Fun Boshih Facts For Kids

This adorable little crossbreed of the Boston terrier and the Shih Tzu is commonly known as the Boshih and the Bo-Shih. This dog breed is lovable, cheerful, and curious. The Boston terrier Shih Tzu mix is a small-sized dog, so it can be a great option for families living with children, beginner pet owners, and apartment dwellers.

When it comes to the parents of the Boshih, Shih Tzu and Boston terrier dogs originated in China and the United States respectively and the former breed is considered one of the oldest breeds.

It is said that these dogs originated in Tibet while the latter breed is popularly known as the 'American gentleman'.

In ancient monasteries, the Shih Tzu breed served as watchdogs of monks and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed officially in 1969. Meanwhile, the Boston terrier was primarily used for fighting purposes and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1893.

The Bo-Shih dog breed is listed by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the Designer Breed Registry.

The average height is  12-16 in (30.48-40.64 cm) ad the average weight is around 10-20 lb (4.53-9.97 kg). This mixed breed is generally found in three variants: brown, white, and gray.

Its face is flat with upright ears and its tail is curly. A beard on the chin can also be seen, while the breed's sparkling brown eyes give an insight to the lively personality of the Boshih mixed breed. Their coat structure is generally straight, and they have a medium coat length.

These dogs may shed frequently and they require regular grooming and teeth-brushing to prevent tooth-related problems. Also, these dogs are prone to multiple health issues such as patellar luxation, reverse sneezing, hip dysplasia, and a few more. To prevent such complications, regular vet visits are very important.

For more relatable content, check out these Dutch shepherd facts and mountain lion facts for kids.

Boshih Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Boshih?

The Boshih is a mixed breed of the Boston terrier and the Shih Tzu. This designer breed makes a great companion for families with children, apartment-dwellers, and new pet owners.

This small dog is quite cheerful, lovable, and curious and its energy level remains always high. To get rid of the stubborn nature of the dog, early socialization is very important.

What class of animal does a Boshih belong to?

The Bo-Shih mixed breed belongs to the class of Mammalia, the family of Canidae, and the Canis genus. Their parents, the Shih Tzu and the Boston terrier originated in Tibet and the United States respectively. The breed is considered quite easy to train.

How many Boshihs are there in the world?

The exact population of Boshih dogs is not known as of now but since they are quite popular, you can find them in several countries of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Also, the parent breeds are very famous in the United States; Boston terrier dogs are known as the 'American gentlemen' while the Shih Tzu made its way to America before the mid-20th century.

Where does a Boshih live?

These Boshih dogs originated in the United States and now they are widespread in different countries of Asia, Europe, and North America. The Boshih dog breed is recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the Designer Breed Registry.

What is a Boshih's habitat?

Like other domestic dog breeds, Boshih dogs are found in homes, kennel clubs, and shelters. Like its parent breeds, this dog makes a great companion for those living in the apartment. Studies reveal that Boshih dogs can't live alone for long periods of time, as leaving them alone may develop separation anxiety in these dogs.  

Who does a Boshih live with?

Like other domestic dog breeds, Boshih dogs are very social and they love to spend time with their owners. Characteristics such as affection have been inherited from their parents, but this little dog requires early socialization with children and other pets. After being socialized, this dog will happily play, cuddle, and please his owners and others pets.  

How long does a Boshih live?

In comparison to its parents, the Boshih dog has a higher life expectancy rate. The average life span of the Shih Tzu and the  Boston terrier is around 10-12 years while the Boshih dog has a life span of around 12-15 years.

Studies also reveal that their life span generally depends on the amount of human care given to these pets.

How do they reproduce?

The Boshih dog follows the same breeding methods as other domestic dogs. Domestic dogs generally attain sexual maturity when they are six months or one year old. During this stage, females generally go through an estrous or heat cycle and are receptive to males. As they are designer dogs, breeding of Boshihs is only performed by specialized breeders.

After mating, the female dog goes through a gestation period, which lasts for around 58-68 days, and like other small breeds, they give birth to between two and five puppies at a time. It is important to visit the vet if your female dog becomes pregnant to check on how she and the babies are doing.

In the late 20th century, the demand for mixed-breed dogs started rising. Breeders wanted to mix the Shih Tzu and Boston terrier breeds in order to eliminate inbreeding and health complications. Therefore the Boshih was bred to be a friendly and healthy mixture of these two breeds.

What is their conservation status?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has not evaluated the conservation status of the Boshih dog since it is a domestic dog breed that is bred to demand. The dog faces several health complications such as patellar luxation, reverse sneezing, hip dysplasia, and a few more.

