Dachshund Cross Breed Shih Tzu: Complete Mixed Breed Guide

The Dachshund cross breed Shih Tzu — sometimes called a "Schweenie" or "Shih Tzu-Dachshund mix" — pairs the bold, burrowing instincts of a scent hound with the affectionate companionship of an ancient toy breed. The result is a small, expressive dog that bonds intensely with its people, but this mix carries real variability in coat, body structure, and personality that prospective owners need to understand before committing.

Unlike purebred dogs governed by an AKC breed standard, designer crosses like this one have no uniform blueprint. Two puppies from the same litter can look and behave quite differently. This guide breaks down what you can reasonably expect — and where surprises are likely.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Dachshund Meets Shih Tzu

Understanding each parent breed is essential because any individual mix can lean heavily toward one side. Here's how the two foundation breeds compare across the traits that matter most to owners.

Parent Breed Comparison

Trait	Dachshund	Shih Tzu
AKC Group	Hound	Toy
Weight Range	8–32 lb (3.6–14.5 kg) depending on miniature vs. standard	9–16 lb (4–7.3 kg)
Height at Shoulder	5–9 in (13–23 cm)	8–11 in (20–28 cm)
Coat Types	Smooth, longhaired, wirehaired	Long, flowing double coat
Shedding Level	Low to moderate (varies by coat type)	Low shedding, high maintenance
Energy Level	Moderate — bursts of intensity	Low to moderate
Trainability	Independent, scent-driven, can be stubborn	Willing but easily distracted
Original Purpose	Badger hunting (burrowing prey)	Lap companion to Chinese royalty
Typical Lifespan	12–16 years	10–18 years

The Dachshund contributes tenacity, a strong prey drive, and a tendency to vocalize. The Shih Tzu contributes sociability, a lower prey drive, and a strong desire for physical closeness. Which traits dominate in your dog depends partly on genetics and partly on early socialization and training.

How Big Will a Dachshund Cross Breed Shih Tzu Get?

Most Schweenies fall into the small-dog category, but the range is wider than you might expect because the Dachshund parent could be miniature or standard-sized.

Schweenie Size Range Estimates

Size Class	Weight	Height at Shoulder	Likely Parentage
Small	8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)	7–9 in (18–23 cm)	Miniature Dachshund × Shih Tzu
Medium	12–20 lb (5.4–9 kg)	9–12 in (23–30 cm)	Standard Dachshund × Shih Tzu

Body shape is equally variable. Some individuals inherit the Dachshund's elongated spine and short legs (chondrodysplastic structure), while others have the Shih Tzu's more proportional build with slightly longer legs. Many land somewhere in between — a moderately long body with moderately short legs. This structural variation has direct health implications, which we'll cover below.

Generations Explained: F1, F1B, and Beyond

Most Schweenies available through breeders or rescue are F1 crosses. The F1 generation tends to produce the widest variety of outcomes, which is actually beneficial from a genetic diversity standpoint but means you can't predict exactly what you'll get. If a breeder advertises F1B or multigen Schweenies, ask for documentation of parentage — responsible breeders will share health test results for both parent dogs.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)

The Schweenie temperament is where the parent breeds create the most interesting — and sometimes challenging — combinations. Neither parent breed is known for biddable, eager-to-please obedience, so set realistic expectations.

Best-Case Temperament Profile

A well-socialized Schweenie inherits the Shih Tzu's outgoing friendliness and the Dachshund's alert curiosity. These dogs are devoted companions who follow their people room to room, greet visitors with enthusiasm rather than fear, and show a playful, sometimes clownish side during interactive games. They tend to be good with respectful children and can coexist with other household pets when introduced properly.

Challenging Temperament Scenarios

Some individuals inherit the Dachshund's wariness of strangers combined with a strong territorial bark. Others may display the breed's legendary stubbornness during training sessions, choosing to sniff or dig rather than comply with cues. Resource guarding — particularly of food, toys, or favored people — appears in both parent breeds at higher-than-average rates and can surface in the cross.

Training Approach

Force-free, positive reinforcement methods are essential for this mix. Both Dachshunds and Shih Tzus shut down under harsh handling or aversive tools. Use high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver or boiled chicken), keep sessions under 5 minutes, and train in low-distraction environments before adding challenges. A well-fitted harness — not a collar — is strongly recommended due to the spinal vulnerability this mix may inherit.

Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming Requirements

Coat outcome depends entirely on which parent's genes dominate. There are three realistic coat possibilities:

Coat Type Possibilities

Coat Type	Inherited From	Texture	Shedding	Grooming Frequency
Short/Smooth	Smooth Dachshund	Sleek, close-lying	Low to moderate	Weekly brushing
Medium/Wavy	Longhaired Dachshund or mixed expression	Silky with slight wave	Moderate	Brushing 2–3× per week
Long/Flowing	Shih Tzu	Fine, dense, prone to matting	Low (hair vs. fur)	Daily brushing + professional groom every 6–8 weeks

Is the Dachshund Cross Breed Shih Tzu Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. If your Schweenie inherits the Shih Tzu's hair-like coat, it will shed less and may produce fewer allergens in the environment. However, if it inherits the Dachshund's fur coat, you'll see seasonal shedding. People with dog allergies should spend time with the specific dog before committing — individual variation matters more than breed generalizations.

Grooming Essentials by Coat Type

• Smooth coat: Rubber curry brush weekly, bath every 4–6 weeks, nail trims every 2–3 weeks.
• Wavy coat: Slicker brush and metal comb 2–3 times weekly, professional trimming every 8–10 weeks.
• Long coat: Daily line-brushing with a pin brush and detangling spray, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks (expect $50–$80 per session depending on your area), regular ear cleaning to prevent infections in drop ears.

Regardless of coat type, pay attention to the face. If your dog inherits the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic (short-muzzled) structure, daily facial wrinkle cleaning with a soft damp cloth or veterinary-recommended wipe prevents moisture-related skin infections.

Health Considerations: What This Mix May Inherit

Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly: crossing two purebreds does not guarantee a healthier dog. While mixed-breed dogs can benefit from a broader gene pool, they can inherit any condition present in either parent breed. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that many hereditary conditions are controlled by recessive genes that both parents may silently carry.

Conditions to Watch For

Health Risks by Parent Breed Origin

Condition	Origin	What to Watch For	Prevalence Note
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Dachshund	Back pain, reluctance to jump, hind limb weakness or paralysis	Dachshunds have a 10–12× higher IVDD risk than average breeds; risk depends on how much chondrodysplasia the mix inherits
Patellar Luxation	Both breeds	Skipping gait, intermittent hind leg lameness	Common in small breeds; estimated 5–7% prevalence in toy breeds
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Shih Tzu	Snoring, exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, heat sensitivity	Only relevant if the mix inherits a shortened muzzle
Dental Disease	Both breeds	Bad breath, red gums, tooth loss, difficulty eating	Extremely common in small breeds — often begins by age 2–3 without preventive care
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Both breeds	Night blindness progressing to total vision loss	Both parent breeds carry PRA-associated genes; DNA testing available
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)	Shih Tzu	Thick eye discharge, redness, squinting	Shih Tzus have elevated prevalence; requires lifelong medication if inherited

IVDD Prevention: The #1 Priority

If your Schweenie has an elongated body, protecting the spine is your most important daily task. According to research published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, approximately 25% of Dachshunds will experience IVDD in their lifetime, and the cross may carry similar risk depending on body structure.

Practical prevention steps:

• Use a harness — never attach a leash to a neck collar.
• Provide pet ramps or stairs for furniture access (budget $30–$70 for a quality foam ramp).
• Prevent jumping on and off high surfaces — couches and beds are the most common injury sites.
• Maintain lean body condition: a body condition score (BCS) of 4–5 out of 9 reduces spinal load significantly.
• Avoid activities that compress the spine, such as walking on hind legs or navigating steep stairs repeatedly.

Recommended Health Screenings

Ask your breeder whether both parent dogs were screened for:

• Patellar luxation evaluation (OFA or equivalent)
• Ophthalmologist evaluation (CERF/OFA eye exam)
• PRA DNA test
• Cardiac evaluation

For your own dog, schedule annual veterinary exams with specific attention to dental health, weight management, and orthopedic assessment. Consult your veterinarian about an appropriate vaccination and preventive care schedule for your region.

Exercise and Enrichment Needs

Despite their small size, Schweenies need structured daily activity. The Dachshund side contributes a working-dog drive that, without outlets, turns into nuisance digging, excessive barking, or destructive chewing.

• Daily walks: 20–40 minutes total, split into two sessions. Use a front-clip harness to reduce pulling and spinal strain.
• Scent games: Hide treats in snuffle mats or around the yard to satisfy the hound's nose-driven brain. A $15–$25 snuffle mat provides 15–20 minutes of mental enrichment.
• Short training sessions: 3–5 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Teach tricks, practice recall, or work on loose-leash walking.
• Indoor play: Tug toys, puzzle feeders, and flirt poles (used carefully to avoid spinal twisting) help burn energy on bad-weather days.

