Bea Tzu Dog Breed

The Shih Tzu-Beagle mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Beagle and Shih Tzu mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Beagle x Shih Tzu likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. Whatever the case, these happy, affectionate little dogs make excellent family companions, and are especially good for those living in apartments.

A few facts about the Beagle-cross-Shih Tzu: they're small-sized, averaging 12 inches at the shoulders in height and 18 pounds in weight; their coats can range from short and stiff to long and silky (but are usually somewhere in between), and they shed moderately; and they don't do well being left alone for long periods.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Shih Tzu-cross-Beagle:

The Bea-Tzu is the offspring of two breeds that are both lively, happy, and personable--which makes these hybrids great family pets. They don't require too much maintenance, either: they don't shed too frequently (particularly if their coats are more like that of the Shi Tzu). The coats can be single- or double-layered, and come in a wide variety of colors including black, brown, gold, white, red, and blue, among others, usually in multi-colored patterns.

Personality-wise, Bea-Tzu mixes are enthusiastic and friendly, if a bit needy. They can also inherit the Beagle's tendency for stubbornness, which might make them difficult to train--but they also have willingness to please, so teaching them commands and tasks isn't normally too tough. Bea-Tzus also socialize well with kids and other pets, though a high prey drive means they might instinctively chase small animals like birds and rodents. These hybrids make good watchdogs too--mainly because they're apt to bark at anything that moves or makes noise!

As long as owners can keep their barking under control, though, these dogs will do well in apartments. They will need consistent exercise--a walk or two, plus a period of play--but the activity doesn't need to be too strenuous.

The Bea Tzu, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer a few ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and various eye issues (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA, and glaucoma, among others). Potential Bea Tzu owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Bea Tzu is 10-15 years.