If you love both the Pug and the Shih Tzu, then you may be interested in finding out more about the Pug Shih Tzu Mix.
A Pug Shih Tzu Mix, as the name suggests, is a cross between a Pug and a Shih Tzu. A combination of the brave and clownish Pug and the loyal, loving Shih Tzu, the Pug Shih Tzu Mix is a delightful designer dog that inherits most of the best traits from each of the parent breeds.
Just like the Pug and Shih Tzu parents, the Pug Shih Tzu Mix has a playful and affectionate personality that makes them a great choice as a family pet.
But is the Pug and Shih Tzu Mix right for your household?
Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to take care of this precious pup.
Table of Contents
Few Facts about the Pug Shih Tzu Mix
| Other names: | Pug-Zu |
| Weight: | 10 to 20 pounds |
| Height: | 8 to 12 inches |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes |
| Lifespan: | 9 to 14 years |
| Apartment living: | Yes |
| Coat: | Long, soft coat that is straight in appearance. |
| Coat colors: | White, black, brown, fawn and brindle. |
| Level of shedding: | Low to moderate |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, faithful, sweet |
| Exercise needs: | Low, at least 30 minutes of exercise each day |
| Cat friendly: | Yes, early socialization is required |
| Dog friendly: | Yes, early socialization is required |
| Kids friendly: | Yes |
| Training: | Moderate |
| Price: | $300 – $1100 |
What Is A Pug And Shih Tzu Mix Called?
A Pug and Shih Tzu mix is also known as a Pug-Zu or Shih Tzu Pug. These hybrid dogs have become very popular in recent times.
Both the Shih Tzu and the Pug are ancient dog breeds. The Pug was initially recognized in China around 200 BC, while the Shih Tzu originated from Tibet and has been in existence as far back as the 800’s.
The Pug and Shih Tzu mix aka the Pug-Zu has been developed for companionship and is known to be a great lap dog.
When you mix the gentle nature of the Pug with the confidence and affectionate nature of a Shih Tzu, you get a lively little dog that is known for being curious and friendly.
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But how big do Pug and Shih Tzu Mixes get? And what does the Pug-Zu look like? Let’s find out below.
The General Appearance of the Pug Shih Tzu Mix
As with all other Pug Mixes, the appearance of the Pug Shih Tzu Mix pup can vary. Some puppies will reassemble the Shih Tzu, while others can look more like their Pug parent. Here’s what you need to know:
Size, Height & Weight
Full grown Pug Shih Tzu Mixes tend to be strong, and weigh around 10 to 20 pounds. They can grow to be 8 to 12 inches tall.
As with most other mixed breeds, however, they can vary in size and can sometimes be out of this range.
Coat and Coat Color
The Pug-Zu comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, fawn and brindle. However, the most common colors are brindle and brown, with white markings also being common among these little guys.
They have a long, soft coat that is straight in appearance. This means regular brushing and periodic trimming are necessary to help keep them looking their best.
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Pug Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
The Pug-Zu generally has a sweet temperament since both the Shih Tzu and the Pug have sociable personalities. They are also known to be friendly and affectionate dogs that require human attention.
Since the Shih Tzu is incredibly loyal, and the Pug has a nice personality, chances are the Pug-Zu will also be a faithful companion. These designer dogs make great family pets.
However, the Pug Shih Tzu mix is an outgoing dog that is friendly even to unfamiliar people. This makes them a poor candidate for a guard dog or a watch dog.
They occasionally bark, but they don’t always bark to alert you of strangers. If you are looking for a dog that can also act as a watchdog, then this mixed breed is not the best choice for you.
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While the Shih Tzu mixed with Pug is a wonderful family pet, he will require a lot of your time and attention. Or else, he will become destructive.
He is not happy if left alone for long periods of time and can suffer from separation anxiety. As a prospective pet parent, you need to keep this information in mind if you plan to be traveling a lot or your work schedule requires you to be away from home for long periods.
Is the Pug Shih Tzu Mix good with kids and other pets?
Yes. The Pug-Zu gets along with children and other animals. For example, they love the children in their family unconditionally and also get along with cats and other pets.
Moreover, you should not worry if you have other dogs at home. Your Pug Zu puppy will make friends with everyone in the family.
They get along with other pets, including cats and dogs. Since they are so small, they will also do fine with kids. However, you should teach small kids the right way to play with your little dog, so he doesn’t get injured.
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Is the Pug Shih Tzu Mix a good choice for first time owners?
Yes. The Pug Zu is an excellent choice for first time owners. This is because this mixed breed dog has a lively personality, is playful and friendly and not aggressive at all. These pups love spending their time with their family and enjoy cuddles.
Are They Suitable For Apartment Living?
Yes! The Pug Zu is ideal for apartment living. Due to their small size, the Pug mixed with Shih Tzu can be a great apartment dog. These dogs don’t require a lot of space and are happy spending time with family.
If you’re looking for a wonderful companion dog that doesn’t bark a lot and can do well in the apartment, then the Shih Tzu Pug Mix can be a great choice for you.
ALSO READ: All About The French Bulldog Pug Mix (Frenchie Pug)
Training
When it comes to training a Pug Shih Tzu Mix, you should keep in mind that these pooches are food motivated. Therefore, using a lot of positive reinforcements like treats is a great way to successfully train them.
Nonetheless, these dogs can also be quite stubborn, so patience and consistency is required. Take your time and be patient when training them. Make sure to approach each training session in a calm and cheerful manner.
Also, keep each training session no more than 15 minutes. And start with housetraining before proceeding to basic commands such as “sit”, “stay” and so on.
It is recommended to set the rules from a young age to ensure they are well-mannered when they get older.
