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Do you love big dogs but don’t want the commitment of a purebred? Or maybe you’re looking for a smaller dog that can still keep up with you on long walks? If so, the Shih Tzu Husky mix may be the perfect breed for you! This mixed dog is sometimes called the Shih Tzusky, and it’s a cross between two very popular breeds – the Shih Tzu and the Siberian Husky. Keep reading to learn more about this amazing dog!
Table of Contents
What Is A Shih Tzusky?
The Shih Tzusky mix is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Siberian Husky. This mixed breed inherits the best traits from both of its parent breeds to create a dog that’s friendly, outgoing, and full of energy. The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a relatively new breed and is still fairly rare. However, this mixed breed is becoming more and more popular as people learn about its wonderful traits.
What Was The Shih Tzu Husky Mix Bred For?
The Shih Tzu Husky mix was initially bred as a companion dog. This mixed breed is known for being friendly and outgoing, which makes them great companions. They are also relatively small dogs, so they don’t require a lot of space. However, the Shih Tzu Husky mix still has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercise.
Where Do Shih Tzus Come From?
Recent studies have found that Shih Tzus may have been around as early as 8,000 BC. However, the first documented evidence of the breed comes from China in the 1600s. The Shih Tzu was a favorite of Chinese royalty, and they were even given as gifts to other royals and dignitaries. The Shih Tzu eventually made its way to Europe in the 1930s and quickly became a popular breed there as well.
By the 1960s, the Shih Tzu had made its way to America and has been one of the more popular breeds in the country ever since. The American Kennel Club currently ranks the Shih Tzu as the 23rd most popular breed in America.
Where Do Huskies Come From?
Huskies are a type of Arctic dog that the Chukchi people of Siberia originally bred. These dogs were used for sledding, and they were also used as working dogs on farms. Huskies eventually made their way to Alaska during the Gold Rush in the late 1800s.
During the early 1900s, Siberian Huskies became popular in America thanks to their work in the Iditarod sled race. These dogs are still used in sled races today, but they are more popular as companion dogs. The American Kennel Club currently ranks the Siberian Husky as the 20th most popular breed in America.
Shih Tzu Husky Mix Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a small to medium-sized dog. They typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds and stand between 12 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
As with other breeds, females tend to be slightly lighter and shorter as adults, whereas males tend to be heavier and taller.
While many Shih Tzu Husky mixes fall in the weight range above, it’s entirely dependent on their diet and lifestyle. If they eat too much and don’t exercise often, they’re more likely to be closer to 50 pounds or even heavier.
Vice versa, if they aren’t fed as much as they need or develop a health condition, their weight can fall below the range.
Coat Colors & Texture
This mixed breed can inherit either a long or short coat from their parents. Their coat is usually thick and dense, but it can be lighter in some dogs. The most common coat colors are black, white, and brown/red.
Sometimes Shih Tzuskies can inherit primarily a Husky coat or a Shih Tzu coat, but often it’s a mix of the two.
Shedding & Grooming
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a relatively high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They need to be brushed several times a week, and they will also need to be groomed every few months.
Some people ‘blow out’ their coats during the heavy shedding seasons with a blow dryer to help with the shedding. Although, you can always just have this done when they go to the groomers.
To keep them looking and smelling fresh, it’s best to bathe them approximately every 8-12 weeks.
Like other dogs, they should have their nails trimmed every 4-6 weeks, ears cleaned every couple of weeks, and teeth cleaned a few times a week, whether that’s through brushing or with dental treats.
Are Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the Shih Tzu Husky mix is not a hypoallergenic breed. They are considered to be moderate shedders and produce the dander that people allergic to dogs have a reaction to.
Ears & Tail
The Shih Tzu Husky mix typically has floppy ears that are long and thick. They can also have erect ears, which is more common in dogs that have a higher percentage of Husky in them.
The tail of this mixed breed is usually long and fluffy. It can be straight, curled, or somewhere in between.
Eye Color
The Shih Tzu Husky mix can have any color of eyes. The most common colors are brown and blue, but they can also have one of each. Huskies are known for their unique eye colors, ranging from blue to brown to green. So, it’s not uncommon for a Shih Tzu Husky mix to have two different colored eyes.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu Husky mix is between 10 and 15 years. This is a pretty typical lifespan for most medium to small-sized dogs.
Proper nutrition and exercise are the key to a long and healthy life for any dog. Making sure they have a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise will help them stay healthy and happy into their golden years.
Common Health Issues
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is generally a healthy breed, but there are a few health conditions that they are more prone to. These include:
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Eye problems
- Hip dysplasia (more common if the bigger they are)
- Patellar luxation
If you’re considering getting a Shih Tzu Husky mix, it’s important to research and find a reputable breeder. This will help ensure that your dog is healthy and doesn’t have any of the above health conditions.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a very intelligent breed. They are quick learners and are usually easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn if taught tricks/behaviors they already know how to do. While consistency is important, so is variability and progressively more challenging training.
