If you have a Husky or a Shih Tzu, you probably already know how great they are! These dogs are not only adorable and friendly but also energetic, loving, and loyal! What would happen if you were to mix these two unique breeds into one dog?
Not a lot of people have heard of or seen a Shih Tzu Husky mix but believe me, they are out there! Even though they are extremely rare, this mixed dog has all of the special characteristics and traits that make both of these breeds so great.
If you are interested in learning more about the unique characteristics of this mixed breed, then keep reading!
What is a Shih Tzu Husky Mix? / What are they Called?
Not a lot of people have heard of a Shih Tzu Husky mix. When thinking about it, mixing the two is a very interesting combination.
The Shih Tzu Husky is a combination of both the Shih Tzu and the Husky, oftentimes called the “Shih Tzusky.” They are a very interesting breed that you don’t hear about often. However, once you do hear of this adorable pup, you will want to know more!
Standard practices are usually not used when breeding this dog because of the two dogs’ differences in size. Because alternative processes are so expensive and the success rates are low, not a lot of Shih Tzu Huskies exist, they are very rare! If you come across one of these mixed pups, you may notice they possess certain traits from both breeds.
History of the Shih Tzu Husky
People who own Shih Tzus or Huskies are sometimes unaware of where their pup originally came from. This can become even more confusing when met with a Shih Tzu Husky mix which just began becoming popular in recent years!
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Both of these dogs originate from interesting backgrounds and were previously used for many different tasks or even for their symbolic purposes.
The Shih Tzu was originally from Ancient China and Tibet. They were used as lapdogs for royal families and were often viewed as a symbol of wealth. They did have other interesting uses as well such as warming up people’s feet!
The Husky is more of a working dog compared to the Shih Tzu. They originated in Siberia and were used for many tasks such as transporting food, pulling sleds, and accompanying hunters.
Even in the present day, Shih Tzus are known for being companion dogs who love to lay around on their owner’s lap and huskies are still being used to pull sleds — seems like not a lot has changed!
Check out this article to see if Shih Tzus really like to cuddle and be held! — Do Shih Tzus Like to Cuddle and Be Held? (What Owners Say!)
A Shih Tzu Husky mix is extra unique seeing as these two breeds were very different in their history! A Shih Tzu Husky mix may be more of a watchdog than a guard dog or the other way around, depending on which traits from each breed they possess more of!
What Does a Shih Tzu Husky Mix Look Like?
Mixing a Shih Tzu and a Husky can make an interesting-looking pup; however, you will never know what they will look or act like until they are born!
By mixing these two breeds, the result may be a dog that is more like a Shih Tzu, more like a Husky, or a perfect combination of both! You may have a pup that resembles a larger Shih Tzu, or a smaller Husky!
Shih Tzus and Huskies can have similar color patterns that include white, black, and copper/tan; they can also have a mix of colors! One of the most common color patterns in both Shih Tzus and Huskies is black and white. They also both have a double coat that is very soft!
One concern that is often faced with Shih Tzus is their very flat faces. Because of this, they oftentimes have trouble breathing. This trait is very common and could easily be passed on to a Shih Tzu Husky mix.
A lot of Shih Tzu Husky mixes will look similar to a smaller husky with longer, fluffier fur like a Shih Tzu. They will often possess the striking eyes of a Husky as well, seeing as their eyes are a very dominant trait.
It is a guessing game when it comes to what a Shih Tzu Husky mix will look like as it grows. They could end up looking a lot like a Husky with a few minor Shih Tzu characteristics, or they could look like a Shih Tzu with slight Husky characteristics, there are so many possibilities!
Husky mix Shih-Tzu” Thank you Armani Pet Parlor for use of your Photo!How Tall is a Shih Tzu Husky / How Much Do They Weigh?
Seeing as a Shih Tzu Husky could inherit from either breed, there is a wide range of height and weight that a Shih Tzu Husky mix might be.
A Shih Tzu Husky will typically grow anywhere between 8—18 inches tall and can range between 10–59 pounds.
The Shih Tzu is a solid and tiny dog. Typically measuring between 8–11 inches in height and weighing between 9–16 pounds. They have short faces with large dark eyes and hanging ears.
The Husky is also a solidly built dog. They are very muscular and compact, typically longer than tall. They normally range between 20–24 inches tall and weigh between 25–60 pounds. Their wolf-like appearance is very unique with eyes vibrant in blue, brown, or oftentimes bi-colored! They also have triangular ears and bushy tails!
Shih Tzu Husky Mix Temperament
Both of these adorable dog breeds are known for their interesting personalities. When mixing the two breeds it is oftentimes a surprise to owners how their pups will behave.
A Shih Tzu Husky mix is typically a very well-behaved dog. Both breeds are known to be good with children, especially when raised with them. They also have great energy! While this is good, it can sometimes lead to trouble!
Huskies are already known for their great ability to escape enclosed spaces, pair that with a Shit Tzu’s playfulness and small size, and you might be met with a dog who loves escaping from the backyard!
Both Shih Tzus and Huskies are also very clingy, longing for constant companionship. They are both known for suffering from separation anxiety and will become stressed when they are separated from their owner.
