Pekingese and Shih Tzu Mix: The Peke-a-Tzu Breed Guide

If you've fallen for a small, flat-faced dog with a luxurious coat and a stubborn streak, the Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix—commonly called the Peke-a-Tzu or Shinese—might be on your radar. This designer cross blends two ancient Chinese companion breeds into a compact, affectionate lap dog. But mixed breeds are inherently variable, and understanding what you might get requires looking closely at both parent breeds.

This guide breaks down the real-world traits, health considerations, grooming demands, and costs of owning a Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix so you can decide whether this cross is the right fit for your household.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Pekingese Meets Shih Tzu

Before evaluating the mix, it helps to understand the two purebreds behind it. Both the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu were bred as royal companions in China, but they diverge in meaningful ways.

Parent Breed Comparison: Pekingese vs. Shih Tzu

Trait	Pekingese	Shih Tzu
AKC Weight Range	Up to 14 lb (6.4 kg)	9–16 lb (4–7.3 kg)
Height at Withers	6–9 in (15–23 cm)	9–10.5 in (23–27 cm)
Coat	Long, straight, double coat with heavy mane	Long, flowing, double coat (slightly wavy)
Shedding	Moderate to heavy	Low to moderate (hair-like coat)
Temperament	Independent, aloof with strangers, dignified	Outgoing, friendly, playful
Trainability	Low—stubborn, strong-willed	Moderate—eager but easily distracted
Exercise Needs	Low (20–30 min/day)	Low to moderate (30–45 min/day)
Lifespan	12–14 years	10–18 years
Brachycephalic	Extremely (very flat face)	Moderately (short muzzle)

The Peke-a-Tzu inherits a blend of these traits, but which parent a given puppy favors is a genetic roll of the dice.

What Two Breeds Make Up This Mix? Understanding Generations

The Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between a purebred Pekingese and a purebred Shih Tzu. Unlike the heavily standardized "doodle" crosses, there is no established breed club or registry governing Peke-a-Tzu breeding, so generation terminology is less commonly used—but it still matters.

Size, Weight, and Physical Appearance

Because both parent breeds are small, the Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix stays firmly in the toy-to-small range. However, individual puppies can vary noticeably even within the same litter.

Peke-a-Tzu Size Range Estimates

Measurement	Minimum	Maximum	Most Common Range
Weight	7 lb (3.2 kg)	16 lb (7.3 kg)	9–14 lb (4–6.4 kg)
Height at Withers	6 in (15 cm)	11 in (28 cm)	8–10 in (20–25 cm)
Body Length (nose to tail base)	12 in (30 cm)	18 in (46 cm)	14–16 in (36–41 cm)

Puppies leaning toward the Pekingese parent tend to be stockier, lower to the ground, and heavier-boned. Those favoring the Shih Tzu are often slightly taller with a more balanced proportion. The muzzle length varies from extremely flat (Pekingese-influenced) to moderately short (Shih Tzu-influenced)—and this has direct health implications discussed below.

Coat Types, Colors, and the Hypoallergenic Question

This is where individual variation is most visible. The Pekingese carries genes for a straight, dense double coat with a prominent mane and feathered legs. The Shih Tzu carries genes for a long, slightly wavy double coat that grows continuously and resembles hair more than fur.

Coat Possibilities

• Straight and dense (Pekingese-dominant): Heavy undercoat, moderate to heavy seasonal shedding, pronounced ruff around the neck.
• Long and flowing (Shih Tzu-dominant): Less undercoat, lower shedding, continuous growth requiring regular trimming.
• Intermediate blend: Slight wave, moderate density, moderate shedding—the most common outcome in F1 litters.

Is the Peke-a-Tzu Hypoallergenic?

No mixed breed is truly hypoallergenic. While a Peke-a-Tzu that inherits the Shih Tzu's hair-like coat will shed less and may produce fewer airborne allergens, the Pekingese parent sheds moderately and produces normal levels of dander and saliva proteins (Can f 1 and Can f 2) that trigger allergies. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific puppy before committing, and understand that coat type can change as the dog matures.

Common coat colors include gold, cream, black, black-and-white, red sable, brindle, and parti-color (white with patches). The dark facial mask of the Pekingese may or may not appear.

