Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed ComparisonChiweenie is originated from United States but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Chiweenie may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Shih Tzu. Both Chiweenie and Shih Tzu are having almost same weight. Chiweenie may live 3 years less than Shih Tzu. Both Chiweenie and Shih Tzu has almost same litter size. Both Chiweenie and Shih Tzu requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
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United States
China
Height Male:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
13 - 33 cm
5 - 13 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 11 kg
8 - 25 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
1 - 8
Size:
Toy
Toy
Other Names:
Chiwee and Mexican Hotdog,, Chiweeni or Chiweeny
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Colors Available:
Black, black and tan , brown
all often multiple colored
Coat:
Medium, short, silky
fine, straight, and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chiweenieThe Chiweenie is a small dog developed in the 1960’s as a hybrid/cross between the Dachshund and the Chihuahua. Due to their small size and big personalities, they are an extremely popular designer breed. They are easy to care for and their personality and activity level is much like the Chihuahua side of the hybrid. The Chiweenie can look like either of its parents if it is first generation. If it is second or third generation it is likely to resemble the parents more as they already look like one of the two breeds. The second and third generations will look like the mix more than either of the originators.

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and they originated in Mexico. The Daschund is a hunting dog from Germany with a long body and short legs. The Chiweenie is a nice looking cross breed that loves people and is very affectionate. They were developed in the United States.

shih tzuThe Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

Description

chiweenie puppy - descriptionA first-generation Chiweenie can look like either of the breeds they are crossed with. However, the second and third generations will have the hybrid look for the most part. No two will look exactly alike however. They have a thin snout that is long on a small, domed head. They can have floppy or pointed ears, eyes that are large and expressive, a moderate tail and small feet. They can vary substantially in their appearances.

shih tzu puppy - descriptionThis is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

  • The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

  • The eyes face the front and are very large.
  • The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
  • The shoulders are frontal.

Characteristics

chiweenie dog - characteristicsThis is an extremely popular hybrid or designer dog because they are so friendly, gentle, loving lapdogs. In addition, they love to play and cuddle. They are great for single or older people. If they live with a family it should be with older kids because younger kids might hurt them. Be careful how rough you play. They are small and can be hurt easily.

The Chiweenie is dedicated to their people and extremely loyal. They are also very cautious and can be nervous. They are always watching what else is happening in their environment and they will bark to alert you if they think there is something or someone out of place. They are not quiet dogs. They are great with other small dogs that they are raised with or used to but not with larger dogs, cats or other animals. They are jealous and protective. Train them out of or to avoid resource guarding. They can be stubborn about these things.

They will play constantly if you let them and they are great travel companions, although noises and activity around them does often annoy them. They are also courageous, clever, lovable and happy. Like most toy or small dog breeds you might have a difficult time housebreaking them and crate training is recommended.

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

shih tzu dog - characteristics2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

Health Problems

chiweenie puppies - health problemsChiweenies are a pretty healthy crossbreed with their most prominent issue being allergies. At the same time this hybrid might inherit any of the problems of either of their two parental breeds. These conditions might include:

Hypothyroidism

This is an issue with an overactive thyroid and can be controlled by medication.

  • Dental Issues
  • Hydrocephalus

The tendency for this would come from the Chihuahua parental genes and can result in brain damage but normally is not that bad.

Degenerative Disc Disease

The tendency for this would come from the Dachshund parental genes and if your Chiweenie has a long back you will need to be careful of jump and overzealous playing.

shih tzu puppies - health problemsFor many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

  • Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

  • Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
  • Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Ear infections.
  • Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chiweenie dogs - caringChiweenies regulate their own food intake, even as puppies. They should be fed twice a day and they are prone to dental issues. Dry food is absolutely recommended.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above, the Chiweenie might inherit the issues that affect small dogs most often. This includes:

  • Diabetes
  • Some may become insulin dependent.
  • Seizures
  • There is medication to help control these if they occur. Hypoglycemia can cause these.
  • Hypoglycemia

A sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This can happen if the dog has diabetes and it is unregulated or stress and poor nutrition can also cause it.

  • And Luxating Patellas
  • Floating kneecaps can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Ear infections are common.

Exercise and games

These are little dogs with a lot of energy and they burn up a lot of energy. They need to walk every day or have a full-blown play session in the house. They don’t need much space to play in.

shih tzu dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shih Tzu vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Shih Tzu vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shih Tzu vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Shih Tzu vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Shih Tzu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Shih Tzu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Shih Tzu vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Shih Tzu vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Shih Tzu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Shih Tzu vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Shih Tzu vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Shih Tzu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Shih Tzu vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Shih Tzu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Shih Tzu vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Shih Tzu vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Shih Tzu vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Shih Tzu vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Shih Tzu vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Chiweenie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chiweenie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Chiweenie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Chiweenie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chiweenie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chiweenie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chiweenie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chiweenie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chiweenie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chiweenie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chiweenie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chiweenie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chiweenie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chiweenie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chiweenie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chiweenie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chiweenie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chiweenie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chiweenie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chiweenie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chiweenie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chiweenie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chiweenie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chiweenie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chiweenie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison