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Shinese (Pekingese & Shih-Tzu Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Shinese mixed breed dog

The Shinese is a small, adorable canine that will be great for many families and singles that are looking for a furry companion. This is a designer breed that comes from a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Pekingese. What they have made is a playful, bright, and intelligent dog that loves to spend time with their owners.

Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: Black, white, brown, red, fawn
Suitable for: Families with kids and a yard, or active owners with other dogs in apartments.
Temperament: Intelligent and playful. Sweet, affectionate, and protective. Loyal and independent.

In the article below, we will go over all the reasons why this pooch is the right dog for you. We will discuss some of their peccadillos that can make them a handful, too. By the end of the article, you will have a clear idea of whether this designer breed is right for you!

Shinese Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

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Shinese Puppies

If you are a sucker for a tiny fuzzy face, the Shinese is going to wrap you around their little paw. They are teeny and tiny as puppies, which means you will have to ensure they do not get hurt by other pets, kids, or accidents. Other than that, this is a playful and endearing canine that has a personality all its own.

They tend to be loyal and sweet dogs and will create strong bonds with their human companions. They’re quite energetic, so having lots of space for them to run around in is a good idea. Shinese dogs are a great fit for active families and they will make great sports companions. Keep reading the Shinese’s full care guide to know what type of exercise, grooming, nutrition, and training they need to grow into happy and healthy dogs.

Parent Breeds of the Shinese
Image Credit: (L) T.Den Team, Shutterstock | (R) Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Shinese 🧠

This tiny pooch is the embodiment of a pip-squeak with a big personality. The Shinese feel very protective of their human family and will act as their guard dog. You will notice they become subdued when strangers are around, too. If they are wary about anyone or anything, they have no problem letting you know. Though an intruder alarm is not a bad thing, you want to socialize them as early as possible to keep them from barking their head off every time the wind blows.

When they are not protecting their family, they are busy having a good time. They like to hang out with their humans and can get upset if they are left alone too often. Separation anxiety is a real issue with this breed, so someone should be home most of the day.

The Shinese is also active, loyal, and excitable but with a mature demeanor. They love to play, go for rides, or follow you around the house. Don’t let their fear of being alone fool you either; they are quite the independent little pooch. Not only that, but they can be a bit stubborn. Most notably, however, they are loving, fun, and obedient dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

You will find this hybrid to be a great companion for families with older children. This is more for the dog’s protection, however. They can get hurt easily. If you have kids smaller than 7 years old, you will need to teach them how to pat and play with your pup correctly.

Though the Shinese is not considered an aggressive dog, they can nip or bite if they are mishandled. Roughhousing is not a good idea for them or your kids. That being said, they will love to play fetch outside and run after your rugrats. This is also one small breed that is better left on their own four paws, but with their cute appearance, it can be hard for children to resist.

Babies and toddlers can bring out different reactions in this breed, as well. For example, a baby crying can cause them to bark non-stop. On the other hand, yelling toddlers can make them nervous. This is another reason why older kids are recommended, but training them early can make a big difference.

Families Without Kids 

This pup also makes a good companion for single people. Again, they will thrive in an environment where you can spend a large portion of the day with them. The Shinese becomes very attached to their owners (especially the ones who spend the most time with them), and you will see a noticeable decline of their spirit when they are separated from you.

Due to their small stature and their playful yet mature nature, this is also a great breed for retirees or seniors. You will find that they love to be around calm humans who can play with them and engage with them in different ways.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Socialized early, this hybrid can be very friendly and social with other dogs. Again, we have to reiterate that it can depend on the individual Shinese, and the temperament of the other dog. Larger dogs that are not necessarily aggressive but are still rambunctious could potentially scare or injure your pup accidentally.

Smaller canines tend to be a better fit. Of course, if you had a calm giant like a Saint Bernard, they would likely be great friends! Just be sure to give each pup equal attention. The Shinese is not an overly territorial dog nor are they aggressive (as mentioned), but as their happiness lies with you, you don’t want them to feel left out.

Small pets and cats are also good to go. The younger you expose them to other animals, however, the better behaved they will be. Remember, the Shinese is a protective pup, so they might not like strange animals coming too close.

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Things to Know When Owning a Shinese:

We know we have given you a lot of information to sift through. There are many facets to this mixed breed’s personality. As a loving and protective companion, they can be hard to say no to, but there is still the matter of their care requirements to consider.

Keep in mind, training can modify their behavior. Many Shinese do great with smaller kids because they were socialized with them early. What can’t be changed or modified is their care, however. Luckily, though, the Shinese is not too difficult to look after.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Feeding your Shinese should be done twice a day in the morning and early evening. They will typically consume half a cup of food during each meal. They can also be given treats and other snacks throughout the day.

As far as restrictions, there is not a lot you have to worry about with their meal plan. That being said, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Weight Gain: Many small canines are prone to weight gain, and the Shinese is no exception. You want to keep their meals nutritious and wholesome. Stay away from food and treats that are high in sugars, salt, artificial ingredients, and carbohydrates. Limited ingredient diets work well, along with natural and organic ingredients. Most importantly, though, avoid feeding your pet table scraps.
  • Basic Needs: The majority of canines require a few key staples in their diet. Some main ingredients are protein, fat, and fiber. They also require a well-balanced number of other supplements for their skin and coat, immune system, digestive tract, bones and muscles, cognitive function, etc. These will take the form of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
  • Small Dog Needs: Most pet food brands now make meals that target specific needs. For example, small dogs typically need more calories per pound of body fat. Targeted formulas will have all the nutrition above plus things like modified calories and smaller kibble bites.
  • Lifestage: Another important aspect to consider when choosing a meal plan is their life stage. As your pet grows, they will require different nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. This is why it’s important to speak with your vet regarding your Shinese’s diet, and what is appropriate for their age, size, weight, health, and activity level.

