Mixed breeds come in a wide range of breed combinations. Although some people frown on mixed breed dogs, others have fallen in love with them because they combine the best traits of both parent breeds.
That said, few hybrid dogs can claim such an interesting combination of purebred dogs as the one-of-a-kind Border Collie and Shih Tzu Mix.
What is a Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix?
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix is a cross between a purebred Border collie and a purebred Shih Tzu. This occurs when a male Shih Tzu mates with a female Border Collie via IVF.
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Cross combines the Border Collie’s energetic nature with the Shih Tzu’s affectionate and sweet personality.
But before getting your own Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix puppy, it’s important to know as much as you can about this hybrid dog.
So read on to learn more about its history, appearance, temperament, health, and general care requirements.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Shih Tzu and Border Collie) |
| Size: | Small to Medium-Sized Dog |
| Other Names: | Shih Tzu Collie, Collieshitzuer, Collietzu |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 20 to 45 pounds |
| Average Height: | 12 to 18 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 17 years |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided their exercise needs are met |
| Ideal for: | Active Individuals, Active Families With Older Children Who Have Enough Time to Exercise & Train Them |
| Coat: | Double Coat, Silky With Medium to Long Hair |
| Coat colors: | White, Black, Gray, Tan, Sable, Chocolate, or Tri-Color |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Not Recommended. They are best suited to active dog owners with enough time to train and exercise them |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy to train (they can be stubborn) (they need a strong, firm owner who will not let these dogs control them) |
| Hypoallergenic: | No. However, they can be low shedding dogs |
| Shedding: | Moderate (more during spring and autumn) |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them 2 to 3 times a week to ensure that your dog’s coat doesn’t become matted or knotty. However, during heavy shedding season (especially if they take after the Border Collie parent) daily brushing is required |
| Energy Levels: | Moderate to High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of exercise every day is required (Walking, Jogging, Hiking, and Running) |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | These dogs should not spend longer than 4 to 6 hours alone |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1 to 2.5 cups of high quality dog food twice a day. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level. |
| Maintenance: | Moderate to High |
| Possible Health Issues: | Seizures, Eye problems, Ear infection, Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia, Brachycephalic syndrome, Osteochondritis dissecans, Allergies, Hypothyroidism, Dental disease |
| Temperament: | Energetic, Affectionate, Intelligent, Playful, Alert, Loyal, Obedient, Stubborn, Eager to please, Brave, Sweet |
| Cat Friendly: | Moderate, They Can Be Good With Cats Only If Raised Together (Early Socialization Can Make It Possible) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes (But Early Socialization Is Always Recommended) |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, they are best suited for families with older kids (Early Socialization Is Required) (They do need to be watched around smaller kids to prevent any unwanted accidents) |
| Drooling Potential: | Low |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 6 Puppies |
| Barking Tendencies: | High (This Mixed breed is known to bark for any and almost every reason) |
| Price: | Average $500 – $1800 USD |
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What Is A Border Collie and Shih Tzu Mix Called?
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix is also called a Shih Tzu Collie, Collietzu or Collieshitzuer.
As with other crossbreeds, it is difficult to predict which features and characteristics the puppies will inherit from each parent breed.
However, studying the parent breeds should give you a good idea of what you should expect from your Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix puppy.
The Border Collie
The Border Collie is thusly called because the breed has is roots on the border between England and Scotland. This breed descended from herding dogs originating from Britain.
Online sources explain how the modern sheepdog developed, and one popular story revolves around a dog called Old Hemp.
Different sources claim that his owner, Adam Telfer, was fascinated by his dog’s unique herding ability and style. Old Hemp went on to father 200 puppies and today, he is cited as the father of today’s Border Collie.
The Border Collie was officially recognized by the AKC in 1995, despite concerns that breeders could prioritize the dog’s cute looks over his herding proficiency. The American Border Collie Association encourages ethical breeding for the Border Collie’s herding ability instead of appearance. It describes itself as a working registry.
The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a delightful toy dog with beautiful locks of fur that give even the finest show dogs a run for their money.
It is easy to identify a Shih Tzu as they are known for their long locks, beady eyes, and cute underbites. However, there are more interesting facts about the Shih Tzu.
The Shih Tzu breed boasts a long, regal history in China. Shih Tzus are one of the best lap dogs in the world because Chinese emperors and elites originally bred them to warm their laps.
Chinese elites cherished the breed greatly. However, they were also given as gifts to leaders of other countries. Moreover, the royal families held regular breeding competitions and the most beautiful Shih Tzus received a lot of prizes.
Shih Tzus are self-aware, proud, and dignified dogs. Additionally, they also have wonderful personalities that make them excellent family companions.
So what does a Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix look like? Read on to learn more!
