What Is A Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix? (Cost, Personality, Health, Temperament, and Training)

You might have never had a chance to adopt Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, but you must have seen them and thought to yourself how adorable they really are. Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are both very intelligent, yet rather interesting dog breeds. As someone who has seen both of these dog breeds and their lovely mix, I can tell you Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix is one of the most loyal breeds out there, but probably one of the most jealous ones. If you are interested in Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix, please continue reading. I have gathered up all of the information you might need, hoping you learn everything about this adorable little dog breed.

What is a Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix? Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix is often called Shih-Apso or Lhasa-Tzu. Just like Lhasa Apso, Shih-Apso is believed to be an independent dog breed, they will follow you around, bold closely with you, but they will also get separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. Shih Apso is a small dog with a nose shorter than Lhasa Apso, but still a little bit longer than Shih Tzu. Most Shih Apso dogs have a coat similar to one of their parents, or a mix of both. Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix, Shih Apso does not require as much activity as most dogs, they are easy to love and they are a real family dog for those who are not planning to be doing many activities in their free time.

Shih Apso is actually a designer dog, this means they have been created by breeding two purebreds together. Most of the designer dogs have names that are blended together, which is why Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix is often named Shih-Apso or Lhasa-Tzu. Knowing the traits of Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, it is easy to say Shih-Apso is a very intelligent dog breed. As intelligent as they are, they can also get rather stubborn and require a little bit more patience and perseverance than some of the other dog breeds out there.

(Also, check out answers to related questions you may have at the end of this article)

Temperament And Personality of Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix will always be taking the traits of their parents. Knowing most Lhasa Apso’s and Shih Tzu’s are very intelligent and loyal, you can expect their mix will be the same. While they are extremely intelligent, Shih-Apso can often be looked at as stubborn, very possessive of its toys, owners, and food. Just like Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, Shih-Apso will do his/her best to bond closely with their family, sometimes so close that they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone.

If you are a proud owner of Shih-Apso, you must have noticed your dog is extremely protective of you, this means you might want to teach him how to behave in front of the strangers. Lhasa Apso is not really a fan of strangers, so knowing this, it is crucial you expect to get the same out of Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix. Most Shih-Apso dogs will bark and remain on guard when around strangers, this is because they just want their owner for themselves and they feel a lot of jealousy when you are around unknown people.

Shih-Apso is a very feisty spirit, they enjoy getting involved in all of the activities and will do their best to get all of your attention no matter what! As curious and independent as they are, Shih-Apso dogs can be hilarious, they are wonderful, nicely looking companions that will make you a lot happier as soon as they enter your life. If you are looking for a sweet little dog who will thrive on interaction with you and enjoy to be held and cuddled, Shih-Apso will surely not disappoint you!

Shih Apso Puppies And Their First Months

If you are actually the owner of a Shih-Apso pup, you are probably aware of how stubborn they are. Knowing Shih-Apso comes from two very stubborn dog breeds, you cannot expect them to be any different either. Shih-Apso puppies require a lot of patience and discipline.

You need to teach your Shih-Apso a couple of things at a very young age in order to have a decently behaved dog:

Teach your Shih-Apso how to play nice
Show him/her how to accept new faces and animals in his/her surroundings
Bring enough socialization in their life
Teach him/her basic dog commands

Living Conditions For A Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

Living with pretty much any dog breed requires a lot of responsibility, but owning Shih-Apso means being extra responsible at times. Shih-Apso can be very demanding at moments and will require a lot of your attention in all possible ways. Owning a Shih-Apso means having a dog live indoors at all times. Shih-Apso is very sensitive to extreme heat and needs to be kept indoors no matter what. They are too small to be left outside to guard the house and due to their curiosity, they might also get lost.

If your Shih-Apso is not properly socialized, they can be prone to a lot of barking. If you are living in an apartment, this can become an issue. You do not want your neighbors hating on you just because your little Shih-Apso simply never stops barking. Make sure you carefully exercise your Shih-Apso no matter where you live, apartment or your own house.

Shih-Apso is one of the dog breeds who will entertain themselves as long as you are nearby. Sadly, whenever you leave them alone, they can get very sad and create a mess you have never seen before in your life. If there is anything Shih-Apso hates, it is being left alone. If you are one of those people who work most of the day and you barely spend any time at home, you should probably consider getting another dog breed.

Shih-Apso is great for apartment living, but they can also adapt to large spaces as well. This lovely dog breed is very curious and they will most likely need to have it all checked before they actually settle down and give you all of the attention in the end. Sadly, if you are a person fighting dog allergies, you should avoid getting Shih-Apso. Shih-Apso has a double coat, but they are not hypoallergenic, they require a lot of grooming and cleaning up. If you cannot afford spending enough time to do the grooming chores, Shih-Apso should probably not be the dog of your choice.

