What are some of the interesting things to know about the ShiChi?
The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix makes a lively, loyal, and playful pet. These two small dog breeds make a special cuddle companion that would want to sit on your lap anytime, every time. Even though the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix or ShiChi is small in size, their personality packs a punch.
Shih Tzu Chihuahua
The Shih Tzu is known for its outgoing and spunky nature, and so is the Chihuahua. You possibly could not find a much better breed combination as their qualities and personalities are quite alike. These toy dogs are bred mainly for companionship, although with their loud, incessant barking, you would think they were bred to be guard dogs!
Like a lot of toy breeds, the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix is ideal for first-time pet owners. Their size makes them the right fit for a family with kids or a tiny apartment roommate. ShiChis adapt well in nearly every environment because they don’t need a lot of space. They would want to be always near you and the entire family, but they are likely to pick their favorite family member!
History of the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix
Unfortunately, there aren’t any records to show who created the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix, but it is plausible that they were cross-bred in the late 21st century or even in the early 2000s. Forming consistency with the breeds health, behavior, characteristics, and temperament are tough to work with any mixed breed dogs, but it is even more difficult if they are a fairly recent cross-breed without any valid paperwork.
Appearance & Grooming
If your Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix has a short coat, then grooming wouldn’t be a problem. Nonetheless, it is still important to brush it once a week to keep their coat neat. The closer your Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix’s coat is to their Shih Tzu parent, the more likely you will need to brush them every day to remove any mats, tangles, or clumps.
The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix could also have a long coat. Suppose your fur baby has this kind of coat, then you should give them a bath at least once every month while grooming them regularly, as well. Their nails must be clipped too, and cleaning their ears should likewise be a part of their grooming routine. Watch out for discharge, foul odor, or inflammation. You should also brush their teeth at least twice every week so they won’t need to visit the doggy dentist every so often.
The color of their coat could range from white, gray, to black and everything in between. Checkout their parents to predict what their puppy litter would most likely look like.
Training
Don’t ever make the serious mistake of not properly training a toy dog. Toy dogs, like the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix, still require just as much training and care as big dogs and need to be trained and socialized early, so you don’t have to restrain them from barking at every person they see. Even if your pup is well-mannered, full of energy, and playful, keep in mind that you still need to care for them just like any dog.
Any toy dog has to be housebroken since small dogs have relatively smaller bladders. They might be difficult to train initially, though. A lot of accidents are bound to happen overnight when they are just puppies.
This does not mean, however, that they could not be trained.
A Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix just needs a little bit of nudge and ego-stroking by giving them treats and praises when they do something right. If you praise or reward them for positive behavior or action, they’ll quickly want to do it again to get your attention.