Both breeds also tend to have tons of energy. Huskies especially require a lot of exercise; this along with separation anxiety may become an issue if you have to leave your pup alone for long periods of time.
Here are some other temperament characteristics of Shih Tzus and Huskies:
Shih Tzu | Husky |
Happy | Friendly |
Trusting | Alert |
Enthusiastic | Gentle |
Energetic | Intelligent |
Attentive | Outgoing |
As you can see from the chart, both of these breeds have similar temperaments. This is great when considering a Shih Tzu Husky mix, you can have a mixture of all the great personality traits that make both Shih Tzus and Huskies so unique!
Shih Tzu Husky Pros & Cons
Like most other dogs, the Shih Tzu Husky has both positive and negative traits.
Thankfully, the Shih Tzu and Husky both share a lot of the same traits so there won’t be any crazy surprises when faced with the negative traits of this mixed dog.
Here are some of the positives and negatives that owners of Shih Tzu Huskies are faced with:
Pros:
- Long life
- Good with humans
- Loyal
- Loving
- Beautiful fur coloring
- Don’t tend to get into too much trouble
- Independent
Cons:
- Flat face = breathing issues
- High shedding/High maintenance grooming
- Difficult to train
- Overheat easily in certain weather
- Expert at escaping closed spaces
Check out Shih Tzu Poodle Mix Lifespan (Leading Causes of Death)
Do Shih Tzu Huskies Have Health Problems?
A lot of people who are interested in Shih Tzu Huskies wonder if they are prone to any health issues.
Both Shih Tzus and Huskies have certain health complications that are popular among their breeds. This can become a problem when mixing the two breeds because then the pup could be faced with complications coming from both sides.
Shih Tzus are more likely to have health problems caused by physical characteristics. Because of their long bodies, they oftentimes suffer from back and neck issues, they can also develop problems because of the shape of their flat faces. Their flattened nose can cause issues with breathing and their tiny mouth can cause teeth to come in unaligned, or even missing.
Huskies on the other hand are most at risk for issues such as diabetes, cancer, and genetic diseases. One common genetic disease is called “follicular dysplasia” which can cause major hair loss.
Tip: It is a good idea to run your hands over your dog frequently to check for any unusual lumps that could be cancerous.
Both breeds share the risk of the same health issues such as eye disease, allergies, hip problems, and arthritis. A Shih Tzu Husky mix may run an even higher risk of developing these troubles because they would be getting it from both sides.
Thankfully, both breeds tend to live long lives. Shih Tzus average life span is between 10–16 years and Huskie’s average life span is between 12–15 years. As long as your pup is taken care of properly, and not at risk for certain health problems, they should be around for a long time!
There are certain steps you can take to ensure that your Shih Tzu Husky stays in good health. One major step is to ensure that your pup receives a high-quality diet, specifically with meat protein which can help their overall health and lessen their risk for hip problems.
Tip: Beware to not overfeed your Shih Tzu Husky. Causing them to become overweight may heighten their risk for hip problems.
How to Train a Shih Tzu Husky Mix
Both Shih Tzus and Huskies are known for being difficult to train. As long as you start them early, there should be a lesser chance of them not being trained successfully.
Multiple training methods can be used for a Shih Tzu Husky mix. People like to use different methods to get certain results from their pup. Some training methods include crate training, clicker training, and positive reinforcement training (where the dog is rewarded for good behavior).
Since both breeds are very strong-willed, independent, and even stubborn when it comes to training, it may be even harder to train a Shih Tzu Husky mix. One of the most important first steps in training is to potty train!
Tip: Try training your pup in shorter sessions, this will prevent them from getting bored and giving up.
Huskies specifically are known to become destructive when left alone for long periods of time. Training them can be very beneficial to avoid any unwanted messes or broken belongings.
It is also a good idea to train your pup for social situations. This is typically easy for a Shih Tzu Husky because they are so friendly and love to meet people! Like other breeds, it is important to introduce your pup to socializing early, this can help any anxiety they may feel when put into social situations.
Giving praise and reward is important when training your Shih Tzu Husky. Like any other dog, they are more likely to behave and train well if they know they will be receiving a reward for their efforts.
How to Groom a Shih Tzu Husky Mix
Both Shih Tzus and Huskies have double coats and thick fur. Whether your mixed pup possesses Shih Tzu fur (longer hair), or Husky fur (shorter hair), they will require medium to high grooming either way.
To groom a Shih Tzu Husky, you will want to have products that work for your pup and their specific fur type, along with specific tools (brushes, trimmers, etc.).
The Shih Tzu Husky does shed a lot, it is important to brush them consistently to make sure no tangles occur. It is typically a good idea to brush them at least 1–2 times a week or 3 times a week if they have longer fur.
Like all other dog breeds, it is also important to keep a Shih Tzu Huskies ears, teeth, and nails in good condition to ensure they are happy and healthy!
Check out these articles next: (All about Shih Tzus!)
Complete List of Fruit Shih Tzu Can & Can’t Eat!
Shih Tzu Teething Timeline and Teeth Care Guide
Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety (Helpful Tips and Tricks! 2022)
