A mix between a Shih-Tzu and a Dachshund is normally called a “schweenie.” These dogs don’t have any other known nicknames, and they’re not purebred dogs. Instead, they’re known as “designer dogs,” which are a mix of two popular purebreds.
If you’re looking for a dog with a little bit of everything, schweenies might be for you. Dachshunds and Shih-Tzus are two very different breeds, so the results of these dogs are often unpredictable. Shih-Tzus are considered laid back, affectionate, and stubborn. But Doxies are active, playful, and adventurous. So, each schweenie will be unique and lovable!
Comparison: Dachshund vs. Shih-Tzu vs. Schweenie
In order to predict what a Shih-Tzu dachshund mix will look and act like, we need to first understand dachshunds and Shih-Tzus. Here’s a quick comparison between the purebreds and their mix.
| Items | Dachshund | Shih-Tzu | Schweenie |
| Type | Hound | Toy | Designer |
| Origin | Germany | China | United States |
| Appearance | Long body with short legs. Either short, long, or wire-haired coats of a variety of colors. | Long, silky hair with white, brown, gray, or white patterns. | Medium to long soft coat with any pattern of black, brown, white, gold, or gray. |
| Weight | 11 to 32 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds | 9 to 20 pounds |
| Height | 5 to 9 inches | 9 to 10.5 inches | 11 to 15 inches |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 18 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Personality | Friendly, curious, spunky | Affectionate, playful, stubborn | Playful, outgoing, intelligent |
| Shedding | Moderate | Low | Low to moderate |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate | Easy to moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly? | Yes | Yes, with socialization | Yes |
| Dog-Friendly? | Yes, with socialization | Yes, with socialization | Yes, with socialization |
| Apartment-Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Barking | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Schweenie Highlights
- Schweenies are mixed breeds, not purebreds like their dachshund and Shih-Tzu parents.
- There are many different appearances and color patterns for schweenies. Some have solid-colored coats while others have unique patterns.
- Schweenies are active and playful dogs. Exercise them for at least 30 minutes or more to keep them healthy and entertained.
- Weekly brushing is necessary for your schweenie. Yet, if their coat is longer or wire-haired, you may need to brush them more frequently.
- Schweenies might be sensitive to extreme hot and extremely cold weather. So, shorten their exercise time in those scenarios.
- Schweenies might have a tendency to chase critters and dig holes, so keep a close eye on them while outside.
- These little dogs normally love kids and other dogs, but socialization is important with every dog. Teach kids to be extra gentle because of the schweenie’s long, sensitive spine.
Shih Tzu Dachshund Mix History
Like most hybrid dog breeds, not much is known about the schweenie’s history. The Shih-Tzu dachshund mix was likely first bred in the United States, but the shih-Tzu is from China and the dachshund is from Germany.
In China, the Shih-Tzu was often referred to as the “lion dog” due to the breed’s long, flowing hair. These dogs were used as companion dogs, much like they are today. They were most commonly kept in palaces, where they would warm the laps of royalty.
In Germany, dachshunds were known as badger dogs because they hunted down animals, like foxes and badgers. Their long bodies were perfect for squeezing into dens and chasing animals out. Dachshunds are still used for hunting today because they have an incredible sense of smell.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Schweenie
Of course, getting a dog is an amazing experience, but it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Before making the big decision to bring home a new family member, it’s important to consider all the pros and cons.
Pros of Schweenies
Schweenies are generally lively and playful dogs. They’ll bring a lot of joy and happiness to your family. They tend to be loyal, affectionate, and outgoing, so they’ll make a great addition to most families.
Most schweenies get along with everyone they meet, including adults, children, and other dogs. They’re also considered to be highly adaptable and intelligent dogs, so training should be a breeze.
As a bonus, this mixed breed sheds very little. So, you won’t have to worry about vacuuming all the time or always having a lint roller on hand.
Cons of Schweenies
Both Shih-Tzus and dachshunds have a number of health concerns. So, it’s likely that your schweenie will inherit some of them. Shih-Tzus are prone to breathing problems while dachshunds are prone to back and hip problems. Both are likely to get ear infections too.
Also, schweenies are hard to come by, so they will be expensive for a breeder. Sadly, a lot of places selling schweenies are puppy mills, which are inhumane breeding businesses. If you don’t do your research, you could be supporting an industry that hurts dogs.
Like all mixed breeds, schweenies are also more unpredictable than purebreds. They could inherit one of the breed traits much more than the other. So, when bringing a dog home, you won’t always know their personalities based on their breed alone.