Exercise 🐕

Your Shinese loves to play, frolic, and even run! This is a little guy who will be happy to go out for a jog with you, and they should get at least 30 minutes of outdoor activity daily. Taking them for a run or brisk walk is great exercise for them. Just make sure the weather is not too hot. As mentioned above, they can overheat quickly.

Additionally, your Shinese will do well in an apartment setting or a house. It is important to give them some extra playtime during the day, however. Bringing them to the dog park is great, but ideally, a fenced-in backyard is best. Just make sure they have a sweater when the temperature gets cold.

Even when the weather is chilly, this pooch will still want to go out and play. Though you may be tempted to carry them, they are happier walking along beside you. You also want to keep in mind that, although some small dogs can get their exercise needs met by playing indoors, the Shinese is not one of them.

This designer breed can become lazy if they are not brought outside. Not only can this lead to boredom, barking, and destructive behavior, but it is also a great way for them to gain weight. Even a quick game of chase or fetch will work wonders.

Training 🦮

Although we have mentioned it a few times, training should be started when your Shinese is still a puppy. This will give them confidence, ensure obedience, and make teaching them later on easier. What’s more, exposing them to as many different people and animals as you can will help them be friendly and social. You will also want to add new smells, sounds, and sights to that list, as well.

Training the Shinese is not an uphill battle, but it will take some patience and time. They can have a stubborn streak and will want to do things their way. Being consistent will eventually win them over, however. A strong leader is important along with positive reinforcement.

All basic canine training should be taught, but you want to focus on socialization and housebreaking first. The latter is important to keep them from climbing on furniture where they could fall and get hurt. Obedience and behavioral training will reinforce these lessons later.

Like we said, positive reinforcement is a great tool to use. You can also use this method to get them accustomed to their grooming ritual which we will go over next.

Grooming ✂️

The Shinese grooming routine is a bit more involved than your average dog. They have long and thick fur that will need to be kept tidy regularly.

Coat Care

Longer haired dogs can develop mats in their fur that can be very difficult to get out. Even worse, they can be extremely painful for your pup, and in severe cases, they can cut blood flow off to their extremities. To keep the mats and tangles at bay, you will need to brush them daily.

The Shinese is also a moderate shedder, therefore, brushing will not only help get rid of knots, but it will keep fur from covering all your surfaces. You want to use a combination of a pin brush and comb for tangles, and a slicker brush to keep their fur soft and sleek looking.

It is also recommended that you have them groomed by a professional every three months. This will be the best time for them to receive a bath, plus the technician will be able to painlessly remove any tangles that have become stubborn. Always remember, never get mats wet, and do not cut them out.

Skin Care

Depending on which side of the family your Shinese takes after, they can have wrinkly-looking facial features. These skin flaps need to be cleaned and inspected a few times a week for signs of redness and infection. You want to pay close attention to their eyes, ears, and skin folds.

You also want to wipe their face down with a soft cloth. You can ask your vet for an appropriate soap and ear solution. Be sure to be gentle and dry them completely when done. The Shinese is prone to skin allergies, so make sure you alert your vet if anything looks off.

Teeth and Nails

Their nail and teeth care are also important, yet more standard. You want to brush their teeth as often as possible to remove any tartar and plaque. You also want to use a nail grinder to shorten their claws when you can hear them on the floor.

Typically, the Shinese can go longer between nail clippings than other small dogs due to their love of running. That being said, overgrown nails can be painful, so you want to take care of it right away. Both their teeth cleaning and nail clipping can be done at the groomers, but you don’t want to wait three months between. Some home maintenance will be needed.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Purebred canines can suffer from many health ailments. Experts believe this is due to inbreeding, and it is one reason people started to create designer breeds. That being said, anything your pup’s parents had, they also have a chance of getting.

The list below outlines some of the health issues that are possible but are by no means set in stone.

Minor Conditions
  • Eye conditions
  • Otitis externa
  • KCS
  • Urolithiasis
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Cleft lip or palate
  • Skin rashes or allergies
  • Weight gain
Serious Conditions
  • Entropion
  • Skin fold dermatitis
  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Exposure keratopathy syndrome
  • Patellar luxation
  • Intervertebral disc disease

Male vs. Female

There is little to no difference between male and female Shinese dogs. So, which sex you get ultimately depends on your preference. Whichever sex you get, it’s important to spay or neuter your dog to prevent unwanted behaviors and pregnancy, as well as cut down on certain cancers.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Shinese

1. They come from an ancient breed.

One of the Shinese parents, the Shih Tzu, is thought to be the oldest dog breed in existence. Experts believe they originated in Tibet and were given as gifts to Chinese royalty.

2. They love children.

The Shinese’s other parent, the Pekingese, has a mythical start. Many people believed they were the offspring of the lion and marmoset after they fell in love.

3. Their appearance isn’t guaranteed.

For the most part, the Shinese will have a squashed or flat muzzle, though it can depend on which side they take after. With this type of snout, you want to be careful that they don’t overheat as it’s a side effect of this type of canine nose.

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Conclusion

The Shinese is an adorable small canine that will make the right family a great companion. They are playful, alert, and intelligent. You will also find a loyal and protective friend that wants to be part of everyday activities. We hope you enjoyed our review of this designer breed, and you now have a better idea about whether this pup is right for you!

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Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

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