Learn about the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix aka The Shichi

Shih Tzu Chihuahua MixThe Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix is more commonly known as the Shi Chi among dog breeders, and it is considered to be a ‘designer’ dog.

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Appearance

The coat of this can vary depending on the dominant dog it is bred with. It sometimes can take the short coat of the Chihuahua, and sometimes it can have a longer, wavier hair; however, more often than not, it has a combination of the two dogs’ coats.

These dogs have shorter undercoats and medium to long topcoats that are wavy and soft. The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix generally has a rounded head, which is not too dissimilar to that of the Chihuahua.

Its ears can be different shapes depending on which side it takes after more, and they can be either pricked up or hang down against its face. The Shi Chi dog comes in a variety of colors depending on its parents, but the most common coat color is a white base with tan markings.

Because of the size and delicacy of these dogs, it is not ideal to have them when the children are really young as the child’s natural curiosity could, in turn, injure them.

Shi-Chi Infographic

Shih Chi History

There are no distinctive records on exactly how this breed got started, just like with most mixed breeds. We do know that this mixed breed started getting popular and recognized in the early 2000s. 

The traits and personality that you will see in this breed will develop from the parents of this mixed breed. To get a better idea of how your puppy might look, you can always ask the breeder to see the parents of the puppy.

If you want to know more about the history of the breed you will have to dive deeper into the history of the Shih Tzu and the Chihuahua . 

The Shih Tzu breed dates back centuries ago in China, where the dog was used as a lap down for the royal emperor.

The Chihuahua was founded in Mexico, and it is a popular breed of dog there. The Chihuahua also dates back centuries ago during the Toltec Civilization. 

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Temperament

The temperament of this dog can change from one dog to the next; however, their general traits would be their loyalty, gentleness, and childlike behavior.

These are one of the more playful breeds of small dogs, and they love children; however, they can be unsure of strangers, and when they are not familiar with a person, they can be yappy.

They get this trait, of course, from the Chihuahua parent. The Chihuahua parent can also be a little aggressive, so you will have to watch out for that. You can combat that with early socialization at a young age of your puppy life.

Once these dogs become familiar with a person they are friendly. Generally, this dog is active and has a lively temperament and they get excited easily which is why they need a lot of attention.

Shih Chi Size

Shih Tzu Chihuahua MixThese dogs do not grow to be very big and they remain small and delicate weighing between 3-7lbs (1.3-3kg).

Some can weigh a little more than that depending on which traits it gets from which parents.

Shih Chi Health Problems

The Chi Shi dog as a mixed breed has no known health problems but some of the hereditary ailments they could adopt from either the Chihuahua or the Shih Tzu are:

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Obesity
  • Eye problems
  • Ulcers
  • Cataracts
  • Epiphoria
  • Respiratory problems.

Their eyes should always be examined by vets as both the Chihuahua and the Shi Tzu are prone to eye problems and before buying one, make sure to check with the breeders and examine its parents’ health.

You can always discuss any of these potential health problems with a professional. Make sure you understand that we are not saying your dog will have any of these, it is just good to be aware. 

Living Conditions

This dog can live anywhere since it is so small it doesn’t need a lot of space. You can accommodate this dog in apartment buildings just fine. It should not live outdoors as it is too small, fragile, and susceptible to catching colds.

It needs attention, so it is ideal for families who spend a lot of time at home. While it is a family dog, young children could pose a threat to its fragileness.

This dog needs a family who will give it a lot of attention throughout the day as it can, at times, act spoiled if ignored. Very young children are not ideal as they can often injure the small dog through rough and tumble play.

This mixed breed does not need very much exercise. As long as you get your dog outside for multiple potty breaks and at least thirty minutes of exercise a day will be perfect.

Shi Chi Exercise

Shih Tzu Chihuahua MixAlthough this dog is very small, it is an active dog, and it needs at least 20 minutes of exercise per day. If it is possible, they need at least two short walks, but it is preferable to let them off the leash to exercise.

These dogs, because of their small size, are very easy to exercise, and if it is raining outdoors, a small game of fetch in the hallway will suffice.

Shih Chi Feeding

Both the Shih Tzu and the Chihuahua are small breed dogs meaning they will not need a whole lot of food during the day.

This type of mixed dog breed will only need around half a cup to one cup of food a day. To get an exact amount make sure you as your local vet. 

Make sure you split up the recommended daily amount into smaller meals throughout the day. This dog breed will beg for food, and you need to be strong not to share because this dog can develop obesity easily.

Make sure you are feeding your dog a high-quality small breed dog food that has protein in the first three ingredients. 

