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Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix for Sale: Big Dynamics in a Little Package

A Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix, or Shi Chi, has proven itself to be a charming and dynamic family companion with a lot of energy and a big personality. Like most Toy breeds, the Chi Tzu does best in households with older, dog-savvy children and small dogs. Its favorite activities are clinging to your side and sounding the alarm at anyone who dares to intrude on your property.

Shi Chi for Sale Overview

A Shi Chi goes by a variety of names, but all of them refer to a Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix. You can also see the terms ShiChi, Schi Chi, and Chi Tzu about this designer pup.

Brief History

Like most hybrids, it is impossible to know when the Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix first became a formal designer dog. It likely was part of the movement in the early 2000s to create small companion dogs that served as alternatives to the earlier Poos and Doodles. Both parent breeds have long histories. The Chihuahua is thought to have originated from the larger Techichi dog in Mexico and became AKC-recognized in 1904. Shih Tzus came from Tibetan dogs (possibly miniaturized Lhasa Apsos) that China later crossed with their Pekingese and Pugs. The Shih Tzu gained AKC acceptance in 1969.

ShiChi Dog Appearance

ShiChi puppies for sale can be variable in appearance. Although the AKC does not recognize mixed breeds, the Schi Chi has developed some consistencies in its appearance. The ShiChi is a balanced dog with a round face and a body profile with slightly more length than height. ShiChis are small dogs that are nine to eleven inches tall and weigh five to twelve pounds. Their eyes are almond-shaped and slightly prominent. A Shi Chi has medium-small ears that either hang at the sides of the face or are button or semi-prick. The tail is tightly or loosely curled over the back. Your Shi Chi can have a short single coat like a Chihuahua but is more apt to have a double coat of medium to long soft hair. A Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix can be several colors reflecting the patterns of the parent breeds.

  • Solid white
  • Tan and white
  • Red and white
  • Tan with black and white
  • Cream and white
  • Mix of any of the above colors with various shading
  • Black with white markings

Personality

The Shi Chi dog is a vivacious, lively dog with a loyal and affectionate personality. It is playful and fun-loving, making it a great hit with children. Although the ShiChi seems to enjoy kids, it requires considerable care so as not to suffer accidental injuries. Older children are your best bet for Toy dog breeds. Shi Chis are friendly and warm with strangers but only after they have suitably sounded the alarm. These tiny dogs make fantastic watchdogs but are not aggressive. They get along with other dogs but can be sometimes pushy. Some individuals develop a Napoleon complex with larger dogs. Most get along with cats if introduced at an early enough age. Avoid leaving your Shi Chi unsupervised with a larger dog, and stay away from rambunctious big canines altogether.

Health

ShiChis can live 12 to 15 years. Dogs that are under five pounds are more likely to have a shortened life expectancy of ten years or less. Shi Chis can suffer health issues that are prevalent in either parent breed.

Additionally, excessively small individuals can suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and underdeveloped organs. Shi Chi puppies for sale are also susceptible to hypoglycemia during their first few weeks in their new homes.

Food Requirements

A SchiChi dog needs proteins and fats as its macronutrients along with vitamins and trace minerals. Required minerals include calcium and phosphorus for growth and muscle functions and zinc, selenium, and copper. Some dogs also require certain carbohydrates to maintain their weight. Many commercial diets include carbs automatically while some experts advocate against starches, fruits, or vegetables in a dog’s diet. There is evidence that some berries and greens can act as beneficial antioxidants for dogs. You can address any dietary concerns with your veterinarian before making a decision about which ingredients to include and whether to feed dry, canned, moist, fresh, raw, or home-cooked food. A Shi Chi should get about 30 to 35 calories per pound and should eat at least three times a day. Puppies and adults under seven pounds may need to eat four or more meals a day. Dogs with persistent hypoglycemia require a meal every two or three hours.

Grooming Needs

A Shi Chi’s coat dictates how often you need to brush her. A single-coated dog only needs to be brushed once or twice a week. With a dual-coated dog requires you to run a brush through her coat every other day if it is long and twice weekly if it is short. Your dog will shed moderately if she has a Chihuahua coat and minimally if she gets the Shih Tzu’s continually-growing hair. ShiChis need a bath every one to three months depending on how soiled they get. You will get the best possible results if you brush your dog before and after bathing and always when the coat is dry. A ShiChi dog also needs monthly nail trims. Finally, you should wipe your dog’s face and brush her teeth at least every other day. Check her ears for any redness, foul odor, or abnormal discharge every few days to detect early signs of infection.

Exercise

Despite its high energy, a ShiChi’s tiny size limits the amount of exercise it can sustain. Moreover, its shortened face means it does not have much stamina. Plan on exercising your Chi Tzu for 20 to 35 minutes a day. Avoid outdoor activities with your dog when the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or the humidity is over 75%. Shi Chis still require mental enrichment as well as physical exercises to stay in shape. They are suited for short games of Fetch, casual walking, and playdates with other dogs. You can even exercise them sufficiently indoors if you have a sizeable home. Puzzles and imaginative games will also provide great exercises to add to your weekly schedule. If your pup is under six months old, he will exercise on his own through play. You can also engage in play sessions with your puppy, but the majority of your focus can land on basic training and socialization.

Training

Shi Chis are more notable for charming you rather than for their powers of obedience. Although smart and willing to please, Shi Chis are independent and stubborn when it comes to learning commands. They use their cleverness for manipulation. However, ShiChis make up for many of their training challenges with their emotional intelligence. Shi Chi puppies for sale are notoriously difficult to house train at first because their urinary bladders are so small. Crate training helps marginally but does not replace the need to take them out frequently. Another option is to use puppy pads and paper-train your dog.

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