The Shih Tzu Husky mix does best with positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats or praise. If they do something they weren’t supposed to, not giving them any attention for their actions is punishment enough as your praise/affection is their greatest gift.
When it comes to training Shih Tzuskies to behave around other people and dogs, socialization from a young age is important. The more unfamiliar people, places, and animals they have positive experiences with as a puppy, the better.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a medium-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise. They are not the best breed for someone looking for a low-maintenance dog.
While they don’t need to exercise for hours each day, they need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise. This can be in the form of a walk, run, fetch, or any other activity that gets them moving and their heart pumping.
Shih Tzu Husky mixes can also be escape artists. If they’re not given enough exercise, they will find ways to burn off their energy, which can often lead to them getting into mischief.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a Shih Tzu Husky mix, be prepared to give them plenty of exercise.
It’s also a good idea to give them plenty of mind stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their mind occupied. Huskies, in particular, are known for becoming destructive when bored.
While that trait will likely be less due to being mixed with a Shih Tzu, it’s still best to keep their mind stimulated with toys, training sessions, and socializing with other dogs.
Temperament & Behavior
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a friendly and loving breed. They are great with children and other animals, although they may try to herd them if they’re not properly trained.
They are also very protective of their family and make great watchdogs. However, they are not aggressive and will only bark to alert you of someone’s presence.
Overall, the Shih Tzu Husky mix is a happy-go-lucky breed that loves to play and be around their family. They are intelligent, loving and make great companion dogs.
Do Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Bark A Lot?
One of the most common questions about Shih Tzu Husky mixes is whether or not they bark a lot. And the answer is… it depends.
Some Shih Tzu Husky mixes do bark more than others, but it really depends on the individual dog. If they’re well-exercised and have plenty of things to keep them occupied, they’re less likely to bark out of boredom.
However, like all dogs, they will bark when they’re excited, scared, or want something. So, if you’re looking for a dog that never barks, a Shih Tzu Husky mix is probably not the right breed for you.
Do Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes, Shih Tzu Husky mixes do like to cuddle! They are a very affectionate breed that loves to be around their family. They will often follow you around the house and want to be close to you whenever possible.
So, if you’re looking for a dog that loves to cuddle, a Shih Tzu Husky mix is a great option. Just be prepared to give them plenty of attention and affection.
Are Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Good With Kids?
Shih Tzu Husky mixes are generally great with kids. They are a very friendly and loving breed that does well with children. However, as with all dogs, it’s important to supervise them around young children and introduce them slowly.
The more time they spend around kids as a puppy, the better they’ll be around kids. This helps them learn from a young age how to be gentle with little ones and how to play with them appropriately.
Are Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
Shih Tzu Husky mixes can be good with other dogs. They are a friendly breed that loves to play. However, they may try to herd other dogs if they’re not properly trained.
So, if you’re looking for a Shih Tzu Husky mix that will do well with other dogs, it’s important to socialize them from a young age. The more positive experiences they have meeting new dogs, the better they’ll be around most dogs.
Are Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Good With Strangers?
Shih Tzu Husky mixes are generally good with strangers. They are a friendly breed that loves to meet new people. The only time they may be hesitant around strangers is if they feel their family is being threatened.
Also, if they spend most of their first year only interacting with you and your family, they may develop overprotective tendencies. That’s why socialization is so important, and introducing them to as many new people as possible is best.
This way, they learn that unfamiliar people can be potential friends instead of potential threats.
Are Shih Tzu Husky Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
Shih Tzu Husky mixes can make good apartment dogs as long as they get 30 minutes of exercise daily. Also, because they are a small to medium-sized breed, they don’t take up a lot of space, which is great for an apartment companion.
They are also relatively quiet dogs, so they aren’t known for disturbing neighbors with excessive barking.
What Is The Price Of A Shih Tzu Husky Mix?
The price of a Shih Tzu Husky mix can range between $500 to $2,000. However, be very careful when you see a Teacup Pomskies going for much lower prices.
Always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Where Can You Buy A Shih Tzu Husky Mix?
Unfortunately, because the Shih Tzu Husky mix is a relatively new designer breed, you may have some difficulty finding one.
Your best bet is to look for reputable breeders who breed Husky mixes or Shih Tzu mixes and ask what they have available and what they plan to have available in the future.
A more well know breeder that sells Husky mixes, and Shih Tzu mixes is Greenfield Puppies.
If they don’t have any Shih Tzu Husky mixes available when you look at their site, it’s still a good idea to contact them. They may know someone who is currently breeding the mix.
Final Thoughts
The Shih Tzu Husky mix is a beautiful, loving, and loyal companion. They make great family dogs and can be excellent with children. However, they do require daily exercise (at least 30 minutes) and a high-quality diet.
If you are thinking about adding a Shih Tzu Husky mix to your family, make sure you do your research and purchase from a reputable breeder.
They are a relatively new designer breed, so they may be challenging to find. But if you’re able to find one, they’re likely to be a wonderful addition to your family.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Teacup Pomsky (AKA The Mini Pomsky): Complete Breed Guide
