
The Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix is a small but mighty dog breed that's sure to capture your heart.
This adorable mix is the result of crossing a Cairn Terrier with a Shih Tzu, creating a unique canine companion that's perfect for families and first-time dog owners alike.
One of the most distinctive features of the Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix is their adorable face, with a short, blunt muzzle and large, dark eyes that melt hearts.
They typically weigh between 9-18 pounds and stand about 8-14 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.
Their coats can vary in color and texture, but they often have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them a great addition to any family, and they're known to get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers.
Breed Information
The Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix is a cross between two popular breeds, and understanding their breed information can help you determine if this mix is right for you.
The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy dog with a strong prey drive, originally bred to hunt small game in Scotland.
Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are friendly, outgoing dogs that originated in Tibet as palace companions.
This mix inherits the friendly and outgoing nature of the Shih Tzu, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
About
The breed I'm going to tell you about is a popular one, the German Shepherd. They are highly intelligent dogs that are often used as police dogs and guide dogs.
Their intelligence is matched by their loyalty and protective nature, which makes them a great breed for families. They are also relatively easy to train.
German Shepherds are a medium to large breed, with males weighing between 85 and 110 pounds. They have a distinctive coat that requires regular grooming.
Their lifespan is around 9-13 years, which is relatively long for a dog of their size. They are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Overall, German Shepherds are a wonderful breed that make great companions for active families.
Recommended read: Black Labs Mixed with German Shepherds
Hybrid
Hybrid breeds can be a fascinating mix of different characteristics. The Cairn Terrier + Shih Tzu hybrid, for example, has an average to low activity level.
This means they don't require as much exercise as some other breeds, making them a great option for city dwellers or those with limited space. They are still happy to get some regular physical activity, however.
The Cairn Terrier + Shih Tzu hybrid is not recognized by the FCI group, AKC group, or KC group. This can make it more difficult to find breeders or obtain registration for your pet.
If you're considering bringing a hybrid breed into your family, it's essential to research their specific needs and characteristics.
Consider reading: Corgis Mixed with Other Breeds
Characteristics
The Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix is a bundle of energy, with a natural curiosity about the world. They are quite bright and often very active.
They are good-natured and friendly companions who enjoy meeting people or other dogs at home. They love to interact with their humans and should have an active recreational activity at least one day a week.
This breed may need daily brushing to keep combs at bay, but with regular grooming, they can stay looking their best. They are intelligent and pick up training lessons very easily.
What Does It Look Like?

The Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix is a small, compact dog with a distinctive charm. They have a light, curly coat with a color that can vary from light brown to blackish brown or even gray.
Their coat is usually of medium length and can be light wavy or curly. The underside of the dog is often white, while the head region and back has a brownish maroon coloration.
Some Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mixes may also be black or sable. The tail of the dog usually has a lighter coloring than the rest of the body.
Here's a breakdown of the common characteristics of the Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix's coat:
The size of the Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix can vary, but typically they are between 20-33 cm in height and weigh between 4-8 kg.
Possible Character Traits
This Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu mix breed is charming, alert, sensitive, friendly, and loyal.
They are a bundle of energy and have a natural curiosity about the world. This mix is quite bright and often very active.
They are good-natured and friendly companions who enjoy meeting people or other dogs at home. They love to interact with their humans and should have an active recreational activity at least one day a week.
This breed may need daily brushing to keep combs at bay. They benefit from a balanced diet and support to maintain a healthy weight.
They are very playful and like to have fun. They like to bring laughter and joy to the family.
They are intelligent and pick up training lessons very easily. They are friendly and accept experiences with new people or changes without being overly anxious or fearful.
They are loyal, faithful, and playful companions that will give you love and fun. They are benign, lovable, and loyal companions that are there for all family members.
All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. Plan on putting forth effort to socialize them as this will reap dividends in the long run.
Health

A Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so regular exercise is crucial to avoid this condition.
Diet is also a critical factor in maintaining the health of your Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix. A good diet to consider is a Raw Food Diet, which can be especially beneficial due to the breed's wolf background.
Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mixes can be prone to cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and diabetes, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who offers health clearances and guarantees.
Dust mite allergies are another common issue in Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mixes, causing symptoms like chronic itching, redness, and hair loss. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat this condition early on.
Fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can be beneficial for Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mixes prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
Here's an interesting read: Shih Tzu Diet
Care and Nutrition
Grooming for your Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix can be a challenge, especially with their tendency to shed. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum to keep your floors clean!
Baths should be given as needed, but be careful not to dry out their skin. A tired dog is a good dog, so plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their high energy level down.
This mix requires a firm, strong hand when training, as they'll want to take the alpha position. Break training sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher.
Care
To keep your floors clean, be prepared to invest in a good vacuum, as this mix is likely to be a heavy shedder.
Give your Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu Mix baths as needed, but be careful not to dry out their skin.
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their high energy level down.
This mix needs a lot of exercise to prevent destructive behavior.
A tired dog is a good dog, and regular exercise will help keep them happy and well-behaved.
Tying your dog up outside is inhumane and not fair to them, so make sure to give them plenty of attention and exercise.
Break training sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher.
This mix is intelligent and loves to please, so use positive reinforcement techniques when training.
Praise your dog when they do well, as this will help them feel good about themselves and make training easier.
Proper socialization is crucial for this mix, so take them to the park and doggy day care to get them around other people and dogs.
Food & Diet
When it comes to feeding your Care Tzu, a high-quality wet or dry dog food is a great starting point. Most Care Tzus can thrive on these types of food.
Diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy in your Care Tzu is a red flag that you should take them to the vet to rule out other health issues first.
Splitting up your Care Tzu's servings into at least two meals is a good idea.
Approximately ¾ to 1½ cups of food per meal will do great, depending on the brand.
General Information
The Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu mix, also known as the Care-Tzu, is a relatively recent hybrid breed.
This breed was developed from its two parent breeds – the Cairn Terrier and the Shih Tzu. The Cairn Terrier originated from the Isle of Skye over 200 years ago.
The Cairn Terrier was bred to be a happy-go-lucky dog with a social and independent streak. It was known for its love of barking, digging, and chasing after animals.
The Cairn Terrier's purpose was to hunt small game, and it effectively completed its tasks. It was a loyal breed that made a wonderful companion.
The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is believed to be one of the oldest breeds that originated in Tibet or China. It was a prized and revered breed that dominated paintings and appeared in documents across history.
The Shih Tzu was a loyal breed that was treasured as a companion dog. It was often described as a docile and happy creature, earning it the nickname "little lion dog".
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperament of a Cairn Terrier mix?
Cairn Terrier mixes are intelligent and loving companions, but they can be strong-willed and require consistent obedience training. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive as loyal and affectionate family pets.
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