Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mix

What is the Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mix dog breed?

Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mix is a hybrid dog that was created by breeding Labrador Retrievers and Shih Tzus. Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mix. This crossbreed may be rare, but if you do find one you will probably fall in love. They are a friendly, playful, and affectionate dog with a fluffy medium-coated coat. This mix is great for families.

Parent breed Information

Shih Tzu

This dog breed is not fierce. This dog is more of a companion than a hunter. Shih Tzus were bred to be companions and are happy, affectionate dogs that love to follow their owners from room to room. They have been known to sit on the laps and thighs of all kinds of people, including emperors, since ancient times.

The American Shih Tzu Club was formed in 1963 when the Shih Tzu Club of America merged with the Texas Shih Tzu Society. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1969 as a Toy Group member.

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Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is also known as a Lab. It’s a retriever-gun dog, hence the name. The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Also, the Labrador is often used as a service dog for people with disabilities and they are also prized today as sporting and hunting dogs.

Labrador Retrievers are voracious eaters and can become overweight very quickly if they are overfed. Limit treats, make sure your Lab gets plenty of exercise and don’t leave food out at all times. Be aware that Labs will eat anything, including inedible food. Labradors are known to forage through garbage, surf the counters, and even eat chewed up items such as children’s toys.

After World War II the breed began to gain in popularity. In 1991, they became the most popular dogs registered with the American Kennel Club. Moreover, they have held this distinction ever since. Also, they are the most popular breed in Canada and England.

Temperament

A Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu Mix is friendly, outgoing and welcoming. They are affectionate, mellow and eager to please.

They are loyal to their family and also enjoy being around other people and pets. This dog is usually friendly to strangers and enjoys playing with children.

Size

This mixed breed dog will not exceed 60 pounds. Shih Tzus are affectionate and friendly. Labrador retrievers can be playful and friendly.

Lifespan

A healthy Labrador Shih Tzu mix can live up to 15 years. Healthy living and dental care will help your dog to live longer.

Coats and Color

Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mixes have soft, fluffy fur. This hybrid comes in a variety of coat colors, including white, light creams, browns, tans, blacks, grays, and many more. This dog is usually a solid color. They may also have patches of tan or white. In fact, Shih Tzus have a long, silky coat. The Labrador Retriever, on the other hand has a thick and waterproof double-layered fur.

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Health

These mixed breed dog’s are generally healthy. Shih Tzu Labrador Retrievers are not as susceptible to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as purebred Labrador Retrievers. As all dogs are genetically susceptible, they can develop health issues. Also, the good thing about buying a puppy is you can prevent this from happening as much as you possibly can. Breeders should offer a guarantee of health on their puppies. In fact, Labrador Retrievers mixed with Shih Tzus may be susceptible to joint dysplasia and other health issues.

Grooming

This mix can be a challenge to groom. Shih Tzus do not shed much. Their coats need to be brushed frequently. Labs are known to shed a great deal and excrete oils which have a strong dog smell. Moreover, you could end up with a dog who sheds, but the fur is trapped under the topcoat. This can lead to a lot of matting, and an unpleasant smell. You can give your dog a bath every three weeks, depending on how active it is.

Training

It is a dog with a lot of intelligence that can be difficult to train. They will want to be the leader and you need to have a strong hand to tell them where they belong. Moreover, you can keep them interested by breaking the sessions up into smaller daily sessions. If you handle it properly, this prey drive can be controlled. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train all dogs.

Exercise

You should expect to walk your Labrador Shih Tzu mix every day. These dogs should be low- to medium-energy.

The mix will also enjoy camping, swimming and hiking. Also, they may tire after long hikes. Labrador mix dogs love water, so they will swim in lakes, ponds and pools.

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Feeding

Diet is often done per dog. Each dog is different and has different nutritional requirements. The majority of dogs in the U.S. is overweight. Moreover, Mixes like this, which are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, should be supplemented with fish oil as well as glucosamine chondroitin as soon as they can. Raw Food Diet is a good diet. Raw food diet is especially beneficial for Wolfs.

Do they get along well with other pets?

Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu crosses can get along with other animals. Also, Introduce your Labrador Shih Tzu mix breed puppy to other pets in the house carefully.

Conclusion

In fact, Shih Tzu Labrador Retrievers are created by combining a female Labrador Retriever and a male Shih Tzu. You never know if these two dogs are friendly. Their personalities vary, however. The Labrador is known as being outgoing, intelligent and kind.