In the world of canine companions, the Shih Tzu Dachshund mix, also known as the Shih Tzu Dachshund puppy, is a delightful surprise that’s ready to steal your heart. This unique hybrid breed combines the best of both the Shih Tzu and Dachshund worlds, creating a furry friend that’s as charming as it is endearing. In this blog, I’ll share everything about the Shih Tzu Dachshund mixes, shedding light on their characteristics, care, and the love they bring to your life.
What is Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix?
The Shih Tzu Dachshund mix is often called a Schweenie by people who breed dogs. This little and friendly dog is really good for families since it’s nice and not hard to take care of.
This mix has a wonderful personality that takes the best traits from both of its parents. Things like being loyal, loving, and having a fun personality.
If this mix is taught things when it’s a puppy, it will get along with other animals and will like being around other dogs or cats in the same home.
This easy-to-handle dog can live happily in a house or even a small apartment because it doesn’t need a lot of space to feel good.
Do you want to know more about the cute Schweenie? You can find all the information you need about this special mixed breed below.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix History
This special mix of two dog breeds doesn’t have a clear starting point, and not many people intentionally breed these dogs.
Now, let’s meet the parents of the Schweenie: the Shih Tzu and the Dachshund.
History of Shih Tzu dog breed
The Shih Tzu comes from Tibet. Even emperors cherished Shih Tzus and kept them as pampered pets in their palaces. Back then, you could only have a Shih Tzu if the Dalai Lama gave you one.
Over time, more Shih Tzus were bred, but not all were high quality, and some ended up as strays in China. The breed spread around the world, and it became very popular in the United States. In 1969, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a distinct breed.
History of Dachshund breed
Moving on to the Dachshund, this dog dates back to the 15th century and likely started in Germany. It was skilled at hunting animals like badgers, foxes, and rabbits that lived in caves. Its unique body shape allowed it to fit into tight spaces. This talent remained a big part of its purpose, and it’s still used this way. By the 1800s, the Dachshund had traveled to England and gained massive popularity.
Now, let’s bring these two breeds together—the Shih Tzu and Dachshund Mix. Eventually, this mix found its way to America and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Appearance
Imagine a cute little dog that’s a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund. It’s not too tall, but it’s longer than most small dogs. Its face is really adorable, and it has big, floppy ears, which makes it extra cute!
The dog’s eyes are similar to the Shih Tzu’s, big and dark. Even though it’s small, its shoulders are strong and broad, making it quite a sturdy pup.
This dog usually has medium-length fur that might look a bit messy at times, and it comes in a lovely rusty color.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Temperament and Behavior
The Schweenie is a really smart and eager-to-please dog. This makes teaching it tricks and good behavior pretty easy. He relies on his owner a lot and might feel sad if left alone for a long time. Sometimes, it could break things if left by itself for too long.
This mix might even follow you around just to stay close. It might have different moods. It gets along with other dogs easily. It’s happy living in an apartment or a house with a fenced yard. Schweenie is very good with kids.
It’s important for it to get used to being around children from a young age. It’s not a good idea to be mean to a Schweenie because it won’t forget it. The Schweenie is friendly and loyal. It can be a wonderful companion to any family.
Pros and Cons of getting a Schweenie puppy (shih tzu dachshund mix)
Pros of Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix:
Schweenies are lively and playful dogs that can make your family really happy. They’re loving and friendly, so they’ll fit in well with most families.
They’re also easy to get along with other people, kids, and even other dogs. These dogs are smart and can learn tricks easily. Plus, they don’t shed much, which means less cleaning up after them.
Cons of Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix:
The breeds that make up Schweenies have health issues, and your pup might get some of those. Breathing problems and back/hip issues are common. Ear infections are also likely.
Another thing is that finding a Schweenie can be tough, and they can be expensive because some breeders charge a lot. Sadly, some places that sell them don’t treat dogs well and just want to make money. Lastly, since the weenies are a mix, their personalities can be a bit unpredictable. You won’t always know exactly what they’ll be like.
Dachshund Shih Tzu Coat
The type of fur your new puppy gets depends on which parent’s characteristics it inherits. Your puppy might end up with a short coat or one that’s a bit longer.
If your puppy takes after the Shih Tzu parent, its fur will be quite long and require more grooming.
This kind of fur is more likely to get tangled and knotted, so using a special spray can help get rid of those knots.
This mix of dog breeds doesn’t shed a lot, which is good news if you’re sensitive to dogs that shed.
You’ll also find a list of possible colors that your Dachshund Shih Tzu mix puppy might have.
What Colors Do shih tzu dachshund mix Come In?