Also, they face several skin-related problems and it is said that the dog is not suitable for people with allergies due to a potentially high amount of shedding.

Boshih Fun Facts

What does a Boshih look like?

Bo-shihs are generally found in three variants: brown, white, and gray. This dog's face is flat with upright ears and its tail is curly.

A beard on the chin can also be seen while the sparkling brown eyes of this dog give an insight to the lively personality of the Boshih mixed breed. This dog's coat structure is generally straight and it has a medium coat length.

*Please note the image is of a Shih Tzu dog, one of the parent breeds of a Boshih dog. If you have an image of a Boshih dog, please let us know at hello@kidadl.com.

How cute are they?

As a cross-breed between the Boston terrier and the Shih Tzu, Bo-shihs are one the cutest and most fascinating dogs. Bo-shihs are filled with great characteristics such as a high energy level, an inquisitive nature, cheerfulness, and a lively personality.

These pets always try to please their owners and love to play with kids and other animals. Another great thing about Bo-shihs is their ability to survive in a small house or apartment.

How do they communicate?

Bo-shihs generally use similar methods to communicate to other domestic dogs. Generally, Bo-shihs bark, growl or use body movements to convey messages to humans.

Also, owners can teach and train them.

Their parent breeds used to serve as fighting and watchdogs in ancient times and studies reveal that these dogs are stubborn and need to be socialized with strangers and other pets early in their lives in order to avoid timid behavior later in life.

Also, they can't be left alone for long periods of time in the house as leaving them alone may develop separation anxiety in these dogs.

How big is a Boshih?

The average weight of Bo-shihs is around 10-20 lb (4.53-9.97 kg) while the average height is 12-16 in (30.48-40.64 cm). Also, their parents weigh around 8.81 -22.02 lb (4-10 kg). They are twice as big as a miniature poodle and a toy fox terrier.

How fast can a Boshih run?

The exact speed of Boshih dogs is not known but the breed is quite active and playful. While talking about their parent breeds, the Shih Tzu breed can run at a speed of 6 mph (10 mph) and the Boston terrier can run at a speed of 18 mph (28.97 kph).

This energetic breed can play for around 30 minutes a day. Also, going on a walk with your puppy will help to keep your dog healthy and prevent it from gaining too much weight.

How much does a Boshih weigh?

The average weight of a Boshih is around 10-20 lb (4.53-9.97 kg).

What are their male and female names of the species?

There are no specific names given to the male and female Boshih dogs, people generally use terms such as 'dog' and 'bitch' to refer to males and females, respectively. Terms like 'sire' and 'dam' are also used to refer to the male and female adult dogs respectively.

What would you call a baby Boshih?

Baby Boshihs are known as puppies.

What do they eat?

Like other domestic dogs, these dogs are omnivores and they generally feed on meat, grains, vegetables, and dog food. Like other small breeds, only a cup of food at each mealtime is required as more food might make them put on too much weight and become obese.

Also, food with a high nutritional value is very crucial to keep them healthy.

Are they slobbery?

No, these dogs do not slobber but they do have high energy levels.

Would they make a good pet?

Bo-shihs can be great pets if you want a small breed that can easily live with you in a small house or an apartment.

These active and curious dogs are very easy to train, and they have plenty of great characteristics that will make you fall in love with these little cuties. If properly trained, these dogs will love to play with children and other family members.

However, it is important to know that they are prone to several health problems and they are high-shedding dogs so may not be suitable if you have got allergies.

If you keep your dog healthy, the chances of it developing serious diseases will reduce.

If you are looking into buying a Boshih, you might find the puppy in shelters or rescue centers, however, these dogs are also bred by breeders and the price of a Boshih puppy is between $300 to $550 if you buy it from a breeder.

Non-medical expenses such as grooming, treats, toys, bedding, and food could cost you around $530 to $630 if you own this dog.

Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and greyhounds get on well with them.

Did you know...

Whilst the parents of this dog were used as watchdogs, the Bullmastiff is actually considered the best guard dog.

Are Boshihs good guardian dogs?

Boshihs are not typically good guardian dogs but they are very loyal animals when it comes to their family members.

Is the Boshih hypo-allergenic?

These Bo-Shih dogs are not recommended for people with allergies due to potentially high amounts of shedding. Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush will reduce this shedding.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our Victorian bulldog facts and Siamese cat facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable dog coloring pages.

*Please note that the main image is of a Shih Tzu dog, one of the parent breeds of a Boshih dog. If you have an image of a Boshih dog, please let us know at hello@kidadl.com.