The General Appearance of a Border Collie Shi Tzu Mix
It is difficult to tell what a Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix puppy would look like as a full grown dog.
Even puppies from the same Shih Tzu Collie litter can vary in appearance. It depends on the prominent parent breed. That means the offspring can inherit most of its physical characteristics from either the Border Collie or the Shih Tzu parent. Some Shih Tzu Collie puppies may also look like a fair combination of the both parent breeds’ characteristics.
Generally, you can expect these dogs to be sturdy and slightly longer than they are tall just like the parents. Both parent breeds also have a double coat, so their offspring should be no different.
A Shih Tzu Mixed with a Border Collie should produce a hybrid pup with coat colors like white, black, gray, or tri-color.
The mix may also inherit other Border Collie colors like blue-grey, tan, slate, sable, lilac, and chocolate, which may come in tricolor variation.
The texture and length of their coat may vary significantly. If a Shih Tzu Collie inherits the medium coat of the Border Collie, he will require frequent grooming.
How Big Will A Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Get?
Another thing you’ll notice about this hybrid dog is their size. They are generally small to medium in size. This is because Shih Tzus are small in size while Border Collies are moderate in size.
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix dog’s height and weight will be the average of the parent dog’s respective sizes. They should be around 12 to 18 inches tall and weigh around 20 to 45 pounds.
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Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Temperament & Personality Traits
Shih Tzu Border Collies are active, intelligent, loyal, and obedient dogs. They are also playful and kind. They are self-aware, smart, composed, and eager to please. They tend to be alert, protective, and wary of strangers, so they make good watchdogs.
They also get along well with every member of the family and make well-behaved dogs. They like having fun so they need an outdoor space to enjoy doing so. Overall, they are kind, reliable, and brave dogs with a sweet personality.
Are Shih Tzu Border Collies Good With Kids?
Yes! Generally, Shih Tzu Border Collies are active, even-tempered dogs who make excellent family pets. They also get along fine with kids as long as they are socialized properly.
Since the Border Collie parent is very energetic and playful, this mix can be boisterous. That makes the Shih Tzu Collie Mix best suited to families with older children. Make sure to supervise interactions between your Collieshitzuer and kids to ensure everyone is happy and safe.
Are Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Good with Other Dogs?
Yes! The sociable Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix enjoys the company of other canines and should get along well with them if introduced to each other from a young age.
Are They Good with Cats and Other Pets?
Generally sociable, the Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix should also get along with cats and other household pets if socialized early in their life.
Do Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Dogs Do Well In Apartments?
Since the Border Collie parent is used to running throughout the day herding sheep, your Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix will need some space to remove some of that energy from their system.
Staying in an apartment throughout the day is almost certain to produce boredom and destructive behavior.
These dogs will do best in active, outdoorsy homes where they can stay active.
Are Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Good For First Time Owners?
While Shih Tzus make excellent choices for first time dog owners, the Border Collie is not a good choice for inexperienced owners. Therefore, the Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix would thrive in an active family where he is part of the family activities.
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Exercise Needs
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix is an energetic dog that requires an active owner, these dogs are designed to work and play all day. They need daily walks and playtime sessions to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.
The Collietzu needs at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to remain happy and healthy.
However, do not over-exercise them since the Shih Tzu parent may lessen the Border Collie parent’s energy.
These intelligent dogs also need interactive dog toys for mental stimulation to prevent unwanted behavior.
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Training
Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix pups are smart and easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn. Therefore, they need a strong, firm owner who will not let these dogs control them.
Due to the Border Collie’s intelligence and herding background, this mix is generally responsible and masters commands quickly. They respond remarkably well to various positive reinforcement techniques, so be sure to give them treats and praise them whenever they get things right.
Experts also recommend early housetraining or crate training.
They will also benefit from sleeping in a comfortable crate like the MidWest Folding Crate for intermediate dogs to ensure they are safe even if they are restless.
After training and exercise, they should sleep comfortably in their bed, so it’s also a good idea to invest in a top-rated dog bed like the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed.
Do Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Shed A Lot?
While the Shih Tzu is considered to be hypoallergenic, the Border Collie is not. That means the Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix can shed and therefore, he is not ideal for allergy sufferers.
Although some breeds of dogs are better suited to allergy sufferers than others, no breed of dog is completely hypoallergenic.
Grooming
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix requires regular grooming and brushing to reduce shedding. The Shih Tzu will help counteract some of the Border Collie’s shedding tendencies.
You don’t need to bathe them frequently – so do so only when they look dirty.
Use deodorizing wipes for dogs to clean them regularly to ensure they smell fresh at all times. Trim your dog’s nails if need be. Seek professional assistance if you don’t know how to trim your dog’s nails properly.
