Shinese Overview
Shinese Characteristics
About The Shinese
What Is A Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix called?
The offspring between a Shih Tzu and a Pekingnese is called a Shinese. They are also known as Peke-A-Tzu, Shih-teze, Peke-Tzu, and the Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix.
These small but mighty dogs love to give their owners a run for their money – they look calm and regal, but they have a wild streak! Still, they’re delightful and loyal to their owners, even going so far as to protect them from danger.
The Shinese is adorable, fluffy, and adaptable. But are they the best dog breed for your household? Let’s find out with our ultimate guide.
Shinese Breed History
Both parent breeds have rich histories!
Plenty of legends surrounding the Shih Tzu and Pekingese breeds.
The Shinese was most likely first bred in the 1990s.
The Shinese are a relatively new breed so there isn’t too much information to learn about them. However, their parent breeds have much richer histories that we can use to learn more about the Shinese.
Through genetic testing, it has been discovered that the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds. This means that its origins are somewhat hazy, but many believe that they came from Tibet. They were bred by Tibetan lamas and considered miniature lions.
There are many myths surrounding the Shih Tzu, such as them being the incarnation of household gods. They were given to Chinese rulers for tribute, who gave them the name ‘Shih Tzu’. This means ‘little lion’.
The history of the Pekingese is just as rich as the Shih Tzu. Legend will tell you that this dog is the result of a love story between a Lion and a Marmoset. These dogs were even believed to have mystical powers to protect temples and palaces!
Pekingese dogs used to be only kept by royalty and would be given their own servants! Once their owner died, the dog would be euthanized to accompany them to the afterlife.
Shinese dogs were most likely bred in the 1990s when designer dogs were rising in popularity. They would have been bred to minimize the health issues of their parent breeds, as well as create a smaller breed that was more adaptable to modern living conditions.
Shinese Personality & Temperament
Can inherit traits from both parent breeds.
Very loyal to their owners.
Prefer to be around their owners at all times.
The Shinese is a product of breeding a Shih Tzu and a Pekingese, so their temperament will be similar to that of these parent breeds. They tend to be very playful with plenty of energy to burn, which can confuse some owners due to their small size.
Shinese dogs are very loyal to their owners, so they like to always be around them. They are prone to separation anxiety, so they’re best suited to owners who are around for the majority of the day. They do enjoy being independent, but they feel safer knowing that you’re not too far away.
Shinese Health
Smaller dogs can suffer from more health ailments.
Crossbred dogs often inherit fewer health conditions from parent breeds.
Life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Mix-breed dogs, such as the Shinese, often suffer from fewer health conditions as crossbreeding gives them a smaller chance of inheriting ailments that purebred dogs suffer from. Shineses are generally considered to be healthy dogs.
However, it’s important to remember that smaller dogs can be more prone to health issues.
The major concerns regarding Shinese dogs are:
- Entropion
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Issues
- Skin Fold Dermatitis
- Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
Here are the minor concerns that you should also be aware of as a Shinese owner:
- Otitis Externa
- Urolithiasis
- Eye Disease
- Cleft Palate or Lift
- KCS
- Hydrocephalus
- Mitral Valve Disease
The above might look daunting, but there is no guarantee that your Shinese will inherit any of these illnesses. Plus, most of them can be diagnosed early through routine vet checkups. Take your Shinese to the vet for a regular check at least once a year.
Shinese Training
Use positive reinforcement.
Eager-to-please dogs are easier to train.
Can suffer from small dog syndrome.
Shinese dogs are relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement and lots of patience. They like to please their owners so they might pick up on commands quicker once they see your positive reaction.
However, much like many other small dog breeds, the Shinese can suffer from small dog syndrome which makes them more stubborn. You’ll need to find a time when they’re happy to train with you – otherwise, they’ll be much more defiant.
Shinese dogs need to be socialized and trained as early as possible in order to get along with strangers, other animals, and children. Without early socialization, their loyalty can turn into assertiveness.
Shinese Exercise Requirements
Use positive reinforcement.
Eager-to-please dogs are easier to train.
Can suffer from small dog syndrome.
How much exercise your dog will need depends on the traits they’ve inherited from their parents. Shinese dogs might not need much exercise a day – around 25 minutes – but they do enjoy playing outside plenty.
A house with a fenced yard is best for this dog as they can play outside whenever they want without you having to take them on a walk. They can also determine how much energy they want to expel at any given time.
These small dogs can live in apartments, although you’ll need to take them outside more often.
Shinese Diet & Feeding
Choose food for small dogs.
Only feed them enough for their current body weight.
Offer premium quality food to protect their teeth.
When choosing the correct food for a Shinese, look for kibble formulated for small dogs with medium energy levels. They’ll need mostly protein in their meals, as well as some healthy fats and carbohydrates. It should also be fortified with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Small dogs can have issues with their teeth, so choose a high-quality food that won’t be too hard on their teeth. You can also feed them a mixture of wet and dry food to protect their teeth.
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Shinese Cost
Costs between $500 and $3,000.
Always choose a reputable breeder.
Ongoing costs include grooming needs, food, and vet bills.
There isn’t much information on the cost of a Shinese dog online, but we can imagine that it will be around the same price as their parent breeds. Shih Tzus can cost between $500 and $1,800, and Pekingese can cost $750 to $3,000.
Always shop around for a reputable breeder, as this will minimize the health issues you might have to deal with later in the dog’s life.
You should also consider the ongoing costs of this dog before welcoming one into your home. These include food, high grooming costs, pet insurance, vet bills, and more.
