What Is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Dog? Complete Guide to the Shinese and How to Register One
- Designer Kennel Club

- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
What Is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Dog? Complete Guide to the Shinese and How to Register One
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, commonly known as the Shinese, is a charming designer dog that combines two ancient companion breeds: the dignified Pekingese and the affectionate Shih Tzu. This hybrid is loved for its compact size, luxurious coat, loyal personality, and adaptable nature, making it an excellent choice for families, seniors, and apartment living.
As designer dogs continue to grow in popularity across the United States and Canada, many owners ask how to obtain dog papers and whether a Shinese can be officially registered. The answer is yes. Eligible Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix dogs can be registered with the Designer Kennel Club (DKC), allowing owners and breeders to establish official registration records and receive dog papers.
What Is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix?
A Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is a first-generation or multigenerational designer dog created by crossing a purebred Pekingese with a purebred Shih Tzu. Both parent breeds originated in ancient China, where they were treasured as royal companion dogs for centuries.
The resulting Shinese often inherits the best qualities of both parents, including:
Small companion size
Long, soft coat
Friendly personality
Loyal temperament
Moderate activity level
Strong bond with family
Adaptability to apartment living
Because every puppy inherits a unique combination of genes, appearance and temperament can vary from one dog to another.
Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix at a Glance
Trait | Information |
Designer Breed Name | Shinese |
Parent Breeds | Pekingese × Shih Tzu |
Breed Group | Designer Companion Dog |
Height | 8–12 inches |
Weight | 8–16 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 12–16 years |
Coat Type | Medium to Long |
Shedding | Low to Moderate |
Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, calm, playful |
Family Friendly | Excellent |
History of the Shinese
The Shinese is a relatively modern designer breed, but its parent breeds have remarkably long histories.
The Pekingese served as a companion to Chinese emperors and nobility for centuries, prized for its courage and regal appearance.
The Shih Tzu also originated within Chinese royal courts and became famous for its affectionate personality, beautiful flowing coat, and close relationship with people.
By combining these two beloved breeds, breeders aimed to produce a companion dog that offers the gentle nature of the Shih Tzu with the confidence and distinctive look of the Pekingese.
Appearance
Although every Shinese is unique, many share similar physical characteristics.
Common features include:
Round expressive eyes
Compact body
Medium-length muzzle
Feathered ears
Thick double or silky coat
Curled tail
Soft facial expression
Coat colors may include:
White
Black
Cream
Gold
Brown
Red
Sable
Brindle
Parti-color combinations
Personality and Temperament
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix is known for being devoted to its family while remaining friendly with visitors once properly socialized.
Typical personality traits include:
Affectionate
Intelligent
Calm indoors
Playful
Gentle with children
Loyal to owners
Alert without excessive aggression
Adaptable to many lifestyles
They enjoy spending time with their families and generally do not like being left alone for long periods.
Exercise Requirements
Despite their playful personalities, Shinese dogs do not require excessive exercise.
Most benefit from:
Daily walks
Indoor play sessions
Puzzle toys
Basic obedience training
Socialization with other dogs
Moderate daily activity helps maintain both physical and mental health.
Grooming Needs
The beautiful coat of the Shinese requires consistent care.
Owners should plan for:
Brushing several times each week
Routine bathing
Nail trimming
Ear cleaning
Dental care
Regular grooming appointments if maintaining a longer coat
Consistent grooming helps prevent matting and keeps the coat healthy.
Is the Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Good for Families?
For many households, yes.
The breed's small size and affectionate temperament make it a popular companion for:
Families
Singles
Seniors
First-time dog owners
Apartment residents
Early training and proper socialization help puppies develop into confident adult dogs.
Can a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix Be Registered?
Yes.
Because the Shinese is a recognized designer dog, eligible dogs can be registered with the Designer Kennel Club (DKC). Registration provides owners and breeders with official dog papers and creates permanent registration records.
Registration options may include:
Puppy Registration
Foundation Dog Registration
Litter Registration
Breeder Registration
These services help document ownership and preserve registration records for future generations.
How to Get Dog Papers for a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix
Many owners search online for:
how to get papers for a dog
how to get papers for a dog without papers
how do i get papers on my dog
how can you get papers on a dog
how to obtain dog papers
The appropriate registration option depends on your dog's history.
Ideal for puppies from registered litters.
Designed for eligible dogs that have never been registered or no longer have previous registration paperwork.
Allows breeders to officially document an entire litter before puppies go to their new homes.
Why Register Your Shinese with the Designer Kennel Club?
The Designer Kennel Club specializes in designer and hybrid dog registration.
Benefits include:
Official dog papers
Permanent registration records
Puppy Registration
Foundation Dog Registration
Litter Registration
Breeder Registration
Online registration process
Recognition of hundreds of designer breeds
For owners of designer dogs, registering with a registry focused on hybrid breeds provides documentation tailored to today's companion dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix called?
The most common name is Shinese, although some owners simply refer to them as a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix.
Is a Shinese considered a designer dog?
Yes. The Shinese is a designer breed created by crossing a Pekingese with a Shih Tzu.
Can a Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix get dog papers?
Yes. Eligible dogs can be registered with the Designer Kennel Club and receive official registration papers.
Can I register my Shinese without previous papers?
Many eligible dogs may qualify for Foundation Dog Registration if they have never been registered or previous paperwork is unavailable.
Is the Shinese a good family dog?
Most Shinese dogs are affectionate, loyal, and adaptable, making them excellent companions for families, couples, and individuals alike.
Key Takeaways
The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, or Shinese, combines the royal heritage of two ancient companion breeds into one affectionate and adaptable designer dog. With its beautiful coat, gentle personality, and compact size, it has become an increasingly popular choice for modern families.
For owners and breeders looking to establish official registration records, the Designer Kennel Club offers Puppy Registration, Foundation Dog Registration, Litter Registration, and Breeder Registration for eligible Shinese dogs. Registering your Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix helps create permanent dog papers while preserving your dog's identity and history for years to come.
Conclusion
Whether you're welcoming your first Shinese puppy or have shared your home with this lovable designer breed for years, registration is an important step in documenting your dog's story. The Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix continues to win hearts with its affectionate temperament, manageable size, and timeless charm.
If you're ready to obtain official dog papers for your Pekingese Shih Tzu Mix, the Designer Kennel Club provides registration services designed specifically for designer breeds, giving owners and breeders a trusted way to preserve their dog's records while supporting one of today's most popular companion dogs.




