Dogs are famous all over the world for their loyalty, faith and loveliness.They are quite playful and loyal and love playing with their owner and his family members and this is the reason that many people love dogs as their family pets.Dogs are also an important part of our house security as they help to keep our home protected from the strangers and thieves and this is also another reason why people love having dogs.But everyone has his own choice.Some love large muscular dogs, some love small dogs, some love medium sized cute friendly dogs whereas some love beautiful designer breeds.If you are looking for a small to medium sized cute designer dog breed then a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” would be a best choice for you.
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What is a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix”?
Chihuahua/Shih tzu Mix is a delightful mixed and active dog breed having a small to medium sized body and is quite playful and human friendly dog breed.It is produced by crossing a Chihuahua with a Shih tzu.It is also named as “Shichi” a nickname produced by joining “Shi” of Shih Tzu and “Chi” of Chihuahua.Here in this article we will delve deep into the study of this mixed breed, its history, size, appearance, weight, feeding, care and health, etc.
History:
A Shichi is a small sized playful and loyal companion that could be a better company for anyone suffering from boredom.Before knowing the history of a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” , it’s better to first know the history and origins of its parent breeders i.e a Chihuahua and a Shih Tzu.
History of Chihuahua:
Chihuahua is a small sized dog breed that is very playful and active.When we look back towards the history of a Chihuahua we will come to know that the dog originated from Mexico in the mid 19th century.It gets its name from a Mexican state, Chihuahua from where it was originated.It is thought to have been derived by the Tolte people of Mexico from a small sized mute dog named Techichi. Chihuahua is a small sized and incredibly loyal dog breed that loves playing with toys and its owner and his family members and is highly energetic thus also requires some exercise on daily bases.
History of Shih Tzu:
It is also a small sized highly active and loyal dog breed that is considered to have been evolved from China but it’s not true.When we look back towards the history of a Shih Tzu, We will come to know that the dog was originated from Tibet the western neighbor of China.Tibet likely sent the Shih Tzu dogs to Chinese royalty as gifts and then the Chinese bred these Shih Tzu with the Pekingese or Pugs to have the modern day Shih Tzu.It is long haired, very playful dog breed.In Chinese the Shih Tzu is called as Shih Tzu kou (Lion dog;pinyin shizi gou).The Shih Tzu were used as Royal pets in the early ages.Queen Elizabeth II also had a Shih Tzu which she named “Choo Choo”.
Now if we look towards the history of a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” which is a mix of both of the above mentioned breeds, we will come to know that the dog was originated in sometime between 1990 to 2000s when the animals were crossed for the purpose of having new breeds.
Breed information:
A “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” is a small to medium sized dog breed that is produced as a result of cross between a Chihuahua and Shih Tzu.Both of the dogs have a small size and are quite playful, active and energetic and this is the reason that the descendant dog, “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” is also small sized, playful and active.It is not a purebred dog and this is the reason that it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, AKC because AKC only register pure breeders.
Appearance:
“Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” has a small sized body and a silky single or double layered coat.It has a small button type nose.It could have inherit the physical characteristics of any one of its parent breeders i.e Chihuahua or Shih Tzu such as, it may have a Chihuahua like longer snout or a Shih Tzu like shorter snout.It has small rounded eyes and triangle shaped ears.It may have any coat color.A “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” usually has a white undercoat along with the black or brown outer coat.
Size:
It is a small sized dog breed having a size of about 8 to 12 inches.The male Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix will be slightly larger than the females with a size of about 12 inches whereas the females being smaller than the males have a size of about 8 to 10 inches.
Weight:
As “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” is a small sized dog breed so it does not weigh so much and is very easy to carry and take anywhere.A “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” usually has a weight of about 5 to 16 pounds.The weights of male and female dogs may be different because the males being larger than the females have a weight of about 14 to 16 pounds whereas females usually have a weight of about in between 5 and 12 pounds.Their weights also depend upon their physique and diet.
Temperament:
It is a small sized highly playful and loving dog breed that loves playing with dog toys and also with its owner and its family members.It is a very calm and human friendly dog that is also quite active and energetic and is thus a suitable companion for anyone.Being a loyal and loving pet it has friendly behavior with everyone including its owner, family members and children and also along with the other domestic pets.
Feeding:
Before taking a pet the first thing that comes into our mind is its care and feeding and as a good and responsible pet owner it’s our duty to take much care of our pet and provide it a healthy and balanced diet that could easily fulfill its energy requirements and keep it active whole day.If you have a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” then try to give it a highly nutritious food containing all the essential minerals, nutrients and proteins.You should feed your pet twice a day and try to give it a balanced diet in order to prevent obesity and laziness.
Health Issues faced by Shichi:
A “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” is a very active, playful and quite healthy dog but may also prone to several health issues such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Periodontal Disease
- Separation anxiety
- Patellar Luxation
- Several eye problems such as Entropion, Ectropion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), etc.
- Obesity
- Hypoglycemia
- Respiratory Disorders, etc.
Disease Prevention:
As a good pet owner it’s our duty to take proper care of our pet and take precautionary measures to prevent it from several health issues.If you have a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” and wanted to prevent it from the above mentioned diseases, then try to provide it a healthy and highly nutritious diet that could help to o keep it healthy and sound.As the dog can suffer from separation anxiety so try to keep it with your family so that it do not feel any loneliness.You should also have a regular veterinary check up of your pet for preventing it from various life threatening diseases.In case your pet gets suffered from any health disorder, then you should quickly try to visit the nearest veterinary clinic for the early diagnosis and treatment of your pet.
Lifespan:
As a Shichi is a small sized dog breed so it has a slightly longer lifespan than the larger dog breeds.It has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.
Conclusions:
From the above discussion we conclude that “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” is very active, playful, loyal and human friendly dog breed that loves playing with the toys and its owner and his family members.It cannot live alone because it may suffer from separation anxiety so try to keep it along with your family for keep it happy and satisfied.In case you wanted to have a small, active dog that could company you when you’re feeling bored after being free from your daily business, then a “Chihuahua/Shih Tzu Mix” also known as Shichi could be a best choice for you and here in this article you will get a lot to know about the dog, its history, feeding, care and health, etc.