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Training

This mixed breed can be quite tough to train, especially in the potty training department. You will need to establish a really strong potty training routine to get your puppy familiar and on the ball to potty train. The parents of this breed are known to be tough at potty training. 

You will also need to have a firm hand on regular obedience training. The Chihuahua parent is known to be very loud and yappy. So you will need to start obedience training to stop that behavior.

It can be very hard to train this mixed breed you may need help from a professional. 

Shi Chi Grooming

You never really know what type of coat your puppy will have until you see them. It can be long, medium, or short it really depends on what traits your dog gets from which parent. 

Many owners choose to clip the Shi Chi’s coat in order to keep the grooming minimal, which only requires them to be brushed about once a week.

However, if their coat is left unclipped, you will need to brush them at least three times a week to keep their coats tangle-free. The Shi Chi should be bathed monthly and treated for fleas with topical medicines.

Don’t forget to clip your dog’s nails, since this breed doesn’t need much activity outside it will be much harder for your dog to wear down its nails.

What Colors Do They Come In?

Your Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix can come in a few different color options, they include:

  • Tan
  • White
  • Black
  • Red Hues
  • Brown
  • Cream

The most common color combination you will see is tan and white together.
Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Life Span

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix will actually live quite a long time. Their estimated life span is around 12 to 15 years.

They get a long life trait from their parent breeds. Remember, this is just an estimate. This breed can live longer or shorter, depending on your dog’s specific health.

Make sure if you are ever worried about your dog’s health or have any concerns that you make an appointment with your local veterinarian. 

Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix Puppies

It will actually be quite easy to find a reputable breeder for this mixed breed because there are actually a lot in the United States.

You can exact to pay an estimated cost of around $200 to $800 for a puppy. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on what else they include with a puppy purchase. 

Avoid buying puppies from puppy mills because they tend to have more health problems then getting a puppy from a reliable breeder.

Remember that you can always try local rescues to find an older Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix. They will ultimately be cheaper and you will be able to give a dog a home.

Close Relatives of the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix

There are a few breeds that act closely similar to the Shi Chi, they are:



17 thoughts on “Learn about the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix aka The Shichi”

  1. mixed Chihuahua and shih Tzu more than 1 yr old less than 8 lb I am in st pete florida phone 727 544 8744

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  2. We have a ShiChi that is a 4year old female. We got her when she was 6months old. She has more personality than any other dog anyone in our family has ever seen! We RV full time and Bella (our ShiChi) is the best traveling dog we’ve ever had by far!!!! My husband and I are retired but Bella’s around our grand children a lot and she does great with them. We worked with her all the time when we first got her and now she does about 12 different tricks and also wears goggles while riding with us on our Vespa scooter! I can’t stress enough how delicate this breed is but that’s the only special consideration we’ve found with this breed combination. :))

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  3. I have a Shichi we named him bandit. we got him at 8 weeks old and he will be a year in December. I have found with this breed of dogs it is a little more difficult to potty train he refuses to use the potty pad he rather chew it up but after 7 months I finally have him potty trained to go outside now. Haven’t had a accident in quite a while. He has a huge personality and is very playful. He is by far the best thing my husband could have ever got me. Work with them a lot when they are young they catch on to stuff very easily they are very very smart dogs and you will have a we’ll trained dog and a best friend. He is my child before children lol

    “He may only be part of your life but.. To him you are his whole life”

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  4. Hi I recently got a shi chi and love her to death. She has such a fun unique personality I love when she get mad its so funny
    if any one knows what age she would grow out long hair that would be appreciated

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  5. Recently got a Shi-Chi pup. Name is Sasha-Ms.Sassy-She-She. I love her to death! I’ve had her for 3 wks now & trying to train her to go potty in a pen (sort of like a cat litter). I can’t always take her outside to go wee-wee! Has anyone ever tried this? All inquiries welcomed!

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  6. I have a ShiChi. His name is king and he is my world. My son. I had no problem in potty training him at all. I started with a potty pad n I believe I only had to reprimand him two times and he knew where he was to go. I also was carrying him outside to use the potty as well. I find that if you can get him or her around other dogs that they are so observant that they catch on quickly as far as using the bathroom outside.

    The one and only problem that I have with my son is that he doesn’t shut up. He goes on and on and on when someone comes to the door and even when inside he will continue to bark when they are petting him. I really believe that they love to hear themselves bark.