Schweenie Personality and Temperament
Each dog has their own unique personality, but a lot can be guessed based on the breeds they’re mixed with. Here’s how a Shih-Tzu dachshund mix might behave.
Personality
Schweenies are loyal, affectionate, smart, playful, and outgoing. They usually have all the qualities that families look for in a dog. They’re generally easy to train, but they can have a stubborn side now and then.
Since these dogs are so loving toward their humans, it’s also common for them to develop separation anxiety. When left alone, they could become destructive, so crate training is important. Yet, they’re fun, playful dogs overall.
Energy Level
The schweenie has a low to moderate energy level, depending on what traits they pick up. Shih-Tzus tend to be lazier dogs while dachshunds are energetic and lively. Either way, since they’re small dogs, they won’t need too much exercise. You might just have to train them not to jump up on people when they’re overly excited.
Social Skills
Schweenies have good social skills, especially if they’re socialized at a young age. They like most people, regardless of their age. Plus, they enjoy the company of other dogs, so trips to the dog park might be fun for them. But even if your schweenie is super friendly, you need to work on training and socialization as soon as you bring them home to ensure that they stay friendly.
Schweenie Appearance
When it comes to mixed breeds, appearance can vary greatly. So, here are some characteristics your Shih-Tzu dachshund mix could inherit.
Color
Schweenies come in a wide variety of colors, much like their parents. These dogs can have a mixture of black, brown, gray, white, and brindle in their coats. They usually have dark-colored noses and brown eyes.
Coat Type
The coat types of these dogs can also vary. Shih-Tzus always have a soft, silky coat that needs regular grooming, but dachshunds can have long coats, short coats, or wire-haired coats. Their hair will likely be straight with some shedding, but any of the above coats are possible for a schweenie.
How big will a Schweenie get?
Schweenies usually fall between 9 and 20 pounds, which is a reasonable size for a small breed. Both Shih-Tzus and dachshunds fall into that size range, but it’s possible for dachshunds to be a bit bigger.
These canines also stand 11 to 15 inches tall, which is closer to a Shih-Tzu’s height. So, they won’t be as low to the ground as a doxie.
Schweenie Grooming and Shedding
Schweenie grooming requirements vary based on the coat type they have. After all, Shih-Tzus need regular haircuts while dachshunds just need brushing instead. So, let’s take a look at the grooming you might expect.
Do Schweenies shed a lot?
Shedding is minimal for these dogs. Most of them shed occasionally, thanks to their dachshund parent. But if they inherited more traits from their Shih-Tzu side, then you might not notice them shed at all. Either way, they won’t cause your home to be coated in dog hair.
How much grooming does a Schweenie need?
No matter your schweenie’s coat type, you will need to brush them about once a week. Brushing is a great way to control shedding because it removes all the loose fur from your dog’s coat. If your Shih-Tzu dachshund mix has a silky coat like a Shih-Tzu, then brushing can help remove mats and tangles too. Shih-Tzu-like coats should be trimmed by a professional groomer about every six weeks or so.
All dogs need baths too. In most cases, there’s no need to bathe your schweenie more than once a month, but if they get dirty from playing outside, you might have to. Use an allergy-friendly shampoo to ensure that you don’t damage their skin or coat. If possible, avoid bathing them more than once a week because it could damage the beneficial oils on their skin.
It’s also important to remember nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. Trim your dog’s nails about once a month. But if you haven’t trimmed your dog’s nails in a while, do it twice a month until the nerves in their nails (the quicks) shrink back to a healthy length. Stop trimming just before the quicks to keep your dog safe.
Vets recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth daily if possible. Yet, not all dogs make that easy. If your dog isn’t happy about using a dog toothbrush daily, you can sometimes supplement it with other products, such as a dental rinse or dental chew. You should also check your dog’s ears regularly since floppy-eared dogs are prone to ear infections.
Schweenie Exercise Requirements
Schweenies are small dogs that only need moderate amounts of exercise. A walk or two a day is likely enough to suffice. Playtime sessions throughout the day can also keep your pup active. About a half-hour to an hour of exercise daily is plenty.
Even if your schweenie has a lazy side, it’s important not to neglect regular exercise. It’s easy for both Shih-Tzus and doxies to gain weight, so the same is true for schweenies. Plus, walks are for much more than just exercise and bathroom breaks. Schweenies are curious dogs, so walks are their chance to explore and sniff.
In addition to physical exercise, mental exercise is also important. Mental stimulation toys are a great way to keep your canines busy, even when you can’t play with them. These toys usually allow you to hide treats or smaller toys inside so your dog has to figure out how to get them out. Teaching your dog advanced tricks is also a great way to keep them thinking. Without mental stimulation, your schweenie could get bored and destructive.
