Full Grown Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix, also known as a Shichi, is a cute and petite designer dog created by breeding a Shih Tzu with a Chihuahua. As a mixed breed, this pup grows up to take on various traits from both parent breeds. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about what a Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix is like once it reaches full adulthood.

About the Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix

The Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix is a small toy dog breed. It inherits traits from both the Shih Tzu and Chihuahua breeds, making it small in size while also having a long, flowing double coat.

Temperament-wise, it tends to bond very closely with its human owners and display toy dog behaviors like barking, yapping, and being vocal.

Originally bred as companion dogs, Shichis today make wonderful family pets for owners looking for a small, affectionate dog.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a fully grown Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix will stand 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 3-6 pounds. For reference, here are the typical sizes:

• Height: Males are 6-8 inches, females are 6-10 inches
• Length: 12-14 inches from nose to tail
• Weight: Males are 3-5 pounds, females are 3-6 pounds

Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside these ranges. Some may end up larger while others stay petite. Proper nutrition helps the puppy achieve healthy growth and full potential size.

Appearance at Full Growth

Physically, a full grown Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix has a longer coat than a Chihuahua but not as profuse as a Shih Tzu's. The coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns inherited from the parent breeds like brown, black, tan, gray, white, brindle, merle, and more. Common coat types include long and slick, wavy, and curly.

Other distinguishing physical traits include large, alert eyes; small, high-set ears; a short muzzle; and a sturdy, compact little body. The tail is puffy and curled over the back. Overall, the Shichi has a adorable yet dignified expression and charming petite stature.

Personality at Full Growth

Personality-wise, the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix retains toy dog qualities even at full maturity. It remains lively, playful, and affectionate towards its human family. As a companion breed, the Shichi thrives on human interaction and bonds closely with its favorite people.

Some key personality traits to expect include being energetic, alert, loyal, vocal, and prone to small dog syndrome. Early training and socialization is important to curb any yappy, snappy, or timid behaviors inherited from the Chihuahua side.

With its people, the Shichi is sweet-natured, gentle, and loving. It makes a wonderful alert and watchful companion perfectly content to stay by its owner's side. Stranger-wary tendencies are normal and should be properly introduced.

Price

The purchase price of a Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix varies depending on the breeder. On average, well-bred Shichi puppies from a reputable breeder typically cost anywhere from $400–$800.

Some factors that influence price include the puppy's age (older puppies cost less), gender (males are slightly less), coat color (rare colors cost more), pedigree/breeding lines, and the breeder's location.

Meanwhile, adopting a Shichi from a shelter costs $100–$300 on average with all age-appropriate vaccines and medical care already covered.

Food and Feeding

As small dogs, Shih Tzu Chihuahuas have high-quality nutritional needs even as fully grown adults. The ideal diet consists of:

• High-quality dry or wet dog food formulated for toy breeds
• 1/4-1/2 cup of food divided into 2 meals per day
• Lean meat proteins, vegetables, fruits as safe human food treats
• Fresh, clean water available at all times

It’s important to avoid overfeeding as the breed is prone to weight gain. Meal portions should align with the pet's ideal healthy weight. Too little or excess food could pose health risks.

Lifespan

With proper care, most Shih Tzu Chihuahuas can live happy and active lives into their teenage years. The average lifespan of this breed is 12-15 years.

High-quality nutrition, regular veterinary care including annual checkups, and a stress-free lifestyle all play important roles in helping Shichis reach their full longevity potential.

Health at Full Growth

Being a hybrid breed, Shih Tzu Chihuahuas are generally healthy dogs. However, like their parent purebreds, they may be prone to certain common health issues once fully grown including:

• Patellar luxation (slipped kneecaps)
• Portosystemic shunt (liver condition)
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (degenerative hip disorder)
• Dry eye/uveitis (autoimmune eye disease)
• Collapsing trachea
• Dental disease like tartar buildup

Regular dental care, proper nutrition, and early detection/treatment of any health issues are keys to keeping a fully grown Shichi happy and healthy into senior years.

Care and Nutrition Needs

Even as fully grown adults, Shih Tzu Chihuahuas require some special care considerations given their small size and coat type:

• Daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats
• Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for hygiene and shaping
• Toenail trims every 2-4 weeks
• Regular ear cleaning to avoid infections
• Dental care including daily toothbrushing
• Indoor housing with moderate exercise in smallspaces
• Keeping the pup warm in colder seasons

Cost of Ownership

Some of the expected costs of owning a fully grown Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix as a pet include:

• Basic supplies: collar, leash, food and water bowls – $50-100
• Dog food: $30-50 per month
• Toys and treats: $10-20 per month
• Routine vet care: $200-300 per year
• Medical insurance: $30-50 per month
• Grooming: $60-150 every 4-8 weeks
• Training costs: $100-300

Anticipate a budget of at least $500 per year for quality food, basic supplies, preventative healthcare, and grooming.

Behavior Changes as an Adult

Once reaching maturity, Shih Tzu Chihuahuas may experience some slight behavioral changes compared to their puppy years:

• Becoming more possessive over toys/food/owners due to adult hormones
• More need for mental stimulation through puzzles, training, play
• Stronger stranger anxiety and protective instincts form
• May lose some energetic puppy temperament
• Attachment to owner strengthens
• Barking, yapping could intensify if not addressed

Continued training, socialization and mental/physical exercise is important to curb unwanted behaviors that could arise as the Shichi reaches maturity. With proper handling and positive reinforcement-based training from an early age, these dogs can stay well-behaved as they grow into adulthood.

Notable Characteristics as a Adult

Some unique traits a Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix will display fully grown include:

• Unwavering loyalty and affection for their favorite people
• Alert watchdogs that are quick to sound alarms over any perceived threats
• A penchant for vocalizing through barking, howling or yapping when excited, scared or seeking attention
• A playful and entertaining personality that retains puppy-like antics even into their senior years
• An independent nature while also being quite clingy towards owners
• A dramatic flare inherited from both parent breeds when it comes to getting their way

When is a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Considered an Adult?

Most hybrid dog breeds reach full maturity between 12-18 months of age. For Shih Tzu Chihuahuas specifically:

• Physical maturity is reached by 12-14 months when maximum growth is complete.
• Mental maturity continues developing until 18 months when the "teenage phase" ends. This is when full adult behaviors stabilize.
• Sexual maturity begins as early as 6 months when dogs can technically reproduce.

While fully grown in size by 1 year, it's best to consider these pups as still adjusting behaviourally until about 18 months old.

Suitability as a Family Pet

Shih Tzu Chihuahuas generally make wonderful family pets provided they receive:

• Daily mental and physical stimulation appropriate for their size.
• Patient and consistent training to curb any yappy habits.
• Lots of love, affection and one-on-one interaction time with owners.
• An indoor-only lifestyle with a securely fenced yard for potty breaks.
• Introduction to children and other pets from a young age.

With their people-centric nature, these dogs thrive in homes with someone around most of the day. They adapt best as only pets due to their smaller stature. Extra care is needed with young kids.

In conclusion, the Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix develops into a loving, playful and affectionate companion dog once fully grown - making them a great option for dedicated owners of smaller dog breeds. Their personality ensures they retain puppy-like charm into adulthood.