    I believe it is in the way you train them. Since the day I got King I have talked to him as if he was a human. I cook three times a day for him and he goes every where I go. I have dressed him in clothes and shoes and he loves to go trick or treating. I am looking forward to putting him in his costume and taking him again in a couple of weeks. This breed is very intelligent and catch on quickly. He loves to talk to you and you are able to even make out some of his words. This breed is very affectionate, I have had a few times where I have had a loss in my family and when I cry He is right there to lick my tears off my face and put his head on my chest to cuddle.

    My baby loves to play with his toys and everyone of them have a name and he learns their names by the second time you say it’s name. He has 5 toy boxes full and knows each one of them by name. All I have to do is tell him to go get so and so and he will go through every box till he finds it. That is how intelligent this breed is. I will not even mate my boy because he is so special and no other breed comes close to his intelligence. He has no idea that he is a dog. He loves music and will pick out his own songs he likes and will get up there with me and sing along. He is completely dedicated to me. They are a very devoted breed.

    So once again in closing, I believe a child is only as smart as you raise him. If you do not have the time or patience to raise them then don’t get any pet. As our children they are to get our time, love and spoiling as we do our own children. Any pet or child as mine is known takes time and patience. My baby was so easy to to train as if he was made just for me. I am so thankful and grateful because he has kept me going and has kept me from going into depression. Their personalities are of higher stature and they deserve the world. Now he has the breathing problems of the chihuahua and just like the chihuahua takes on your illnesses. So besides that and the barking, consider yourself blessed to have one of these type breed of pet. They are only as good as you teach them. Love them and they are 100 percent dedicated and will always be there to lift your spirits in time of need.

    Enjoy your child as I so do mine. I hope this has helped you in your decision to choose this type of breed of child.
    Thanks,
    Michelle and King

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    • I got my Mishka a couple months ago. He is wonderful company during covid isolation. Potty training is difficult though. Barking? He usually only barks at other dogs due to being exited. Mishka is shy around others. But very polite as he waits for our conversation to end. He has a great personality and you never know when he will get an epiphany or what line it will take.

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  7. My Chihuahua (male) & my shih tzu (female) mated nd had 6 beautiful Shi Chi 3boys & 3girl, 3 long hair like mom & 3 short hair like dad but they all can out looking like dad black & white… The are the best things that came into my life.. Their 6months, playful, funny nd love so unconditionally.. Mom is Diamond, Dad is Dillinger and their babies are, Clyde, Pope, Peewee, Fat Girl, Bonnie, Lulu and I love them with all my heart their my babies…
    It was by accident,, I have need hear of the breed but know that I have them I have read pretty much everything bout them and so far so good … Parents are good in health and so are the babies, mom will be 6yrs and this was her very 1st pregnancy and dad is 16months.. Lol.. My babies are beautiful…. To those of you that have Shi Chi’s enjoy them, they will truly show u what love is about and 4 those who don’t have a Shi Chi get 1 or 2 they are the Best….

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  8. I have two of these babies sisters 3 litters apart,one weighs 13 lbs the other weighs 9 pounds,they look a lot of like though,wouldn’t take anything for them,we travel a lot and they travel well,they love everyone kids are their faverate people,they are not barkers,but as babies if they barked at a squarel or something I just picked them up amove them so they couldn’t see it,they soon learned if I want to watch it I can’t bark ,they prefur to go out side to potty but if they can’t I have a potty patch,they will go to if they can’t get out side,if you want a small breed dog get you one of these they are great dogs

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  9. I have a Shi chi little boy. His name is George. He is 3 1\2 years old and he weighs about 17 pounds. I am so worried. I have put him on a diet with no luck. He doesn’t play as much as he used to and where I live its too cold to take walks right now. H e has always had breathing problems. Any ideas? I love him so much and can’t stand the thought of losing him so young.

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  10. I have just learned of this breed, but can’t find one in our area to adopt or purchase. I am looking for a female puppy.

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  11. I have a male who is 3 months old his name is Eggie he is the smartest, funniest, easy going perfect puppy I’ve ever had. Potty training has been fairly easy he understands when he uses the bathroom inside it upsets me because he does it by the doors inside and he runs from me when I ask him if he did that. He knows as soon as I see his mess I talk to him in a stern voice, he tucks his tail and looks sad as to say “sorry mom” I had to go. When I ask him if he needs to go potty he will jump up and down and bark if he needs to go, and if he doesn’t then he won’t follow me to the door. He doesn’t like strangers, I had him with me at Lowe’s a dad and daughter walked up and asked to pet him I said yes but I should of asked Eggie because he was snippy with the man and coward away from the girl. He has issues when he drinks water or eats he snorts or coughs while he’s eating he’s been known to snore as well. Lol He loves to be my shadow and I don’t mind taking him everywhere I go, he truly is the best dog I’ve ever owned. I love him dearly.

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