Is it easy to train a Schweenie?
Training isn’t easy for every Shih-Tzu dachshund mix. They’re smart, but they can have a mind of their own. So, be patient with training and focus on positive reinforcements.
If your schweenie is a young puppy when you get them, you’ll want to start with potty training. Potty training is a tedious process that many dog parents get frustrated with, but it’s important to stay calm and positive. Reward your schweenie every time they do their business outside.
A great way to potty train your schweenie and to help with separation anxiety is to crate train them. Teach your dog that the crate is a safe space where they can go to rest. Reward your dog whenever they go in the crate, and eventually, they’ll willingly go in when you ask them to. Just make sure the crate isn’t too big for them though because dogs are less likely to have accidents in a crate that’s properly sized for them. They should only be able to stand up, turn around, and lay back down in their crate.
Once you’ve worked on the basics with your dog, you can move on to other commands. Most dog parents start with “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Every time your dog does a trick on command, you should reward them with a small treat. Schweenies are often food-motivated, so this should catch their attention.
Not everyone moves on to more advanced tricks, but training is a great way to bond with your dog and keep them entertained. So, once your schweenie has mastered the essential tricks, it can’t hurt to try teaching them some new things too.
Food Requirements for Schweenie
It’s up to you to decide what kind of food to serve your schweenie, but some brands are certainly better than others. Most dog parents choose a dry dog food brand because it’s more affordable and more convenient. Yet, if you can afford wet food, fresh food, or a homemade diet for your dog, those are often healthier.
If you get your schweenie as a puppy, you’ll want to choose a food that supports their rapid growth. Many brands have puppy-specific formulas, which can be a good place to start. In general, puppies need more protein and fat than older adult dogs. They also benefit from ingredients that support the development of body parts like the brain, bones, and heart.
As your schweenie becomes an adult, you’ll have even more dog food options to choose from. Unfortunately, some of the most popular kibble brands are also of the lowest quality. Always examine a food’s ingredient list before serving it to your dog.
Look for foods that list real meat as the first two or three ingredients. Avoid any food that includes by-products or vague proteins like “poultry meal.” It’s also a good idea to avoid cheap filler ingredients like carbs. Many dog food brands are packed with carbs because they’re cheaper and they last longer.
Since schweenies are a small breed, it might be beneficial to choose a dog food with smaller kibble pieces. Many brands have “small breed formulas,” which have pieces that are easier for little dogs to chew. This is especially important for young puppies and seniors with teeth problems.
FAQs
Getting a dog is a big commitment, so you might have some lingering questions beforehand. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Shih tzu dachshund mix.
Are Schweenies Hypoallergenic?
No, schweenies are not guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. Shih-Tzus are a low-shedding breed, so it’s possible for a schweenie to inherit the low-shedding coat of a shih-Tzu. However, most schweenies shed at least a little bit as doxies do. So, don’t get one if you’re allergic to dogs.
How Big Do Schweenies Get?
Schweenies likely won’t get any bigger than 20 pounds. Yet, mixed breeds can be unpredictable, so it’s possible for them to be larger or smaller than expected. If you don’t like the uncertainty of this mixed breed’s size, then you should adopt an adult dog instead so you can be sure.
How Much Does a Schweenie Cost?
Schweenie costs may vary, but since these dogs are considered uncommon mixed breeds, they’re often around $1,200.
Is it Okay to Breed a Dachshund and a Shih-Tzu?
Yes, it’s okay to breed a dachshund and Shih-Tzu, as long as it’s done humanely. Breeding Shih-Tzus can be risky due to their flat faces that cause breathing problems. Since dachshunds don’t have short snouts though, Shih-Tzu dachshund mixes will likely be healthier than purebred Shih-Tzus.
Final Thoughts
Shih-Tzu dachshund mixes are hard to come by, but they can make great companions. If you’re looking for a schweenie, always look at shelters and rescues first. You never know what dogs might already be looking for a forever home. You might even find a different dog that you love more than a schweenie.
If you go to a breeder, make sure you do your research. Lots of puppy mills will sell schweenies and other mixed breeds online and at pet stores. If a breeder won’t let you see the puppy’s parents or the breeding location, walk away. It might take some time to find a reputable place to get a schweenie from, but the patience is worth it.
Schweenies are excellent companions if you’re looking for a playful, affectionate dog. So, if you’re ready to become a dog parent, then this mixed breed might be perfect for you!
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see more popular Dachshund mixes, check out the list below:
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