The Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is more commonly known as Schweenie among breeders. This small, lovable dog makes the perfect family pet, as it is kind and easy to look after.
This mix has a great personality that brings out both parents breeds best traits, such as loyalty, affection, and outgrowing personality.
If the mix is trained from puppyhood, it will like other animals and enjoy the company of other dogs or cats in the home.
This low-maintenance dog will be fine living in a house or even a small apartment, as it doesn’t need much room to be comfortable.
Are you ready to learn more about the adorable Schweenie? Check out everything you need to know about this designer mix breed below.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix History
It is hard to determine when this mixed breed was first mixed together. This is a rare breed, as not many breeders breed these two mixes.
Let’s learn more about the history of the Schweenie parents, the Shih Tzu, and the Dachshund.
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Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was first seen in Tibet, where it would guard monasteries. Also, royal emperors loved the Shih Tzu breed and kept them around the palace as lap dogs.
The only way someone could acquire a Shih Tzu is if the Dalai Lama gifted you a dog. After a while, more Shih Tzus were bred, and some poorer quality dogs were made that ended up on the streets of China.
The breed was eventually bred worldwide and became an extremely popular dog breed in the United States. The Shih Tzu got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.
Dachshund
The Dachshund dates back as far as the fifteenth century. The Dachshund seems to have originated in Germany.
It was used as a badger dog, which means the breed could fit inside small dens and hunt the animals living inside the den. These animals include foxes and rabbits.
This breed was largely used for this skill and is still used for these talents. By the 1800s, the breed got transported to England, where the breed became hugely popular.
Eventually, making its way to America and registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Appearance
Generally, this dog is small in height like the Shih Tzu and longer in length like the Dachshund. It has a sweet, endearing face and big floppy ears.
This dog’s eyes usually resemble the Shih Tzu’s and tend to be quite big and dark in color.
Despite its small stature, it has broad, muscular shoulders, and it’s quite a strong dog.
These dogs usually have a medium-length coat that can sometimes look a little scraggly and have a beautiful rusty color.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Temperament
The Schweenie is a loving and extremely loyal dog, and for a small dog, it has a big personality. Because of their intelligence and their eagerness to please, they are very easy to train.
They get used to their surroundings very quickly and sometimes rely too much on their owners, and if they are separated for too long, they tend to suffer from separation anxiety.
While they are sweet dogs, they can sometimes be a bit moody, so it is best to socialize them with children from when they are young.
Dachshund Shih Tzu Coat
Depending on the traits the dog acquires, which parent will determine the coat of your new puppy. Your puppy can either have a short coat or a medium-length coat.
If your dog takes on the Shih Tzu parent’s traits, the coat will be rather long and need to be groomed more often.
It will be much easier for your dog to develop tangles and mats in the hair, so you may want to invest in a detangling spray to help crush those mats.
This mixed dog breed does not shed very much, which is great news if you have allergies to shedding dogs.
You will find a list of color options that your Dachshund Shih Tzu mix puppy may possibly come in.
What Colors Do They Come In?
Here are some of the color variations that this breed might come in:
- Black
- Gray
- Brown
- Brindle
- White
- Gold
- Rusty Red
The Schweenie may have one or more of these colors in its coat. The nose of the Schweenie will be traditional black.
Dachshund Shih Tzu Size
These small toy dogs do not grow very big; the average weight can be 9-20 lbs (4-9kg) when fully grown.
The average height is about 8 – 12 inches (27-50cm)
A male Dachshund Shih Tzu mix can weigh 15-20 lbs, and a female can be between 9 to 15 lbs.
Schweenie Health Problems
Overall this mixed breed has good health, and they do not suffer from bone or hip problems like their parents. They also do not suffer from the same spinal problems as the Dachshund, as they are much shorter than them.
Their most typical problem would be susceptibility to fleas and ticks due to their long coat, which can be prevented with topical flea treatments.
If cared for properly, these dogs can enjoy a long life due to their lack of health problems, and the life expectancy is anywhere between 10-14 years.
Life Expectancy of a Dachshund Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu Dachshund mix has one of the longest life spans I have researched regarding a mixed breed dog.
If your dog stays perfectly healthy and gets the proper nutrition to stay healthy, then the Shih Tzu Dachshund mix can live up to 16 years.