Temperament Range: What to Expect

Temperament is where Pekingese and Shih Tzu mixes show the widest variation. The two parent breeds have genuinely different social styles, and a litter of Peke-a-Tzus can span the full spectrum.

Most Peke-a-Tzus land somewhere in the middle: affectionate with their family, mildly reserved with strangers, and possessed of a charming stubbornness. Early socialization (exposure to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and other animals between 8 and 16 weeks) significantly shapes outcomes regardless of genetic leaning.

Neither parent breed is known for high obedience drive. Use positive reinforcement methods—small food rewards, clicker training, and short sessions (5–8 minutes). Force-free training works best with brachycephalic breeds that can become stressed easily; never use prong collars, shock collars, or alpha rolls, which can cause physical harm and worsen fear-based behaviors.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

A common marketing claim is that designer mixes benefit from "hybrid vigor"—the idea that crossing two breeds automatically produces healthier dogs. The reality is more nuanced.

Hybrid vigor (heterosis) can reduce the risk of recessive genetic conditions that are common in one parent breed but rare in the other. However, when both parent breeds share the same health risks—as the Pekingese and Shih Tzu do—their mix is equally likely to inherit those conditions. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, inherited disorders are influenced by multiple genes, and crossbreeding does not eliminate polygenic conditions.

Shared Health Risks from Both Parent Breeds

Health Conditions to Screen For

Condition	Description	Prevalence Note	Screening / Prevention
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and compressed airways causing breathing difficulty, snoring, heat intolerance, and exercise limitation.	Very common in Pekingese; moderate in Shih Tzu. Peke-a-Tzu risk depends on muzzle length inherited.	Evaluate muzzle length and nostril width at 8 weeks. Avoid heat exposure. Surgical correction available if severe.
Patellar Luxation	Kneecap slips out of groove, causing intermittent skipping or lameness. Graded I–IV.	Affects an estimated 5–10% of small breeds.	OFA patella evaluation of parent dogs. Maintain lean body weight.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Disc degeneration or herniation compressing the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, or paralysis.	Both breeds have chondrodystrophic tendencies (disc degeneration).	Avoid jumping from furniture. Use ramps. Maintain healthy weight.
Eye Conditions (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Corneal Ulcers, Progressive Retinal Atrophy)	Dry eye, corneal damage from prominent eyes, and progressive vision loss.	Both breeds are predisposed to dry eye and corneal exposure due to shallow eye sockets.	Schirmer tear test annually. CERF/OFA eye exam for breeding stock.
Dental Disease	Crowded teeth in a small jaw leading to early periodontal disease, tooth loss, and systemic infection.	Extremely common in both breeds—most dogs show signs by age 3.	Daily tooth brushing. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia every 1–2 years.

Conditions More Common in One Parent

• From the Pekingese: Cardiac disease (mitral valve disease), hip dysplasia (unusual for size but documented).
• From the Shih Tzu: Renal dysplasia (abnormal kidney development), hepatic shunts (rare but documented).

Always consult your veterinarian about a breed-appropriate screening protocol. Ask any breeder for OFA or PennHIP documentation on parent dogs covering patellas, cardiac evaluation, and ophthalmologist exam. A responsible breeder will provide this voluntarily.

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming Requirements

Regardless of which coat type a Peke-a-Tzu inherits, grooming is a significant commitment:

• Brushing: Every 1–2 days with a slicker brush and metal comb. Mats form quickly behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
• Professional grooming: Every 4–6 weeks if kept in a longer coat, or every 6–8 weeks in a "puppy cut" (trimmed to 1–2 inches all over). Expect to pay $50–$85 per session depending on your area and coat condition.
• Eye care: Daily wiping of tear stains with a damp cloth or veterinary eye wipe. Monitor for redness, squinting, or discharge—brachycephalic breeds are prone to corneal ulcers from hair rubbing the eye surface.
• Facial fold cleaning: If the dog inherits the Pekingese's deeper facial wrinkles, clean folds 2–3 times per week with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent fold dermatitis (yeast/bacterial infection).
• Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Small dogs often don't wear nails down naturally.
• Ear cleaning: Weekly check and clean with a veterinary ear cleanser—drop-eared breeds trap moisture.

