Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix: Complete Peke-A-Tzu Breed Guide

If you've spent any time researching small companion dogs, you've likely encountered the Shih Tzu Pekingese mix — sometimes called the Peke-A-Tzu, Shinese, or Peke-Tzu. This designer cross pairs two ancient Chinese companion breeds, and the result is a small, affectionate dog with a big personality wrapped in a flowing coat. But unlike purebred dogs with predictable breed standards, mixed breeds come with a genetic grab bag. Before you commit to a Peke-A-Tzu puppy or rescue, here's a thorough, evidence-based breakdown of what to expect.

Parent Breeds: Shih Tzu and Pekingese at a Glance

Understanding any designer mix starts with its foundation breeds. Both the Shih Tzu and the Pekingese trace their origins to Chinese imperial courts, where they were bred exclusively as lap companions for royalty. Despite their shared heritage, they differ in meaningful ways that influence what a crossbreed might look and act like.

The Shih Tzu tends to be the more sociable and adaptable of the two, while the Pekingese carries a more aloof, cat-like independence. Your mix will land somewhere on this spectrum — exactly where is the million-dollar question.

How Big Will a Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix Get?

Because both parent breeds fall into the Toy category, the Peke-A-Tzu stays compact. However, individual size can vary more than you'd expect from two similarly sized breeds.

Most Peke-A-Tzus settle in the 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) range by 10–12 months of age. Males tend toward the upper end, females toward the lower, but this is not guaranteed. A puppy that takes after the Pekingese parent will likely be shorter and stockier, while one favoring the Shih Tzu side may be slightly taller with a lighter frame.

Coat, Color, and the Shedding Question

The coat your Shih Tzu Pekingese mix inherits is one of the most variable traits in this cross. Here's what's possible:

• Shih Tzu-dominant coat: Longer, silkier, hair-like texture that grows continuously and sheds minimally. Requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.
• Pekingese-dominant coat: Coarser outer guard hairs over a dense, soft undercoat. Moderate to heavy seasonal shedding. Requires brushing 3–4 times per week minimum, with extra attention during spring and fall blow-out periods.
• Blended coat: Many Peke-A-Tzus land somewhere in between — a medium-length coat with moderate shedding and a texture that's neither fully silky nor fully coarse.

Is the Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and the Peke-A-Tzu is no exception. If your dog inherits the Shih Tzu's hair-like coat, it will likely be lower-shedding and may produce fewer airborne allergens. If it inherits the Pekingese double coat, expect noticeable shedding and more dander distribution. You won't know which coat type a puppy will develop until it matures — coat texture often changes between 6 and 12 months.

Common coat colors include gold, cream, black, white, red, sable, and various parti-color (two-tone) combinations. Black masks and dark facial markings from the Pekingese side are common.

Temperament: What to Expect From a Peke-A-Tzu

Temperament in mixed breeds is inherently less predictable than in purebreds. The Peke-A-Tzu can inherit any combination of its parents' behavioral tendencies, and environment and socialization play a massive role in the outcome.

Best-Case Scenario

Your Peke-A-Tzu inherits the Shih Tzu's friendly, outgoing nature combined with the Pekingese's calm dignity. The result: a dog that's affectionate with family, reasonably welcoming to guests, content to curl up on your lap, and playful enough to enjoy short interactive sessions. These dogs thrive as companions for apartment dwellers, retirees, and families with older, gentle children.

Challenging Scenario

If the Pekingese independence dominates, your dog may be aloof with strangers, strongly bonded to one person, and resistant to training. Pekingese were bred to be opinionated palace dogs, and that stubbornness can show up as ignoring recall commands, refusing to walk on leash in unfamiliar places, or resource-guarding favorite spots and people. Early socialization (between 8 and 16 weeks) is critical — expose your puppy to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and handling using positive reinforcement methods. Force-free training works best; aversive techniques like shock collars or alpha rolls will damage trust and increase fear-based behaviors in sensitive toy breeds.

