Shih Tzu and Wiener Dog Mix: The Complete Dachshund-Shih Tzu Guide
Everything about the shih tzu and wiener dog mix: size, temperament, coat types, health risks, grooming needs, costs.
If you've been searching for a compact companion with outsized personality, the shih tzu and wiener dog mix — sometimes called a Schweenie or Shih Tzu Dachshund mix — might already be on your radar. This designer cross blends the affectionate, lap-loving nature of the Shih Tzu with the bold, curious spunk of the Dachshund (affectionately known as the wiener dog). The result is a small dog that tends to bond deeply with its people, but like all mixed breeds, individual puppies can vary significantly in appearance, temperament, and health profile.
This guide breaks down exactly what prospective owners should know — from the unpredictable genetics of first-generation crosses to realistic cost expectations and the health conditions this mix can inherit from both parent breeds. Whether you're browsing rescue listings or evaluating a breeder's litter, you'll have the framework to make an informed decision.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Shih Tzu Meets Dachshund
Understanding a mixed-breed dog starts with understanding its parents. The Shih Tzu and the Dachshund come from completely different breed groups and were developed for entirely different purposes, which is why their offspring can be such a genetic roll of the dice.
| Trait | Shih Tzu | Dachshund (Miniature) | Dachshund (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Toy | Hound | Hound |
| Weight Range | 9–16 lb (4–7 kg) | Under 11 lb (5 kg) | 16–32 lb (7–15 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) | 5–6 in (13–15 cm) | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) |
| Original Purpose | Companion / lap dog for Chinese royalty | Burrowing game hunter (badgers, rabbits) | Burrowing game hunter (badgers, wild boar) |
| Coat Types | Long, flowing double coat | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | Moderate |
| Typical Lifespan | 10–18 years | 12–16 years | 12–16 years |
| Barking Tendency | Moderate | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate (can be stubborn) | Moderate (independent thinker) | Moderate (independent thinker) |
The Shih Tzu was bred purely for companionship — these dogs spent centuries as pampered palace pets in China, and that heritage shows in their people-oriented, low-drive temperament. The Dachshund, by contrast, was engineered to chase prey into underground tunnels. That hunting instinct means even a tiny Dachshund carries a surprising amount of boldness, prey drive, and vocal alertness. When you cross these two, you're blending a "sit on my lap all day" dog with a "let me dig under the fence and chase that squirrel" dog. The resulting puppy can lean heavily toward either parent or land somewhere in the middle.
What Two Breeds Make Up This Mix?
The shih tzu and wiener dog mix is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund. Most commonly, breeders use a miniature Dachshund to keep the size manageable and consistent, though some litters involve standard Dachshunds, which produces a noticeably larger puppy. The Shih Tzu parent is almost always the dam (mother) in F1 litters because her slightly larger size reduces whelping complications compared to a miniature Dachshund carrying puppies sired by a larger breed.
Generation Terminology Explained
- F1 (First Generation): Direct cross of a purebred Shih Tzu × purebred Dachshund. Maximum genetic diversity, but highest trait variability — puppies in the same litter can look dramatically different.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Schweenie bred back to one of the parent breeds (usually the Shih Tzu to increase coat length and reduce shedding). Slightly more predictable coat type.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Schweenies bred together. This produces the widest range of variation — some puppies look almost pure Shih Tzu, others almost pure Dachshund. Geneticists call this "segregation."
Jonas Cole
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