In the world of designer doggies, we hear about unusual mixes every day. One of the unlikeliest of pairings that actually works really well is that Bulldog Shih Tzu mix. Something about the combination of the Bulldog’s gentle nature and the Shih Tzu’s feistiness just works.
A Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is a mixed breed dog developed from breeding between an English Bulldog and a Shih Tzu. The fact that these two purebred parents are so physically different creates many different options of what the resulting mix will end up looking like.
The differing personalities also make it difficult to always accurately predict the temperament of the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix.
However, in the sections below we shall go through some of these likely outcomes in terms of personality traits, physical appearance, and care needs for a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix. That way, you will at least have an idea of what you are in for with these doggies.
What Does A Bulldog And A Shih Tzu Look Like Together?
The combination of Bulldogs and Shih Tzus makes for a very unpredictable mixed doggy. This is because the two dogs are very different in terms of their physical characteristics.
The Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is sometimes referred to as a Bull Shih and will usually result in a dog that takes dominant traits from either parent. Here is a look at some of these possible physical features that your Bull Shih mix may have.
Build And Proportions
The Bulldog Shih Tzu mixed dog more often than not takes after the stocky and muscular build of a Bulldog. They are proportionately built which is a feature that is best appreciated if the dog has a short coat like the Bulldog’s.
Weight And Height
A Bulldog Shih Tzu mix can weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 lbs which is much heavier than the Shih Tzu but lighter than a bulldog.
In terms of height, the Bull Shih also falls between both parents averaging 10 to 14 inches in height.
Coat Type And Color
The Bull Shih may inherit the long, silky coat like a Shih Tzu or the shorter and dense coat of a Bulldog. If it is the former, the coat may not necessarily grow as long as the purebred Shih Tzu’s and may also be a bit wavy as opposed to silky and straight.
The colors vary greatly with some of the common being red, white, fawn, brown, and black. These are often in pairs with a combination of white and a dark color.
Face And Skull Features
Both the Shih Tzu and Bulldog have very short snouts. However, the Bulldog has a more exaggeratedly flat face which the Bull Shih may or may not end up inheriting.
Both purebred parents have droopy ears which may either be short in the case of the Bulldog or a bit larger and longer for the Shih Tzu. The Bull Shih could inherit either of these ear types.
How Long Do Bulldog Shih Tzu Mixes Live?
On average, a Bulldog Shih Tzu can live for 10 to 18 years.
For some perspective, Bulldogs usually live for 8 to 10 years while Shih Tzus can live for up to 18 years as they are generally healthier.
As a mixed-breed dog, the Bulldog Shih Tzu is typically healthier than either purebred parent. However, there are some common health issues that you may have to look out for. Here are 5 of the most important of these.
Airway Obstruction
Airway obstruction is common in Bulldog Shih Tzus that inherit the brachycephalic features of the Bulldog breed. The obstruction and difficulty breathing are worst when the dog is active and in hot weather.
Obesity
The Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is prone to developing obesity. This is as a result of a combination of genetics, their exercise restrictions imposed for their safety, and their very large appetite. A healthy and balanced diet is the best way to prevent this condition.
Eye Diseases
The Bulldog Shih Tzu mix has very large eyes that protrude from the eye sockets. This exposes them to trauma as well as dryness and irritation of the cornea.
Furthermore, the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is also likely to develop eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy that are both marked by progressive worsening of vision.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilaginous discs in the spinal column.
Their progressive wearing down results in compression of nerves which could have all sorts of consequences from chronic pain to reduced limb functionality.
How To Take Care Of Bulldog Shih Tzu Mixes?
Frankly speaking, Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes are somewhat high maintenance. This is largely due to the fact that their build and potential features like the brachycephalic head structure makes them prone to several health issues.
This means that you have your work cut out for you as far as taking good care of these doggies goes. Fortunately, taking care of a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix can be relatively easy especially if you know what you are doing.
Here are a few pointers to get you on the right track when it comes to basic care of a Bulldog Shih Tzu mixed breed dog.
Regular But Moderate Exercise
Exercise is crucial to proper care of Bulldog Shih Tzus as they are prone to developing obesity. However, too much exercise is bad for the dogs as they easily run out of breath and are not always efficient when it comes to dealing with heat.
For your Bulldog Shih Tzu mix’s sake, keep the exercise sessions between 20 to 30 minutes a day.