Health And Concerns Of A Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

If you are planning to adopt Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso) you must be aware of the fact that most of the health issues Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu have are also health issues of a Shih-Apso. Shih-Apso is actually a rather healthy dog breed with a life expectancy reaching up to 15+ years. When getting a puppy, make sure you get a puppy from a breeder who can easily show you the health clearances of both Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. Do not get a dog from a breeder who is not willing to show you health clearances, this breeder cannot guarantee your puppy is healthy at all!

Shih-Apso is a small dog breed who picks up the traits and health concerns of his parents, kidney and bladder problems, liver problems, allergies, hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye problems, and dental problems are just a couple of health problems your Shih-Apso can potentially have or get from his parents. Most of these health problems are easily avoidable by following proper grooming chores, feeding and care for your dog.

To have a healthy and happy Shih-Apso, you must be ready to do blood tests, microchipping, deworming, flea prevention, medical check-ups and eventually spay or neuter your dog. Owning a Shih-Apso is not for those who cannot afford all these things. Shih-Apso might seem like a rather simple dog breed, but originating from two respectable, old dog breeds, this mix actually requires a lot of care and discipline.

Grooming And Care Of A Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both very grooming-focused dog breeds, this means their mix is pretty much the same. Shih-Apso does not shed a lot, the shedding is moderate but it still requires daily brushing to keep their coat tangle-free. Featuring a long, silky or rough coat, Shih-Apso is not a hypoallergenic dog breed like his/her parents. Using slicker brush, dematter, comb, and clipper, you must brush your Shih-Apso every single day. If your Shih-Apso features a long glamorous coat, you might want to have it trimmed regularly. Cutting their coat will lower your grooming chores and probably give you more time to train your Shih-Apso as you wish.

With their double coats, Shih-Apso dog breed also requires a monthly bath. This means you will have to give a bath to your dog at least once a month, using a dog shampoo only. Using human shampoos may create a bad skin reaction to your dog, do not try it, ever.

Same as you’d have to trim Lhasa Apso’s or Shih Tzu’s nails, Shih-Apso needs it too. As soon as you can hear the nails clipping on the floor, it is the right time to do nail trimming. Nail trimming can be very tricky knowing there is a vein in the middle of each nail. If you have never trimmed dog’s nails before, do not try it alone. Cutting the vein in the middle can cause extreme pain to your Shih-Apso. If this happens, your nail-cutting chores might become extremely hard to do, because your dog will always remember the pain he/she went through.

Knowing Shih-Apso is prone to ear and dental infections, it is advised you check their ears and wipe them clean at least once a week. Shih-Apso teeth are rather sensitive, they can get infected if not brushed and taken care of. If you own a Shih-Apso, you must brush their teeth twice, up to three times a week. Brushing their teeth will remove the plaque and bacteria out of their mouth and prevent possible infections.

Physical Appearance Of A Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

Many people have a hard time telling the difference between a Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso. They both originate from Tibet and they were both well-respected dog breeds. There are many Shih-Apso dog breeds who look very similar to purebred Shih Tzu, do not be surprised! Shih-Apso comes in a huge variety of colors and their coat is usually long and very smooth with just a few swirls here and there. However, it is very possible your Shih-Apso ends up featuring a rougher coat, that comes from Lhasa Apso.

Shih-Apso Coat Colors

Solid Black

Your Shih-Apso features a pure black coat with no other color present.

Black Tan

Your Shih-Apso features a black coat with white markings that cover the tan.

Sable Colors

Your Shih-Apso features a mix of dark and light hair colors in various quantities.

Brindle Colors

A composition of one color with streaks of another color running down the coat.

Clear Tan

Your Shih-Apso features cream, white, gold or red colors with no dark pigments at all.

Shih-Apso dog breed weight from 12 up to 20 pounds and they are 10 up to 16 inches tall. Usually, they vary in size but they are always a little bit larger than purebred Shih Tzu dog. Normally, Shih-Apso dogs have a bit longer hair around their faces, they also have a long mustache, which is rather distinctive for them. With their floppy ears and short tail, Shih Apso dogs are often looked at as little ‘’lions’’. Back in the days, Tibetan monks used the same nickname for their dogs.

Price And Cost Maintaining Shih-Apso

Everyone wants to have an adorable dog, but not many are willing to actually understand how pricey it can get. The price of Shih-Apso puppies is between $150 up to $800. While this is not such a high price, Shih-Apso has other expenses that will not turn to be very cheap in the end.

Yearly expenses for basic needs such as food, toys, certificate, grooming, treats, and training can go up to $650. Yearly expenses for medical checkups, pet insurance, flea prevention, and shots can go up to $550.