What different colors can this kind of dog have? Well, they could be black, gray, brown, brindle, white, gold, or rusty red. The Schweenie might have just one of these colors or even a mix. But no matter the color, their nose will usually be black.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Energy Level
The schweenie’s energy level can vary from not very active to moderately active, based on the traits they inherit. Shih-Tzus are more laid-back, while dachshunds are full of energy and enthusiasm. Since schweenies are small, they don’t require a lot of exercise. You might need to teach them not to jump on people when they’re really excited.
Social Skills of Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix
Schweenies are really good at getting along with others, especially if they learn to socialize when they’re young. They love the company of people.
They love to hang out with other dogs. Even if your schweenie is really friendly, it’s important to start teaching them how to behave and be friendly from the moment you bring them home. This way, they’ll keep being their friendly selves.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix Health Problems
Shih Tzu Dachshund mix usually stays healthy. Unlike their parents, they don’t usually have issues with bones, hips, or spines. They’re shorter than Dachshunds, so spine problems are less likely.
The main worry is that their long fur might attract fleas and ticks, but using special treatments can stop that.
Taking good care of Schweenies can help them live a long time since they don’t usually get sick. They might live around 10 to 14 years.
Food & Eating Needs for Schweenie Pups
Since Schweenies are tiny and not super energetic, they don’t need a lot of food. Get them good-quality doggy food and feed them 1 cup every day, divided into two meals.
Your vet can even help you with ideas for making their food at home. Just keep an eye on their snacks and how active they are, and change their meal sizes accordingly.
What Do Shih Tzu Dachshund Puppies Need in Terms of Exercise?
How much your Schweenie dog should exercise depends on their parents’ traits. If they take after Shih Tzus, they’ll be fine with a quick walk or playing indoors. But if they’re more like Dachshunds, they’ll need more exercise. If your Schweenie is in between, two short walks and playtime each day should be good.
Because Schweenies have long backs, be careful about letting them jump off furniture or use stairs. To keep them safe, you can use special ramps to help them get on the couch.
Are Shih Tzu Mix With Dachshund Easy to Train?
Training can be a bit tough for Shih-Tzu dachshund mixes. They’re clever, but they can also be a bit stubborn. So, if you’re teaching them things, stay patient and use positive ways to encourage them.
If you’re getting a young schweenie pup, begin by teaching them how to do their bathroom stuff in the right place. This can take a while and might make you a little annoyed sometimes, but it’s super important to stay relaxed and happy. Give your pup a treat whenever they do their potty business outside.
How train shih tzu dachshund mix?
To help your schweenie learn where to go potty and feel better when you’re not around, you can teach them about their cozy crate. Show them that it’s like their special room to take a nap. Treat them when they go inside it, and over time, they’ll start going in there on their own when you ask them to. Just make sure the crate isn’t huge – it should only be big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down.
After your dog knows the basics, you can teach them more things like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Whenever they listen and do what you say, give them a small treat. Schweenies really like food, so snacks are a good way to grab their attention.
Not everyone goes on to teach their pup fancy tricks, but training is awesome for building a close bond with your dog and making sure they’re happy. So, once your schweenie has learned the main stuff, you might want to try teaching them some cool new things, too!
Grooming Your Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix
How often you need to take care of your Schweenie’s fur depends on whether they have the shorter coat of the Daschund or the longer coat of the Shih Tzu. Most likely, they’ll have a mix of both. In that case, giving them a good grooming session once a week to untangle their fur and keep it nice is a good plan.
If your puppy has longer hair, you can also take them to a groomer who can give them a proper trim to keep them looking neat.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your Schweenie gets used to having their ears and teeth checked regularly. Trimming their nails about once a month is a good practice, too.
What are the living Conditions for Schweenie?
This dog is really flexible and can fit well into various types of homes. But, because it becomes really close to its owners, changing owners is not a good plan. So, think carefully before getting this type of dog because dogs that change owners can feel sad and worried.
This is great for apartments because it’s tiny. It should always stay inside and have its cozy bed in a warm part of the house.
Can Schweenies be good for families?
Yes, but there are some things to know. They like having their own space and might not like being touched too much. It’s a good idea to train them to use a special bed. They like playing and being with kids, but they might not always be patient. If they show they don’t like something and no one listens, they might growl or bite. So, families with older kids who understand their feelings and give them space are better. Training the dog and teaching kids to be good around the dog is important, too, to help the dog feel safe and happy in the family.
Final Thoughts about shih tzu dachshund mix
Mixed breeds, like the Schweenie, are quite new, and the Schweenie is one of them. These dogs are meant to be companions and come from a mix of tough Dachshunds from Germany and majestic Shih Tzus from China. But what’s really cool about these dogs is that they have a mix of backgrounds.
Even though their parents are really different, Schweenies are super loyal, loving, and really cute. They’re smart and like to make you happy, but sometimes they can be a bit stubborn. No matter what traits they inherit, these dogs are happiest when they’re hanging out with their favorite people.
