih Tzu 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.
So, how much food should you feed your Dachshund Shih Tzu mix per day?
According to PetMD, feeding your dog too little food leads to nutritional deficiencies while too much causes obesity. The dietary needs of your Dachshund Shih Tzu mix will change slowly from their puppy stage to adulthood and senior age.
Dachshund Shih Tzu mixes should be fed dog food that is formulated for small dogs with high energy. Since they are small dogs, they do not eat a lot of food.
Schweenies should consume 1 cup of high-quality dog food daily split into 2 small servings.
Dachshunds are one of the many small dog breeds that are susceptible to obesity, and Shih Tzus are highly prone to gaining excess weight which can lead to obesity. Therefore, you should be careful how much food you feed your Dachshund Shih Tzu mix.
If you want to feed your Schweenie homemade dog food, we recommend discussing it with your veterinarian first. This also applies in case you are unsure how much food you should pour into their feeding bowl.
Health Issues
Like most hybrids, the Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu is hardier than its parents. However, these dogs are predisposed to some health conditions that are present in their parents.
Serious health conditions in Schweenies include brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Minor health issues that affect Schweenies are bladder stones, reverse sneezing, allergies, eye problems, and bladder infections.
As a responsible dog owner, be sure not to miss any scheduled vet visits if you want your Shih Tzu Dachshund cross to live a happier and healthier life.
Schweenie Life Expectancy
Most small dog breeds, like the Dachshund and Shih Tzu, have longer lifespans compared to large dog breeds and the same goes for their offspring.
On average, a Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu has a lifespan of between 12 and 17 years.
Just remember that appropriate feeding, adequate exercise, and regular vet visits contribute to a happier and longer dog lifespan.
Grooming
Schweenies are low to moderate shedders with a coat that does not have demanding grooming needs unlike their pedigree Shih Tzu parent.
To keep the Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu’s coat healthy and neat, brush it two or three times a week. During the shedding season, daily brushing is recommended to control hair loss. Baths should be occasional or when necessary. However, their floppy ears need a daily checkup and regular cleaning to prevent ear infections.
Clipping the Schweenie’s nails every 4 to 6 weeks is good to prevent overgrowth. Brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least three times a week to prevent tartar build-up and tooth decay.
How much is a Shih Tzu Dachshund mix?
The Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is a relatively new hybrid that is not easy to find. If you do, expect to spend between $800 and $1,200 when buying from a reputable breeder.
Do not buy your puppy from puppy mills or online sites. Visit the breeder himself to his workplace and make sure that you verify they are reliable.
Where to Adopt
Adopting a Dachshund mix with Shih Tzu is always better and cheaper than shopping, 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.
You can also check from these Dachshund Rescue Organizations or the Shih Tzu Rescue Organization among others.
FAQs
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