Barking and Alert Behavior

Both parent breeds can be vocal. Shih Tzus tend to bark at doorbells and visitors; Pekingese are natural watchdogs who announce anything unusual. Expect a Peke-A-Tzu that will alert you to arrivals but isn't typically a nuisance barker if its exercise and attention needs are met.

Health Considerations: What a Peke-A-Tzu May Inherit

Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly. The idea that mixed-breed dogs are automatically healthier than purebreds is oversimplified. While genetic diversity can reduce the risk of certain recessive disorders, a cross between two brachycephalic toy breeds still carries significant inherited health risks from both sides. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that many structural health issues are shared across related breeds and are not eliminated by crossing.

Recommended Health Screenings

If you're purchasing from a breeder, ask for documentation that both parent dogs have been screened for:

• OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation
• OFA patella evaluation
• Canine ophthalmologist eye exam (CERF/OFA)
• Cardiac exam

These screenings don't guarantee a healthy puppy, but they significantly reduce risk. A breeder who cannot provide these results is not following responsible breeding practices.

Grooming and Daily Care Requirements

Grooming needs depend heavily on which coat type your Peke-A-Tzu inherits, but plan for a meaningful commitment either way.

Coat Care

• Brushing: Minimum 3 times per week for shorter/coarser coats; daily for long, silky coats. Use a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to catch tangles near the skin.
• Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks using a dog-specific, pH-balanced shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and causes dry skin.
• Professional grooming: Every 4–8 weeks depending on coat length. A "puppy cut" (trimmed to 1–2 inches) dramatically reduces maintenance for owners who don't want daily brushing. Expect to pay $50–$85 per session in most US markets as of 2026.
• Matting risk: High. Mats form quickly behind ears, under legs, and around the collar area. Never try to cut mats out with scissors — use a dematting tool or see a groomer.

Face and Eye Care

The flat face and prominent eyes of a Peke-A-Tzu require daily attention:

• Facial folds: Wipe the skin folds around the nose and eyes daily with a damp cloth or veterinary-recommended wipe to prevent fold dermatitis (yeast/bacterial infection in skin creases).
• Eyes: Check daily for discharge, redness, or squinting. Brachycephalic breeds are prone to corneal ulcers from scratches (even from their own coat). Keep hair trimmed around the eyes.
• Staining: Tear staining (reddish-brown marks under the eyes) is common. Daily wiping helps; commercial tear stain removers can assist but consult your vet before using any product near the eyes.

Nails, Ears, and Teeth

• Nails: Trim every 2–3 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
• Ears: Check weekly; clean with a vet-approved ear cleanser if waxy buildup appears. Floppy-eared individuals are more prone to ear infections.
• Teeth: Brush daily with enzymatic dog toothpaste. Toy breeds are among the most dentally compromised — by age 3, an estimated 80% of small dogs show signs of periodontal disease according to the AVMA. Budget for professional dental cleanings ($300–$800 per procedure, typically needed every 1–2 years).

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Multigen

Cost Breakdown: Buying, Adopting, and Annual Care

Breeder vs. Rescue

Peke-A-Tzus are not as commonly bred as Doodle mixes, so availability from breeders may be limited depending on your region. Search for breeders who perform the health screenings listed above, provide a written health guarantee, and require a take-back clause (meaning they'll take the dog back at any point if you can't keep it).

Rescue is an equally valid path. Small-breed mixes frequently appear in shelters and breed-specific rescues (Shih Tzu and Pekingese rescues sometimes take in crosses). Adopting an adult Peke-A-Tzu lets you see the actual coat type, temperament, and size — eliminating much of the guesswork of a puppy. Check Petfinder.com or reach out to local small-dog rescue organizations.

Who Is the Peke-A-Tzu Best Suited For?

This mix is not a one-size-fits-all dog. Based on the traits inherited from both parent breeds, here's an honest assessment of ideal and less-ideal living situations:

Great Fit For:

• Apartment and condo dwellers: Small size and moderate indoor energy make this dog well-suited to smaller spaces. No yard required — two 15–20 minute walks daily plus indoor play is sufficient.
• Retirees and work-from-home owners: Peke-A-Tzus are companion dogs who do poorly with long hours alone. They thrive with someone home most of the day.
• Families with children aged 8+: These dogs are small and fragile. Toddlers and young children can accidentally injure them through rough handling. Older children who understand gentle interaction do well.
• First-time dog owners (with preparation): The Peke-A-Tzu's moderate trainability is manageable for beginners who commit to positive reinforcement training classes and early socialization.
• Multi-pet households: Generally good with other dogs and cats if socialized early. Not recommended with very large, boisterous dogs that could accidentally injure them.

Less Ideal For:

• Hot climates without reliable air conditioning: Brachycephalic breeds are at serious risk of heatstroke above 80°F (27°C).
• Owners wanting an off-leash hiking companion: This is a short-legged, flat-faced dog with limited stamina and poor heat tolerance. It's a companion, not a sport dog.
• People seeking a highly trainable dog: If you want a dog that excels at agility, obedience trials, or complex tricks, look to breeds with higher working drive.
• Allergy-sensitive households: Unless the individual dog has a confirmed low-shedding coat, this mix is not reliably low-allergen.

Exercise and Training Essentials

Peke-A-Tzus need daily activity but in modest doses. Aim for:

• Walks: Two 15–20 minute walks per day, preferably in cool morning and evening hours.
• Indoor play: 10–15 minutes of interactive play (tug, fetch down a hallway, puzzle toys) to provide mental stimulation.
• Total daily exercise: 30–45 minutes of combined activity. This is not a high-energy breed — overexertion, especially in heat, can be dangerous.

For training, use high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken) and keep sessions short — 5 minutes maximum for puppies, 10 minutes for adults. Both parent breeds can be stubborn, and long sessions lead to disengagement. Reward-based methods (positive reinforcement) work best. If you're struggling with leash pulling or reactivity, consult a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) who uses force-free methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Shih Tzu Pekingese mix?

The Peke-A-Tzu is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Pekingese — both Toy-group breeds originating from Chinese imperial courts. The Shih Tzu was bred as a palace companion in Tibet and China, while the Pekingese was exclusive to the Chinese imperial family in Beijing.

How big will my Shih Tzu Pekingese mix get?

Most Peke-A-Tzus weigh between 8 and 12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) and stand 7–10 inches (18–25 cm) at the shoulder when fully grown. The full range extends from 7 to 16 lb (3.2–7.3 kg) depending on which parent's size genes dominate.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect a range from friendly and outgoing (Shih Tzu-leaning) to independent and reserved (Pekingese-leaning). Most Peke-A-Tzus are affectionate with their family, moderately friendly with strangers, and can be stubborn during training. Early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement shape temperament significantly.

Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

Not reliably. If your dog inherits the Shih Tzu's hair-like coat, shedding will be minimal. If it inherits the Pekingese double coat, expect moderate to heavy shedding. You cannot predict coat type in a puppy — it often becomes apparent between 6 and 12 months of age.

What health issues might this mix inherit?

The primary concerns are brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), patellar luxation, eye injuries and conditions, and early-onset dental disease. Both parent breeds share these risks, so crossing them does not eliminate them. Always consult your veterinarian for breed-appropriate screening and preventive care.

How much does a Shih Tzu Pekingese mix cost?

Puppies from breeders typically range from $500 to $1,800 depending on breeder reputation, location, and health testing. Adoption fees from rescues range from $150 to $500. First-year total costs (including vet care, grooming, food, and supplies) typically fall between $2,500 and $4,500.

Can Peke-A-Tzus be left alone during the day?

They tolerate short alone periods (2–4 hours) reasonably well if properly crate trained, but they are companion breeds that can develop separation anxiety if left alone for 8+ hours daily. Doggy daycare or a midday walker helps significantly for owners who work outside the home.

Do Shih Tzu Pekingese mixes get along with cats?

Generally yes, especially if raised together or introduced gradually. Neither parent breed has a strong prey drive. Supervise initial introductions and provide the cat with escape routes and high spaces.