They have a life expectancy range of 12 to 15 years, but if your dog has no underlying health issues, it is possible to have a very long life.
You can always get more information on how to keep your dog the healthiest it can be.
Living Conditions
This dog is versatile and can adapt to different homes.
However, because it gets quite attached to its owners, changing owners is not a good idea; therefore, buying this particular breed needs to be considered as dogs that switch owners can suffer from depression and anxiety.
This is perfect for apartments as it is so small. It should never live outdoors and needs its own bed in a warm area of the house.
Schweenie Exercise
Although small, the Schweenie needs daily exercise; about 20 minutes should be enough.
When it’s raining, you can have your dog run up and down the hall playing fetch to help it release energy.
This breed does like to lay around the house a lot, so you must get your dog outside for at least a small amount of exercise.
Try new fun things with your dog, like taking it to a dog park or the beach.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Feeding
The Schweenie is small so it won’t need as much dog food as a larger breed. One cup of high-quality dog food will be sufficient enough to sustain your dog. Any high-quality dog food designed for smaller breeds will work. We have reviewed several fantastic dog foods for Pomeranians here, which would work well with a Schweenie.
Depending on the dog food, your purchase could cost you between $0.85 to over $1.00.
Dividechshund-mix
the food into at least two meals. Give your dog 1/2 a cup in the morning and the evening.
This mix tends to get overweight easily, so it is important not to overfeed your dog as it could lead to obesity.
Please ensure the food is designed for small dog breeds, as it will be formulated with the things they need in their diet.
Schweenie Grooming
The only grooming requirement for the Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is regular brushing.
Brushing this dog 2-3 times a week is recommended to keep its long coat tangle-free.
Always check your dog’s ears and teeth regularly for signs of redness or irritation. Your dog cannot talk to you, so it is up to you to investigate your dog’s overall health.
This dog breed is not as active as others, so if your dog is not trimming down its nails regularly, you can see a groomer to have this done or purchase a pair of nail clippers.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Training
When training, you need to be committed to doing it and not stop. Getting a well-trained dog takes a lot of effort, and consistency is the key.
The Schweenie is an intelligent dog breed that can get distracted easily so a firm trainer will be the key to success with this mix.
You also need to ensure you provide your dog with the right amount of encouragement. That way it doesn’t feel scared during training.
One way to show your dog that you are round of what it did is through treats or puppy hugs.
Always start with the basics when training. If your dog is a puppy, start with potty training.
You can then move on to socialization with people and other animals and commands for hunting if you plan on using your dog in that way.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Puppies
The Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is still in its first stage of breeding, meaning it is a first-generation mixed breed.
Breeders will use a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund to create these puppies instead of two Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes.
With that being said, this mix is still in the works, and it has not risen to a lot of popularity yet, so finding a breeder will be very difficult.
Shop around for a few different breeders; they will get you the perfect puppy you seek.
Avoid puppy mills at all costs and only purchase a puppy from a breeder who you feel you can trust and one that has a lot of experience breeding.
How Much Does a Schweenie Cost?
The price of a Schweenie puppy will depend on the breeder’s experience that you found and if they are using champion dogs to breed.
You can expect to pay an estimated price between $1,200 to $2,000. Some breeders may charge less than this estimated cost; it just all depends.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Litter Size
This is a small dog breed, so a female Shih Tzu or Dachshund parent will not yield as many puppies as a large dog.
I would expect a female to carry between one to three puppies in a single litter.
The female could have more, but this is about the average litter size for this size of dog.
Suitability
This dog loves people and needs to be around people a lot. It likes to cuddle and often prefers to sleep in the same room as its owners, as it craves a constant human touch.
This is the perfect dog for children as it is calm and does not have an aggressive nature; however, it does need to be socialized from a young age.
Close relatives of the Schweenie
Here are a few breeds that will act a lot like the Schweenie, they are:
- Dachshund
- Shih Tzu
- Pomeranian Shih Tzu Mix
- Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Mix
FAQ
A Shih Tzu Dachshund mix, also known as a Schweenie, is a hybrid dog breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund. They can have different coat colors and patterns but generally have a small, compact body and a friendly personality.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes are known for their lively, friendly, and affectionate personalities. They are intelligent and eager to please but can also be stubborn. They are small and have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, which is relatively long for a small dog breed. With proper care and nutrition, they can live healthy and happy life.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes can be good with children and other pets if they are socialized properly from a young age. They enjoy being around people and other animals but may be wary of strangers or unfamiliar animals.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, dental problems, and eye conditions. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise routine, and regular vet visits for check-ups and preventive care.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes are small, typically weighing 9 and 20 pounds and standing 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They enjoy being around people and are loyal to their owners. They can be playful and energetic but enjoy relaxing and cuddling with their owners.
Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They should be brushed at least once a week and bathed as needed. Regular trimming of their nails and cleaning of their ears is also important.
I just adopted a Schweenie and will bring him home tomorrow. He is 13/14 weeks old and has been in foster care since 4 weeks. Foster mom has been trying to train him with potty pads but I want to train him to go outside….any information you can provide would be helpful.
Just got a 2-month-old Schweenie and just for 4 days of staying in our house, he already knows the boundaries and limitations thus (thank God) he is potty trained! Such a smart dog
Just adopted a schweenie/terrier mix. She is only 6 weeks old and is so loveable and just loves my 4 year old. She is very attached already to us, we love her to death and after only 2 days she is pretty much potty trained 🙂
I just a shweenie. She is very lovable, but refuses to use puppy pads. I do not want her going outside because there are larger dogs that like to wander in our yard even though it is fenced it. But, after bringing her home, giving her a bath, and loving on her for about 20 minutes she is stuck right to my hip. She follows me everywhere in the house and sleeps in a box next to me (until she cried then she sleeps next to me on the bed lol). She is beautiful! Her hair is longer than the ones in the pictures, Her coat looks more like a shih tzu puppy than a mix.
My shih tzu dachshund mix is about 9 years old and still is playful and adorable. He sometimes has a bit of temper, but he can be very sweet and loves human food (even though he rarely gets it) The only problem is he has diabetes, so we aren’t sure how long he will live. He’s like my best friend and I don’t know what I’ll do without him. I definitely love this breed and want to get another, hopefully a girl.
I had a dachshund – Shih – Tzu mix that I called a dachshu. He lived to be 15 1/2 years. Unlike the article, he lived outdoors during the day or in a pen in the garage at night. My wife and I both worked so we never really had an opportunity to train him to stay inside for long periods at a time. He was the best dog ever. Had to recently put him down, however, and I will miss him greatly.
aww I’m sorry I love my dog srry
love my shiweenie he’s 8months and great at training . He’s name is commett. i trained him in about 5minutes and he got the memo. The first two days I got him he never leave my side. He’s great without a leash.When I wash him I always use oatmeal shampoo so he can have a healthy shiny coat.I will never give my dog away no matter what.
I use oatmeal bath plus a water based shampoo from vet, that’s costly but my Dusty is worth every penny, he’s a spoiled monkey butt we call him. He is our like our child though, he is almost 7 and was very easy to train too! So loyal, lovable, and very very energetic ! Would love to find a lil sister for him.
I have a Schweenie named Myla. She’s a year old now and we’ve had her since she was 6 weeks old. The absolute best dog ever and the 2nd love of my life. She has never had an aggressive bone in her body (she is quite an alert dog when she hears someone outside). Her and my cat are best friends and they play nonstop, and cuddle when they sleep. She follows me all over the house and is currently asleep in my lap. She can sleep through ANYTHING. The best decision I’ve ever made was to get this pup. Everyone loves her, even the non dog-loving. 100% mutt perfection!
our Schweenie, Millie, is amazing. Follows me every place I go, all day long. HAS to sleep in between my husband and I and HAS to be touching us. Every time a door bell rings on the TV she goes crazy, she is funny! When she is naughty she will hind under the bed, but he never makes it all way under and her little butt sticks out, so darn cute that you can’t stay mad at her. She has a great personality and LOVES our other older dog to play with, they are best friends (our other dog, Wendy, is a Shih Tzu.
Hi
I had recently taken in my sisters sweet Shih Tzu , Chloe;) she went in heat before I realized …..poof she was caught in the act w our neighborly rust colored wennie dog ( early Oct.)….. Last mon ” puppies!”) she is white in color … We have 1 rusty & two w/ the markings of our other neighborly ‘ Rottweilers ? Nooooooooo!! …..? There’s no way? Right? From my estimations she was two weeks early ? She had absolutely no problems giving birth , done in hour … All on her own & first litter. So my question is ……is it possible ? Rottweiler? Or is it most likely a recessive gene- explaining the color ? Anyone??