Seeing the prices, it is obvious to say Shih-Apso might not be a dog breed for everyone, only those who can actually afford it. If you cannot pay for all of the things above, your dog can suffer, get sick and never get better. Take into consideration your financial situation, your living condition, and your own self before you get a pricey pup you cannot take care of well.

Training And Activity With Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

While Shih-Apso is not as active as most small dogs, they still have plenty of energy to include themselves in any activities you come up with. If your Shih-Apso is playful at home, twenty minutes of a walk outdoors will be just enough to satisfy his/her needs. Shih-Apso will enjoy the trips to the river, dog parks, and even their own yard. Due to their curiosity, it is advised you to secure your yard so your dog cannot get lost.

When it comes to training Shih-Apso, most people will tell you it is rather difficult. Do not let them influence your ideas! Shih-Apso is an extremely intelligent dog breed who is a mix of two very old and experienced dogs. Shih-Apso might need a little bit more discipline and patience than most dogs when it comes to training, but that does not mean it is impossible! Staying calm and positive at all moments is important, praising and giving treats to your Shih-Apso will be motivational.

Most Shih-Apso owners believe treats help them with their dog’s impatience, just make sure you set reasonable limits on how many he/she gets throughout the training. While it is obvious you should start training your Shih-Apso from an early age, it is also important to note your behavior can influence their training and motivation. If you are yelling and creating drama over little things, your Shih-Apso will feel that and do the same. Owners who cannot stay calm often have many problems with their dogs, barking, biting and destruction of furniture are just a few of the things that will happen.

Shih-Apso needs early socialization to properly function, they need to learn how to get along with children, other dogs, and animals. If you have small children at home, you might want to keep an eye out, Shih-Apso can easily end up injured or make a mess.

Proper Training

Teaching your Shih-Apso basic commands is one of the most important things you need to do. Upon getting your dog for the first time, make sure every family member gently greets the dog without any extreme excitement at all. If your dog remains calm and friendly, praise him/her and give him/her a treat. This is a first step towards adapting your Shih-Apso to the new surroundings and people. This practice should be done as long as possible, have your dog sit quietly as you greet your guests and introduce them to him. Your dog needs to know when is the right time to jump and be playful, having a dog who constantly jumps on your guests is bad and no one really enjoys that.

Teaching your Shih-Apso to be obedient is another very important thing to remember. Basic commands such as ‘’Come’’, ‘’Sit’’, ‘’Down’’ and ‘’Stay’’ are the first words your puppy should learn. Use food rewards and a lot of praise to keep the training going.

In case you have no idea how to train your dog, you can always join a puppy obedience class. These classes are great and they usually start as early as eight weeks of age. While puppy classes are all about puppies, you can also learn how to fix behavior problems and see how the training should look like in the future.

Feeding Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are both picky eaters, they require good quality food and food with a very low amount of grains, no grains at all if possible. If you own a Shih-Apso, try feeding him/her with premium quality food, specially formulated for your dog. Just like Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, Shih-Apso needs a protein-rich diet. Make sure you always have food rich with proteins, chicken, lamb, and fish for example!

To keep your Shih-Apso’s coat beautiful as it is, you need to pick foods featuring Omega fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin E, these are all exceptionally good for your Shih-Apso and will make his/her coat as silky as possible. Just like we humans say ‘’You are what you eat’’, the same thing goes for our dogs, so be wise and pick the best possible food for your dog. Certain Shih-Apso dogs might experience food allergies, this mostly happens with foods featuring common allergens (wheat and corn), in case this happens you are required to switch to a completely different type of food.

Many Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu owners talk about their dogs being very picky eaters. If your Shih-Apso is a picky eater, do not worry, you will eventually find that special food they will love more than anything. Knowing Shih-Apso is actually prone to getting overweight, you might want to be careful about how much food you give to your dog. Shih-Apso has a crazy habit of eating pretty much anything unless they are a picky eater. Your Shih-Apso does not need more than two meals a day, more than that will be too much and might make him/her overweight.

Adoption of Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix (Shih-Apso)

Adopting a dog from a shelter or from someone who can no longer afford to have it is an honorable thing to do. Having a puppy might be a whole new experience and cuteness overload, but saving one innocent dog life is a lot better!

Puppy Finder and Pet Finder are awesome websites that can help you find your Shih-Apso dog in a matter of seconds. Why would you have to teach the commands and worry about whether your puppy is healthy at all? Getting a dog from a shelter or someone who already had it is a big plus, you will know exactly what are you getting! Many animal shelters and rescues offer to foster as well, they will be willing to talk about health conditions and openly give you a piece of good advice.

However, getting a puppy from a breeder can be tricky. Some breeders simply refuse to answer certain questions, some have no certification and some even keep the puppies outside in the cold. Beware of such breeders and avoid getting animals from such people. A good breeder will be glad to answer all of your questions, show you where the puppies stay at and even let you meet their parents.