Exercise Needs

The Peke-a-Tzu is a low-energy companion. Plan for:

• 20–40 minutes of total daily activity, split into 2–3 short walks (10–15 minutes each).
• Indoor play sessions with soft toys or food puzzles for mental stimulation.
• Avoid exercise in heat. Brachycephalic dogs overheat rapidly. Walk during early morning or evening when temperatures are below 75°F (24°C). Use a harness—not a collar—to reduce pressure on the trachea.

Feeding Considerations

Feed a small-breed formula kibble or wet food that meets AAFCO complete-and-balanced standards. Most Peke-a-Tzus eat ¼ to ½ cup of dry food per day, split into two meals. Monitor body condition score (BCS)—aim for ribs easily felt but not visible, with a visible waist from above. Obesity worsens both BOAS and IVDD risk.

Cost and Where to Find a Peke-a-Tzu

Puppy Pricing

Peke-a-Tzu Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Source	Price Range	What's Typically Included
Responsible small-scale breeder	$800–$2,000	Health-tested parents, first vaccinations, deworming, microchip, health guarantee, spay/neuter contract
Online marketplace / casual breeder	$400–$900	Variable—often no health testing, minimal vet care. Higher risk of undisclosed conditions.
Breed-specific rescue or shelter	$150–$450	Spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, behavioral assessment. Adult dogs more common than puppies.

First-Year Ownership Costs

Beyond the purchase price, budget for:

• Veterinary exams and vaccinations: $300–$600
• Spay/neuter (if not included): $300–$700
• Grooming (6–8 sessions/year): $300–$680
• Food and treats: $250–$500
• Dental cleaning (if needed): $500–$1,200
• Supplies (harness, crate, bed, toys): $150–$300
• Pet insurance (optional but recommended): $300–$600/year

Estimated first-year total: $2,400–$5,000+ depending on health needs and your region.

For adoption, check ASPCA's adoptable pet search, local Shih Tzu or Pekingese breed rescues, and Petfinder. Mixed-breed adults are often available when owners can no longer care for them—adopting an adult lets you see the dog's full-grown size, coat type, and established temperament.

Who Is the Peke-a-Tsu Best Suited For?

This mix works well for:

• Apartment dwellers—low exercise needs and small size adapt well to limited space.
• Older adults or retirees—a calm companion that doesn't require vigorous activity.
• Families with older, gentle children (ages 8+)—Peke-a-Tzus are fragile and may snap if handled roughly by toddlers.
• Single-dog households or homes with other calm, small pets.
• Owners who enjoy grooming or can budget for regular professional grooming.

This mix is a poor fit for:

• Households with very young children who may drop or squeeze a small dog.
• Hot climates without reliable air conditioning (BOAS risk).
• Owners seeking an off-leash hiking companion or jog partner.
• Anyone unwilling to commit to frequent grooming.
• First-time owners who want a highly obedient, easily trained dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big will a Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix get?

Most Peke-a-Tzus weigh between 9 and 14 pounds (4–6.4 kg) and stand 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm) tall at the shoulder. However, the range can extend from 7 to 16 pounds depending on which parent the puppy favors. Ask the breeder for parent weights to estimate your puppy's adult size.

Is the Pekingese and Shih Tzu mix low-shedding?

It depends on the coat inherited. A Shih Tzu-leaning coat sheds minimally, while a Pekingese-leaning coat sheds moderately year-round with heavier seasonal blows. There is no way to guarantee coat type in an F1 cross before the puppy matures.

What is the typical lifespan of a Peke-a-Tzu?

Expect 12 to 15 years on average, with some living to 16 or 17 with excellent dental care, weight management, and regular veterinary checkups.

Are Peke-a-Tzus good with other dogs?

Generally yes, especially when socialized early. The Shih Tzu influence tends to make them more sociable, while Pekingese-leaning individuals may prefer being the only pet. Introduce new dogs gradually on neutral territory.

Do Peke-a-Tzus bark a lot?

They are moderate barkers—more alert-oriented than yappy. They'll announce visitors but typically settle once the initial excitement passes. Excessive barking usually signals boredom or insufficient mental stimulation.

Can I leave a Peke-a-Tzu alone during the day?

These dogs are companion-bred and prone to separation distress if left alone for long periods. They do best with someone home most of the day or with a gradual alone-time training protocol. Four to five hours is typically the maximum before anxiety behaviors emerge.