Avoid high-impact activities like agility jumping or frisbee, which stress the long spine. If your dog has a more Shih Tzu-like build, they may tolerate low jumps, but err on the side of caution.

Cost: What You'll Spend on a Dachshund Shih Tzu Mix

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)	Notes
Puppy from a breeder	$500–$1,500	Lower end for small-scale breeders; higher end for health-tested parents with guarantees
Adoption from rescue	$150–$400	Includes initial vaccinations and spay/neuter in most cases
First-year veterinary care	$400–$800	Vaccinations, spay/neuter, heartworm test, fecal exam, baseline bloodwork
Annual ongoing veterinary care	$300–$600	Wellness exam, vaccines, dental cleaning, parasite prevention
Professional grooming (if long coat)	$300–$650/year	$50–$80 per session, every 6–8 weeks
Food (quality small-breed kibble)	$200–$400/year	Look for AAFCO complete-and-balanced statement
Pet insurance (recommended)	$30–$55/month	Especially valuable given IVDD surgical risk
Supplies (first year)	$200–$400	Harness, crate, ramp, bed, bowls, grooming tools

Pet insurance is particularly worth considering for this mix. A single IVDD surgery can cost $3,000–$8,000, and policies that cover hereditary conditions typically run $35–$50 per month for a small dog. Enroll before any symptoms appear — pre-existing conditions are excluded by virtually all providers.

Who Should Consider This Mix?

The Schweenie is a strong fit for:

• Apartment dwellers who want a small companion dog with moderate energy — they adapt well to smaller spaces if given daily walks and enrichment.
• Adults or families with older children (age 8+) who understand how to handle a small, long-backed dog gently. Toddlers and young children may accidentally injure a Schweenie through rough play.
• Work-from-home owners — this mix tends to bond closely and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for 8+ hours regularly.
• First-time dog owners who are willing to invest in positive reinforcement training classes and commit to daily grooming (for long-coated individuals).
• Multi-pet households with cats or other small dogs, provided early socialization occurs — though the Dachshund prey drive means introductions to small animals like rabbits or hamsters should be supervised carefully.

This mix may not be ideal for:

• Families with very young children who may drop or squeeze a small dog.
• Owners seeking a highly obedient, off-leash-reliable dog — the hound instincts make recall challenging in distracting environments.
• People who are away from home for long stretches without a dog walker or sitter arrangement.
• Those unwilling to manage weight carefully and protect the spine proactively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up this mix?

The Dachshund cross breed Shih Tzu is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between a purebred Dachshund and a purebred Shih Tzu. The Dachshund is a German-origin hound bred for badger hunting, while the Shih Tzu is a Chinese-origin toy breed developed as a companion dog for nobility.

How big will this mixed breed get?

Most Schweenies weigh between 8 and 20 lb (3.6–9 kg) and stand 7–12 inches (18–30 cm) at the shoulder. The exact size depends on whether the Dachshund parent was miniature or standard and which parent's build the puppy inherits.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect an affectionate, alert companion that bonds strongly with its people. The mix tends to be friendly but can inherit Dachshund stubbornness, wariness of strangers, or a tendency to bark at perceived intrusions. Early socialization between 8–16 weeks is critical for shaping a confident, well-adjusted adult.

Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Schweenies that inherit the Shih Tzu's hair-type coat shed minimally and may be better tolerated by allergy sufferers. Those that inherit the Dachshund's fur coat will shed moderately, especially during seasonal changes. You won't know the coat type for certain until the puppy is 8–12 weeks old.

What health issues might this mix inherit?

The most significant concern is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), particularly if the dog has an elongated body. Other conditions include patellar luxation, dental disease, progressive retinal atrophy, brachycephalic airway issues (if short-muzzled), and dry eye. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential — consult your veterinarian about a screening schedule appropriate for your dog's build.

How much does this designer mix cost?

Expect to pay $500–$1,500 from a breeder, with the higher end reflecting health-tested parent dogs, written health guarantees, and early socialization programs. Adoption through breed-specific rescues (Dachshund or Shih Tzu rescues sometimes take in mixes) typically costs $150–$400. First-year expenses including veterinary care, supplies, and grooming range from $1,200–$3,000 depending on coat type and your location.

Where can I find a Dachshund cross breed Shih Tzu?

Check ASPCA-affiliated shelters, local humane societies, and breed-specific rescues. If seeking a breeder, prioritize those who health-test both parent dogs, allow you to meet the parents, provide a written contract with a return policy, and raise puppies in a home environment with early neurological stimulation. Avoid pet stores and online sellers who cannot provide parent health documentation.