A Healthy And Balanced Diet
Given the Bulldog Shih Tzu’s exercise restrictions, a healthy diet may be your best chance at keeping them at an acceptable weight range. This means feeding your pooch high quality dog food in appropriate amounts of about 1 to 2 cups every day.
For quality and balance, we recommend Pet Plate as they use vet approved recipes with real ingredients.
Finally, top this diet off with some multivitamin supplements to ensure that your Bulldog Shih Tzu doggy has a truly balanced diet.
Regular Grooming
Regular grooming will not only help keep your Bulldog Shih Tzu looking clean and smelling fresh but it will also help prevent health issues like skin, dental, and ear infections.
A great tip you could use is investing in dental water additives for dogs to help keep your pooch’s breath fresh and their mouth’s clean. Also make sure to clean their eyes every day and their ears every week or two.
Is A Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix Aggressive? Temperaments Of Bulldog Shih Tzu Mixes
Bulldogs are known for their laid back and docile nature. Shih Tzus on the other hand are spunky little doggies that love attention and affection. The Bulldog Shih Tzu mix takes after the best and some of the not-so-desirable personality traits from both parents.
For some perspective on what you can expect from your Bulldog Shih Tzu in terms of temperament, here are some of the mixed breed’s most common personality traits.
Calm
Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes take after their Bulldog parents in terms of their docile and laid-back nature. They are also very gentle which makes them great dogs for homes with children.
Playful
Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes love to have fun and can be very goofy. They are fantastic companions and will ensure that you never feel bored or lonely.
Loyal
The kind of bond that Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes have with their owners and other human friends is unlike anything that you will see with most dogs out there. They remain loyal for life which is probably why they are so popular.
Affectionate
Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes are very good at showing their love for their human companions. These affectionate dogs will cuddle all your worries away and love nothing more than playing the lapdog role.
Active
For the most part, Bulldog Shih Tzus are not the most athletic of dog breeds. However, they are quite active and lively which is a part of their goofy charm. They also have a lazy, couch potato side which you should discourage to avoid health issues like obesity.
Do Bulldog Shih Tzu Mixes Shed? Grooming Tips For Bulldog Shih Tzu Mixes
The Bulldog Shih Tzu mix may or may not end up being hypoallergenic. The outcome depends on which coat type they take after. Those that take after the long and silky coat of a Shih Tzu are hypoallergenic and shed very little.
On the other hand, Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes that inherit the Bulldog’s coat will not be hypoallergenic and in fact shed quite a lot.
Whatever the case, regular coat grooming is an important part of a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix’s care. Here are the 3 most important steps in coat care for these mixed doggies.
Brush 2 To 3 Times A Week
Whether or not your Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is hypoallergenic, you have to brush their fur regularly to get rid of any loose fur. This practice also helps with detangling especially with long-haired Bulldog Shih Tzu mixed dogs.
We recommend you try the Furminator Undercoat Tool that will work on any of the two coat type options on a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix.
Wash Every 1 To 2 Months
English Bulldogs are notoriously stinky which is a trait that they may pass to their Bulldog Shih Tzu mixed offspring. This is something that a regular bath with a high quality shampoo like Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo And Conditioner will help prevent.
This shampoo is particularly useful for Bulldog Shih Tzu mixes that are prone to skin irritation as the oatmeal helps soothe the skin and promote healing.
Trim The Coat Every 4 To 6 Weeks
This applies only if the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix has long, straight fur. Trimming helps to keep the coat manageable both for you and the pooch. It also helps minimize infections both on the skin and especially in the ears.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix Cost? A Bulldog Shih Tzu will cost you between $1,000 and $3,000 from most breeders. However, in places where Shih Tzus are not very common, the prices could go up as high as $5,000. In addition to the rarity of the Shih Tzu, the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is sometimes expensive due to their popularity as companion pets and family dogs.
Can A Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix Swim? Whether or not a Bulldog Shih Tzu mix can swim depends on which parent’s facial features and instincts the mixed pooch takes after. If the Bulldog Shih Tzu mix is more like the Shih Tzu, they will love swimming and will be instinctively comfortable in water. However, if the dog takes after the Bulldog’s flat-faced features and general discomfort in water, they may not like or be good at swimming.
Do Bulldogs And Shih Tzus Get Along? Purebred Bulldogs and Shih Tzus tend to get along. Both are even-tempered and tolerant dog breeds that generally coexist peacefully with other pets. However, to be on the safe side, it is best to start socialization training for both dogs at an early age to make sure that they are truly comfortable around other dogs.
