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French Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix — The French Bull Tzu

The French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix – also known as the French Bull Tzu – is a charming designer dog that’s affectionate, loyal, and highly intelligent.

An ideal companion dog

The French Bull Tzu is an ideal choice for people who live in a city apartment or elderly owners who want a loving lap dog. Not only is this mixed breed a great companion dog, but so are the Frenchie & Shih Tzu.

Great around children— wonderful family dogs

French Bull Tzus can be trusted around young children which makes them a popular choice for a family pet.

The best of both worlds

As their name suggests, a French Bull Tzu is a cross between a French Bulldog and a Shih Tzu.

They’re stubborn like Frenchies

They can be a little stubborn at times but with good early socialization and training, this shouldn’t be a major issue.

The cutest features from both breeds

Their shaggy coats, slightly flattened faces, and playful temperament all perfectly complement their clownishly adorable antics.

History Of The French Bull Tzu

Nobody really knows when the first French Bull Tzu was bred— the same goes for most other mixed breeds.

Nobody knows exactly when it was first bred

It’s very difficult to be sure of exactly when the French Bull Tzu was first bred.

This is because even though they may have mixed by accident, it’s only when a breeder consciously breeds new designer dogs that the mixed breed becomes recognized as a distinct type of dog.

They’re probably ~30 years old

However, most experts think that French Bull Tzu hybrids were first created by breeders around 30 years ago in the United States.

History Of The Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are a toy dog breed that first originated in Tibet where it’s thought that they were initially bred from the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese.

Loved by the royals

These companion dogs soon became a favorite pet among the royal families which gave them a very special place in Chinese culture.

In fact, Shih Tzus were considered to be so precious that the Chinese refused to trade or sell them with traders from abroad for generations! 

Came to Europe in the 1930s

However, eventually, the breed was exported and they made their first appearance in Europe in the 1930s.

Following WWII, Shih Tzus were brought back home to the US by members of the military where they rapidly became one of the most sought-after lap dogs in America.

Recognized by the AKC in 1969

The Shih Tzu was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1969— and has become one of the most popular dogs in the world.

The Shih Tzu has ranked #20 for many years on the AKC’s Most Popular Breed List.

History Of The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog first emerged in England during the mid-19th Century.

It’s thought that French Bulldogs were originally bred by crossing English Toy Bulldogs and Parisian ratters.

Bred to be a mild-mannered companion dog, the French Bulldog was hugely popular with the wealthy and elite of France.

Today, the French Bulldog is ranked #4 on the AKC’s Most Popular Breed List and is one of the world’s best-loved breeds.

Other Names for the French Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix

Depending on who you are talking to, you might hear the following

  • French Bull Tzu
  • French Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix

French Bull Tzu – Appearance

A fully grown adult French Bull Tzu stands at 8-12 inches at the withers and weighs between 15 to 25 pounds.

All hybrid dogs are unique

There’s always an element of unpredictability when it comes to hybrids, but the French Bull Tzu is a small, stocky dog that has a medium to long coat that is fine and smooth.

They come in a variety of colors

Their coats are usually black, white, red, brown, or mixes of these colors.

Some look more like a Frenchie— others more like a Shih Tzu

Sometimes they can look just like a French Bulldog but with longer fur whereas in other cases they are much slimmer with a more pronounced muzzle.

There’s considerable variation in the ears of the French Bull Tzu which can either be large and erect ‘bat ears’, like a French Bulldog, or floppier, like a Shih Tzu!

French Bull Tzu – Health Problems

While Frenchies are notorious for their health issues, the French Bull Tzu generally considered a healthier breed…

This is partly due to “hybrid vigor”, which refers to the health benefits of cross-breeding two purebred parents.

However, in spite of their hybrid vigor, French Bull Tzus can still be susceptible to some of the health conditions that are prevalent in their parental genetic heritage.

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The main health issues that might affect your French Bull Tzu include:

  • Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
  • Respiratory issues and related conditions
  • Skin allergies and rashes
  • Canine disk disease
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Pulmonary stenosis
  • Retinal dysplasia, retinal atrophy, and cataracts

French Bull Tzu Lifespan

French Bull Tzus have an average life expectancy of between 10 to 14 years and are generally a very healthy hybrid.

French Bull Tzu – Shedding

This means that your French Bull Tzu is likely to be a medium shedder that requires regular brushing and baths.

Frenchies shed a lot – Shih Tzus don’t

French Bulldogs are heavy shedders whereas Shih Tzus are considered to be very light shedders.

Regular brushing keeps shedding at a minimum

With any breed that sheds, you’re going to want to groom their coat on a regular basis.

My favorite brush for shedding is the FURminator— it is the perfect tool to get rid of all that loose hair in their coat without any discomfort.

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Not a hypoallergenic breed

French Bull Tzus are not hypoallergenic so if you have dog-related allergies or sensitive skin then they might not be the right pet for you.

French Bull Tzu – How Much Do They Cost?

A French Bull Tzu puppy will usually cost between $500 and $1000.

French Bull Tzu Price Chart

BreedPrice
French Bull Tzu$500 – $1,000
French Bulldog$2,500+
Shih Tzu$750–$1,500

Price will vary

The price will vary depending on where you live and the breeder you buy from— for example breeders with a better reputation charge more than shady backyard breeders… 

This makes a French Bull Tzu puppy considerably cheaper than both its parent breeds.

Price of a Frenchie

A French Bulldog will usually cost you anywhere between $2500 and $3000 with some selling for as much as $10,000 (or more)! 

Price of a Shih Tzu

For a purebred Shih Tzu, the price ranges from around $750 to $1500 while a Teacup Shih Tzu puppy costs between $1250 and $2500.

French Bull Tzu – A Charming, Loving & Clownish Furry Friend

A French Bull Tzu makes an ideal pet for elderly owners who are looking for a loyal companion as well as families and young professionals.

French Bull Tzus are adaptable, intelligent, and make a good choice for people who live in city apartments.

They are safe to be around small children and have a fun, playful, and affectionate nature that’s impossible not to fall in love with!

Sharon

Friday 6th of October 2023

Adopted from shelter French bulltzu. Severe skin allergies. How can I help her?

frenchiewiki

Thursday 9th of November 2023

Hi Sharon,

I'm sorry to hear about your French Bull Tzu's skin allergies.

These can be challenging, but there are ways to manage them.

It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause—whether it's food allergies, environmental triggers, or something else. Your vet may suggest dietary changes, medication, special shampoos, or allergen avoidance strategies. Please keep us updated on her progress, and I hope she finds relief soon.