25% Lhasa Apso, 75% Shih Tzu--a good mix? Please help.

Hello!

My landlord, and neighbor, recently bred her 50/50 lhasa and shih tzu with a purebred shih tzu. The puppies are adorable. I am considering buying one. I have read so much that my head hurts about both breeds. The mama dog is relatively obstinate and not cuddly toward her owner. This *could* have been a result of raising, not sure.

Is this a good mix? I do not want an obstinate dog, or a dog who is weary of strangers. Does this mix fit well with what I want. It sounds like the shih tzu is more my style. Also, the puppy I want has a fluffier coat than two of the others, whose is silkier and flatter. Is this more shih tzu? Does that mean this male will be more laid back like a shih tzu? He seems laid back so far, esp. compared to the only female. They are about 5 weeks old. I will post a pic soon.

Please help me with any thoughts of this particular mix--25 lhasa and 75 shih tzu. My other consideration for a breed is a yorkie.

Thanks!! :mrgreen:

 

I don't know if you have kids but lhasas are generally not good with kids. My cousin had to rehome her lhasa poo as it was growling and snapping at her toddler.

I personally wouldnt get a pup from a mother whose personality I did not like. But that is just me. I think a parents personality is a predictor of the pup's personality. Also, if you think the mothers personality may be a product of her owner--I would probably want to stay away from buying a pup from that owner.

Keep looking if you are not comfortable. Since you are willing to pay for the pup, for probably the same price, you can get a pup from someone who breeds for temperment as well as looks.

 

Oh, I'm not sure by what you mean by obstinate. My pup who is a shih tzu mix is somewhat obstinate in that he knows the obedience commands but sometimes just won't obey. But bring a treat out and immediately he coforms.

He is however EXTREMELY cuddly and EXTREMELY friendy towards all strangers. He is the sweetest dog. I met his mother and supposed father and both were very friendly towards me. The father climbed into my lap.

If you want that type of personality, I would look for parents with that personality. There are no guarantees but I would think having both parents with the personality you like would increase your chances of getting a pup witha personality you like.

 

I think you ought to really think about the following factors:

-Did the owners of the sire and dam do extensive testing prior to the breeding to ensure the parents are of excellent health? If not, then I would be very weary of buying a pup from them, for you do not know if something negative was passed down to the litter by either the mother or father (or both).

-Are you FULLY satisfied with the parents' temperament? If not, I wouldn't risk getting one of their puppies, for the puppies will likely have a similar temperament. FYI, Lhasa's are known to be aloof, and not tolerant of children/rough play and teasing, something I think you are not comfortable with.

(Since you are not so sure of the Lhasa temperament, you may want to look at this site if you haven't already, I think they do a good job of covering all the details of the breed:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lhasaapso.htm )

-It sounds as though this particular breeding wasn't really planned for and/or carefully thought out! That right there is a big issue as well!

-What kind of effort have these people put forth to properly socialize all the pups?

-What kind of guarantee do they offer?

-Like the other person said, if you're willing to pay for one of your landlord's puppies, why not find a quality breeder who breeds the breed (or breed) mix that you really want, and buy from him/her?

-ETC.!

I guess what I am trying to say is that you'd be better off buying from a high quality, reputable, responsible, and experienced breeder! I think that would be in your best interest! :y_the_best:

Best wishes to you!