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Feeding and Diet
As with all dogs, make sure to feed your Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix healthy and balanced food every day.
Generally, Shih Tzu Border Collies will need 1 to 2.5 cups of high-quality kibble each day.
A food plan can help you feed the correct amount of food for your dog’s size, age, and activity level.
High quality dog food along with probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil can help fight off joint issues and promote coat and skin heath because of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids present.
With so much difference in size, height, and weight, it is best to seek professional advice from your breeder or vet for the best dog food for your Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix. Many vets suggest feeding your mix high quality dog food twice a day.
A healthy and balanced diet – along with enough exercise, vet checkups, and grooming – is among the secrets to keeping your Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix happy and healthy.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix is 12 to 17 years.
Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Health Issues
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix might carry health issues from the parent breeds.
While hybrid dogs like the Border Collie Shih Tzu offset many of the genetic conditions that affect the purebred parents, some health risks may be elevated if both parent breeds are susceptible to a certain illness.
Some of the health issues associated with the Shih Tzu and Border Collie Mix include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Canine epilepsy
- Visual impairments like Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Collie Eye Anomaly
To avoid buying a weak designer dog, check the health records and the parent’s lineage from a reputable breeder.
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Where to Find a Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix
If you want to get a Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix, you should start looking at shelters or rescue centers. While this hybrid is rare and difficult to find in a rescue, you can check with breed-specific centers or organizations to see if they have this mix up for adoption.
Finding a Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix for Sale
Before you purchase a Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix, choose a reputable breeder. New Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix puppies should be bought from a breeder to ensure they are healthy.
Good Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix breeders will have screened their parent dogs and the puppies for health issues, so you can rest assured you’re welcoming a strong puppy into your home.
How Much Does A Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Cost?
A Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix goes for around $500 to $1800. Of course, the Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix price will also depend on the breeder, the puppy’s gender, and the health of the parent dogs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix A Good Family Dog?
Yes. The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix is family-friendly and gets along great with children and other dogs.
Are Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
When it comes to grooming needs, the Border Collie Shih Tzu should be a moderate maintenance dog. This is because Border Collies are very easy to groom.
Can Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No. Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes do not tolerate being alone. They are loyal, affectionate dogs who need a lot of care, attention and companionship.
How Long Can A Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Be Left Alone?
Generally, no dog should be left alone for too long. So don’t leave your Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix alone for longer than 4 to 6 hours.
Are Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. No dog is truly hypoallergenic. While the Shih Tzu is said to be hypoallergenic, the Border Collie is not.
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How Long Do Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Live?
Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes can live for up to around 12 to 17 years. Diet, exercise, and vet checkups all contribute to your dog’s longevity.
Are Border Collie Shih Tzus Lazy?
No. Border Collie Shih Tzus are energetic dogs who thrive in active households.
Do Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Bark A Lot?
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix has a Moderate to High barking level.
Are Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Hard to Train?
No. Border Collies Shih Tzu Mixes are intelligent and quick learners. They are also eager to pleasure so training should be relatively easy. However, the Border Collie is highly energetic and can be overexcited, so consistency is recommended to prevent you and your dog from getting frustrated.
Do Border Collie Shih Tzu Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes! These affectionate dogs like to snuggle.
Do Shih Tzu Border Collies Dislike Other Dogs?
No. Shih Tzu Border Collies are great with other dogs provided they are socialized early.
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Are Shih Tzu Border Collies Aggressive?
Whilst Border Collie Shih Tzus are not aggressive by nature, their energy and intelligence can cause behavioral problems if not well channeled. Proper training and ample exercise are essential for a well-behaved Shih Tzu Collie.
Can Shih Tzu Border Collies Be Off Leash?
No. Their herding and chasing instinct requires you to keep them on leash during walks. Otherwise, you’d need to spend a lot of time and energy on recall training if you want to keep them safe when off the leash.
Are Shih Tzu Border Collies Chewers?
If the Shih Tzu Border Collie Mix’s energy and intelligence is not channeled properly, he may develop destructive behaviors like chewing.
What Are Some Negatives About Shih Tzu Border Collies?
- They require plenty of exercises.
- They need active owners.
- They can bark frequently.
- They shed.
- They don’t tolerate being alone.
Is A Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix Right For You?
The Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix is ideal for a dog lover who wants a small, energetic, and playful dog with above-average intelligence levels.
If you’re searching for a lapdog, however, the Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix is not right for you. So make sure you have enough time and energy to help this mix lead a healthy and happy life.
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Other Border Collie Mixes
Love Border Collies but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Border Collie mix breed dogs.
3. Border Collie Shiba Inu Mix
4. Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix
6. Border Collie Schnauzer Mix
7. Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix
9. Border Collie Dachshund Mix
10. Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix
11. Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix
12. Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
13. Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
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