Socialization is also important at an early age to ensure you end up with a well-rounded adult dog. As we’ve already mentioned, they are known to get along with kids and other pets.
Exercise Needs
When it comes to exercise requirements, short walks around the neighborhood plus a few minutes of playtime should suffice for this crossbreed.
The Shih Tzu mixed with Pug is a relatively lazy crossbreed, so they don’t need a lot of exercises.
These dogs must always be walked in a fenced-in yard or on leash. They tend to wander a lot, so walking them on a leash will help keep them out of trouble.
These dogs require just 30 minutes of exercise each day. You should also provide them with interactive dog toys to supplement their exercise and keep them mentally stimulated.
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Grooming and Shedding
While the Shih Tzu parent is said to be hypoallergenic, this attribute is not always passed over to the Pug Shih Tzu Mix. To reduce the shedding, daily brushing is required to help prevent the coat from developing tangles.
It’s also advisable to trim their hair from time to time to help make maintenance easier.
Both parent dogs can suffer from skin irritation, so it’s recommended to use a specially formulated dog shampoo when bathing them. Otherwise, you should invest in deodorizing wipes for dogs to help keep their coat clean and tidy when you’re not bathing them.
Small pups like the Pug-Zu are also vulnerable to dental problems, so it’s important to brush their teeth at least twice a week. Additionally, you should clean their ears regularly to prevent infection.
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Shih Tzu Pug Mix Feeding and Diet
So what should you be feeding your Pug-Zu? Like other dogs, they require high quality dog food. Dry kibble is a great basis for a well-balanced diet for this hybrid dog, and you should buy one formulated specifically for active little dogs.
Make sure the food you choose contains all the major nutrients your dog needs. Avoid poor quality or brand-less pet food that is cheap or filled with a lot of carbs.
If you’re unsure of the right brand of food for your dog, then consult your vet. They should be able to help you choose the most nutritious dog food for your dog’s needs.
Generally, your Pug Zu will need one cup of dry or wet dog food each day divided into smaller meals. The best foods for Pug-Zus should be rich in protein and have a good balance of quality fats.
Moreover, you should provide your dog with wild Alaskan salmon oil and probiotics to supplement their diet and prevent various health issues.
Finally, your Pug-Zu will need fresh water each day to keep him hydrated.
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Pug-Zu Life Expectancy
The Pug Shih Tzu Mix has a relatively long lifespan compared to many other breeds of dogs.
The Pug-Zu has an average lifespan of around 9 to 14 years.
Pug Shih Tzu Mix Health Problems
Although crossbreeding is known to produce sturdier puppies in the long term, this usually requires multiple generations.
The Pug-Zu you get from a reputable breeder could be healthier than either of its parents. Or they could end up inheriting genetic conditions from one or both parent dogs.
If you are a prospective owner of a Pug Shih Tzu Mix, watch out for the following health issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Eye problems
The above health problems can be avoided by ensuring you only get your puppy from a responsible breeder who can produce the health clearances for both parent dogs.
Visiting your breeder to check the puppy’s living conditions is also a great way to avoid taking home a sickly dog.
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Pug Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale and Price
Pug-Zu puppies are very adorable, but extra care should be taken since they can be very fragile. The average Pug Shih Tzu mix price is around $300 to $1,100, but this will depend on the pup’s age, location and the breeder’s reputation.
When purchasing a Pug Shih Tzu puppy, make sure to do business with a reputable breeder by carrying out your research beforehand.
If the breeder seems to be pressurizing you to buy a puppy, you should look elsewhere. A reputable breeder should show you the health clearances of the puppy and its parent dogs. Your new puppy should be tested for any health problems he might have.
Avoid getting a puppy from puppy mills or puppy farms, where puppies are produced in inhumane conditions just for the money.
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Pug Shih Tzu Mix for Adoption
Another great way to find a puppy or adult dog is by going through an animal shelter or rescue center, where you would need to adopt fees. Usually, the cost of adopting a dog is much lower than when purchasing from a breeder.
Additionally, saving the life of a pup in need by providing him with a loving home is always a fulfilling experience.
ALSO READ: All About The Maltese Shih Tzu Mix (Malshi)
Conclusion
The Pug Shih Tzu mix is a great family pet for almost any household. These little dogs would do well in apartment homes as well as the suburbs.
Due to their outgoing personality, these dogs are great pets for first time owners.
The Pug-Zu doesn’t need a lot of exercise. A short walk and playtime should be enough to keep them happy throughout the day.
If you’re looking for an adorable family dog that would be happy living as a lap dog, then the Pug Shih Tzu Mix might be a great choice for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Shih Tzu Pug Mix A Good Family Dog?
Yes. The Pug Shih Tzu Mix can be a wonderful family dog. They enjoy playing with kids, and they also get along well with other dogs and pets.
Does The Pug Shih Tzu Mix Get Along With Other Dogs And Pets?
Yes, the Shih Tzu Pug Mix is good with cats and other dogs. However, you’ll need to socialize them early.
Do Pug Zu Shed?
Yes, the Pug-Zu will shed, but the amount will vary. If your Pug-Zu inherits more Shih Tzu traits, he won’t shed much, but if he inherits his coat from the Pug, he will shed more. Therefore, it’s important to groom your Pug Zu on a regular basis.
How Long Do Pug-Zu Dogs Live?
The Pug-Zu can live anywhere from nine to fourteen years.
How Much Do Pug Shih Tzu Mix Puppies Cost?
The price of a Shih Tzu Pug Mix puppy is anywhere between $300 to $1100, but the cost will depend on the puppy’s age and the breeder in question.
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