Hmmmmm….
Hello all. My AKC female Shih Tzu somehow out foxed me and slipped next door where she was violated by my sons dachshund resulting in a littler of 6 puppies. Now I have seen the web sites for these pups and it appears that there is a market for them. I’m just wondering what price I can ask for them as they will be ready for Christmas. I always get a Health certificate and all the shots that are required to sell a dog in the state of Florida. So I would like to recoup those costs as well. I hope to hear back from some one. I appreciate it. Cherie
Cherie,
Do you still have any puppies left? We have two Schweenies (age 10 and 7) and paid $300 plus airfare- I hope that helps and would love a new family member-
I have a schweenie that Is going to be 7 in Jan. And I paid $1200.00 for him from a pet store. Now they are usually a lot higher in price that a breeder selling them, but it all depends on the breeders I would think. What part of Florida do you live? I would be interested in one, but I live in Ohio. Arrangements could be made though, if price and everything worked out all right.
We fostered two 5-week old sisters from the shelter — had no idea what breed they were but of course fell completely in love with them and decided to keep them both. Now they’re a year old and have grown to look almost exactly like some pictures of schweenies that I have seen, and the description of appearance and temperament is an exact match. (Because these girls came from the pound, they’re probably not ‘perfect’ schweenies …they might have something else mixed in there… but the one looks JUST like the picture above). They have grown to be about 24-25 pounds, though, and they are definitely not overweight, so mine are bigger than the average. Complete lovers, MUST be basically on top of you at all times, and sweet as pie!!!! 🙂 I’m obsessed.
Cherie, I have 4 Schweenies born Dec 5 so they will be ready for new homes in 2 weeks. Mom is 7lb Dashound blk & tan, dad 8lb black & white Shih Tzu. They will be small. Only 1, the male has a long coat. U can email me at toocountrymel@yahoo.com.
Amanda, I left a reply that I have a litter of Schweenies, but I called you Cherie. Sorry. You can email me at toocountrymel@yahoo.com
I have a schiwieenie. His name is dashi. He’s a good dog. He is 7 months old the only problem I have with him is he wants to bite at my feet when iam walking. And bitting at my hands when trying to throw his toys to chasr. And jumping on people . When I have guest over I have to kennel him up. Any suggestions
I have a Schiweenie. He’s 7 months old. He’s very smart. The only problem I have he loves bitting at my feet when iam walking. Also jumping on people and bitting my hands when trying to touch him or pick him up to give him some love. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I have a schweenie paisley who is now 5 months old, but I’ve had her since she was 5 weeks. She was a rescue puppy. She was very shy at first (because of the abuse she had endured from previous owner) but she came out of her shell. She is very lovable, I couldn’t have asked for a better puppy. I recently moved and she has adapted so well so quickly. She gets along with my 9 month old God child and other dogs as well. I’m currently training her and it’s going very well because she listens very well, even though she can be very stubborn at times. She’s always full of energy but calms down when she knows it’s bed time. She fetches and retrieves and never bites. She is about the size of a miniature poodle expect she isn’t as tall, and she has the face of a schi tzu. She is a perfect puppy for me and I’ve grown so attached to her. 🙂
I have a puppy not 100% sure if it is this same mix owner said it is but this puppy is very tall for either and dachshund or a shi tzu anyone out there have any idea?
I have a schweenie – Jessie. I bought her in 2015. She is the most gorgeous affectionate little lady and has the loveliest temperament. She sticks like glue to my side. Anything mum does so she tries to emulate. When we walk she will always bark to other dogs a greeting. She is not an aggressive dog but other dog owners don’t know this, so if other dogs are near I keep her on her lead. She has Queen Anne stance which is common in the Shih Tzu breed and needs 3 operations (only because she was in pain and not for any other reason). She has struvite crystals in her bladder which is common in the Dachound breed due to their vulva being close to the ground when bitches urinate, so she stays on a special diet high costs no more than off the shelf food. I wouldn’t change her for any amount of riches. Vet bills can be covered mostly by insurance but the amount of love she gives me and my husband
Is and will always be worth every penny spend on her health and care.