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Maybe there’s been a discussion in the family about getting dogs, but you can’t decide whether you want a dog that’s obedient and playful or one that’s cute yet intelligent. Luckily, there’s a dog breed that can give you all these qualities and more! In this article, we share everything you need to know about the Labrador Retriever and the Shih Tzu mix, including their appearance, temperament, and how to properly care for them once they’re inside your home.
What is the Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix?
Also known as the Shih Tzu Lab mix or the Lab Shih Tzu mix, the Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mix is a medium-sized dog that comes in a sturdy build and is known for its adorable face. They will typically inherit their Lab parent’s expressive eyes, floppy ears, and broad head, which are combined with the Shih Tzu’s silky, long coat. But above everything else, these dogs are known for their teddy bear-like appearance that’s both hard to resist and endearing.
History of the Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix
These dogs are still relatively new, so not much is known about their history except for the fact that they originated in the United States. They were also initially created to combine the Shih Tzu’s loyal and affectionate temperament with the Labrador’s sociable and friendly nature. Both of their parents come with a rich history; the Shih Tzu has been the royal pet of Chinese Emperors while the Labrador Retriever has been among the most popular dog breeds over the past decade according to the American Kennel Club.
Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix Appearance
These gorgeous dogs inherit the right mix of physical traits from both parent breeds; generally, they come with the Labrador’s body and a Shih Tzu’s face which features dark, expressive eyes. They also have the Shih Tzu’s long and silky coat which comes in a wide range, including yellow, black, and chocolate in all kinds of shades. Overall, these dogs are irresistibly cute and charming with a unique appearance that sets them apart from all the other mixes their parents produce.
Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
In terms of their temperament, the Lab Shih Tzu mix comes with the delightful combination of their Lab parent’s friendliness, with the Shih Tzu’s affectionate nature. As such, they love being around people and are known for being highly sociable which makes them wonderful family pets. The Lab Shih Tzu is often good with kids and will also get along with other pets as long as they’re well-socialized starting from a young age.
Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix Care
Below are just a few guidelines that you can follow to ensure the healthy growth of your Lab Shih mix.
Nutrition
Giving your puppy a nutritious and well-balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the vitality and health of your Lab and Shih Tzu mix. The right dog food will contain a mix of high-quality protein, essential nutrients, and healthy fats which will help to meet your dog’s dietary needs. Hydration is also important for these dogs, so make sure that they also have access to clean and fresh water all the time.
Grooming
Make sure to brush your dog’s hair at least 2 to 3 times per week to maintain their lushious coat while preventing tangling — they should only be bathed as needed, typically every 4 to 6 weeks. Their face and ears should be cleaned thoroughly, especially around their ears and eyes by using dog-safe wipes to wipe away tear stains along with ear cleaners to avoid infections and wax buildup. These dogs also need good dental care to prevent tartar and plaque buildup, while it’s also necessary to trim their nails once every 2 to 4 weeks to keep them comfortable.
Exercise
Despite their small size (which is inherited from their Shih Tzu parents), the Lab Shih Tzu mix comes with moderate exercise requirements. These active dogs will enjoy playing with puzzle toys and it’s also a good idea to give them obedience training to provide them with mental stimulation. Be sure to take them out for walks, spend time playing with them, and take them with you during adventures so you can enjoy each other’s company.
Training
The Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu mix comes with high intelligence and is very trainable, but giving them proper training will require lots of positive reinforcement and patience. Moreover, they will need early and consistent dog training to ensure that they understand and absorb everything you teach them. Finally, these dogs will need proper socialization to help them get along with children and other animals, and get used to different situations.
Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix Health Problems
The average lifespan for these dog’s parents is around 13 years, but they can live shorter or longer lives depending on their overall health. While this mixed breed is relatively healthy, it may still come with genetic conditions and potential health risks. Below are just a few of the most common health issues with these dogs.
- Hip Dysplasia: This abnormality occurs when the joints don’t fit the sockets properly, which can lead to lameness, pain, and fatigue.
- Allergies: There are a wide range of allergies that plague the Pomerdog since their Frenchie parents come with a predisposition to canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Other allergies to look out for include food intolerances, environmental factors, and more.
- Obesity: Being overweight can worsen their breathing problems, and can result in a wide range of secondary health issues. Make sure to closely monitor your dog’s weight and consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your pooch is still within the right weight.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This condition results in the progressive damage of the retina, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. Because PRA can be inherited, Dalmatian Australian Shepherd mixes should regularly see an ophthalmologist.
To help your pup maintain its health, be sure to schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor their oral health and to address potential issues that they may face.
Finding Your Labrador Retriever And Shih Tzu Mix
Because these dogs are a hybrid mix, you may not find it easy to locate them up for adoption. Even so, there’s no reason why you can’t try to look for them inside a local shelter or an adoption center where they may have these specific breeds. Currently, there aren’t dedicated shelters for Lab Shih Tzu mixes, but you might have more luck with looking for breeders that specialize in either breed.
Labrador And Shih Tzu Mix Price
The first thing that you need to avoid once you’ve decided to purchase one of these dogs is to source one from puppy mills, where they implement inhumane practices and only breed dogs for a profit rather than providing you with top-quality puppies. Because of this, you’ll be better off looking for reputable breeders who will be able to provide you with health certificates to prove that they’re healthy enough to come home with you. However, if you do go this route, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the breeder’s location, reputation, and certifications.
Other Labrador Mixes to Look Into
If you’re looking for other Labrador mixes, consider the following.
- Sheprador: This mix between the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever is an active dog that can be a great guard dog that will always have a soft spot for you.
- Lab Pei: The Labrador Shar Pei mix instantly has good judgment in terms of potential threats, making them excellent guard dogs — they will also get along with older children.
- Springador: The Labrador Springer Spaniel mix represents two hunting dogs that are careful, intelligent, and highly trainable, which means they’ll obey all your commands.
- Labradane: This Labrador Great Dane mix comes in a range of coat variations including a pure black coat — these dogs will enjoy plenty of physical activity but are also lap dogs.
- Husky Lab: Here’s a Labrador Husky mix that adds a little bit of spice to your everyday dog; these sassy dogs will need active pet parents who will be able to keep up with their energy.
- Goldador: This Labrador Golden Retriever mix is a combination of the two most popular breeds in the world. They will get along well with young children and other pets.
- Beagador: The Labrador Beagle mix comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s likely that you’ll find them in 2 or 3 different colors!
- Labrador Bulldog: The cute Bulldog mixed with the Labrador Retriever results in this snuggle machine, which will love nothing more than spending time with you.
- Labradoodle: This Labrador Poodle mix is the most popular Lab mix available thanks to their hypoallergenic coat that’s perfect for those who might be allergic to dogs.
Conclusion
When you want to find the perfect fit for your family, the Labrador and Shih Tzu mix can be a great choice for first-time owners. But if you’re looking for other options, you’ll be happy to know that Labrador Retrievers has many other mixes for you to choose from. But no matter what you you choose, you can be sure that to come home with a wonderful dog!
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