Boshih
A small Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu cross that is usually affectionate, friendly and well-suited to flats. Coat and muzzle length vary, and some may inherit mild brachycephalic or eye issues.
Boshih scorecard
Overview
The Boshih is a small companion crossbreed produced by mating a Boston Terrier with a Shih Tzu. It typically stands around 23–33 cm and weighs roughly 5–11 kg, with a compact body, an appealing face and a coat that varies from short and smooth to longer and softer depending on which parent it favours. Bred purely as an affectionate lapdog and family pet, it combines the Boston Terrier’s friendly, lively nature with the Shih Tzu’s gentle, devoted temperament.
As a designer cross, the Boshih is not a recognised breed and has no breed standard or registry, so appearance and coat vary from dog to dog. Both parent breeds have shorter-than-average muzzles, so a Boshih can inherit a degree of brachycephalic risk, and the popular description of the cross as low-shedding is not guaranteed. Prospective owners should understand both parent breeds before choosing one.
Good to know — a Boshih is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Boshih is a recent crossbreed without a formal history, and its traits come from its parents. The Boston Terrier is an American companion breed developed in the late nineteenth century around Boston from bulldog and terrier ancestry, nicknamed the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo markings and friendly manners. The Shih Tzu is an ancient Chinese and Tibetan companion breed, long kept as a palace lapdog and prized for its long coat and affectionate, dignified character.
Crossing these two small companion breeds aims to produce a friendly, adaptable family dog. Because both were bred as companions rather than workers, the Boshih is generally people-focused and well-suited to indoor life, though it inherits the shorter muzzle and associated risks of both parents.
Temperament & family fit
Boshihs are typically affectionate, sociable and good-natured, thriving on human company and happy to be involved in family life. The Boston Terrier influence brings liveliness, friendliness and a playful streak, while the Shih Tzu adds a gentle, calm and devoted nature. Most are happy lapdogs that also enjoy a good play session, and they generally get on well with children and other pets.
Both parent breeds are companion dogs that dislike being left alone, so Boshihs can be prone to separation-related behaviour and suit households where someone is usually at home. Some may inherit a slight stubborn streak or a tendency to bark, but on the whole this is an easy-going, affectionate cross well-suited to first-time owners who can offer plenty of attention.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Boshihs are generally willing and responsive but can have an independent or stubborn streak from either parent, so patient, consistent, reward-based training works best. Short, positive sessions using food and praise suit their nature, and house-training in particular may take a little patience. Early socialisation helps them grow into confident, well-mannered adults.
Because they are small and people-oriented, gentle handling and clear, kind boundaries are more effective than firmness. Owners should also take care not to over-exert a Boshih during training if it has inherited a shorter muzzle, keeping sessions calm, especially in warm weather.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Boshih typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming depends on the coat. A shorter, Boston-type coat needs only weekly brushing, while a longer, Shih Tzu-type coat needs frequent brushing and regular trimming to prevent matting, especially around the face and eyes. Whatever the coat, keep the eyes clean (the Shih Tzu side can bring eye sensitivity), clean any facial folds, and maintain routine ear, teeth and nail care.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality food formulated for a small dog, split into two measured meals a day. Small companion dogs can gain weight easily, which worsens any breathing or joint issues, so measure portions and limit treats. A slow-feeder can help dogs that eat quickly, which is sensible given the short-faced conformation, and fresh water should always be available.
Boshih health & costs
Before bringing a Boshih home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
A Boshih can inherit health problems from both parents. From both sides it may inherit brachycephalic features, so breathing difficulty, snoring and reduced heat tolerance are possible, though usually milder than in more extreme flat-faced breeds. Eye problems are a particular concern: both Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus have prominent eyes prone to ulcers, injury and conditions such as corneal damage, and Shih Tzus are prone to dry eye.
From the Boston Terrier side a Boshih may inherit patellar luxation, certain eye disorders and a tendency to overheat, while the Shih Tzu side can bring brachycephalic syndrome, eye conditions, dental crowding and, in some lines, kidney problems. Responsible breeders should health-screen parents and be open about any breathing or eye issues; buyers should prioritise dogs bred for more open nostrils and longer muzzles.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Brachycephalic breathing problems — possible from both short-muzzled parents, affecting breathing and heat tolerance
- Eye problems — corneal ulcers, injuries and dry eye linked to the prominent eyes of both parents
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps, a known issue in Boston Terriers
- Dental disease — crowded teeth in a short jaw, common in the Shih Tzu, needing regular dental care
- Heat intolerance — reduced ability to cool down in warm weather
- Skin and ear problems — fold and ear care needed to prevent infection
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Boshih; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Boshih puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Boshih
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Loving, sociable and apartment-friendly
- Generally good with kids and other pets
Things to consider
- Possible flat-face breathing or eye issues
- Coat type and grooming needs vary
Compare the Boshih
See how the Boshih measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Boshih?
The Boshih is a small companion crossbreed produced by mating a Boston Terrier with a Shih Tzu. It has a compact body, an appealing face and a coat ranging from short and smooth to longer and softer, and was bred purely as an affectionate lapdog. It combines the Boston Terrier's friendly, lively nature with the Shih Tzu's gentle, devoted temperament.
How big does a Boshih get?
A Boshih typically stands around 23–33 cm and weighs roughly 5–11 kg, making it a small companion dog well suited to flats and indoor life. As a designer cross with no breed standard, appearance, coat and size vary from dog to dog depending on which parent it favours.
What is a Boshih's temperament like?
Boshihs are typically affectionate, sociable and good-natured, thriving on human company. The Boston Terrier brings liveliness and a playful streak, while the Shih Tzu adds a gentle, calm and devoted nature. Most are happy lapdogs that also enjoy play and generally get on well with children and other pets. They dislike being left alone for long.
How much exercise and grooming does a Boshih need?
The Boshih has modest exercise needs, typically around 30–45 minutes of walking a day plus indoor play, and suits apartment life. Grooming depends on the coat: a shorter, Boston-type coat needs weekly brushing, while a longer, Shih Tzu-type coat needs frequent brushing and regular trimming. Keep the eyes clean, clean any facial folds, and avoid over-exercising in warm weather.
Are Boshihs good for first-time owners and families?
Yes. Boshihs are easy-going, affectionate companions well-suited to first-time owners who can offer plenty of attention. They make good family pets and generally do well with gentle children and other pets, though their small size means play should be supervised. They suit indoor, companion-focused homes where someone is usually around.
What health problems are Boshihs prone to?
A Boshih can inherit brachycephalic features from both parents, so breathing difficulty, snoring and reduced heat tolerance are possible, though usually milder than in extreme flat-faced breeds. Eye problems are a particular concern, as both parents have prominent eyes prone to ulcers and injury. It may also inherit patellar luxation and dental crowding. Prioritise breeders selecting for more open nostrils and longer muzzles.
Can Boshihs cope with hot weather?
Care is needed. Because both parents are shorter-muzzled, a Boshih can inherit some brachycephalic risk, meaning reduced heat tolerance. Avoid over-exercising in warm or humid weather, watch for any breathing difficulty, and let the dog rest when it tires. They are not suited to hot conditions or to being left alone for long periods.
How long do Boshihs live?
A Boshih typically lives around 12–15 years, a fairly long lifespan for a small companion dog. Quality of life is helped by keeping a healthy weight, since excess weight worsens any breathing or joint issues, and by regular eye and dental care. Health-tested parents and lifetime insurance help cover inherited conditions from either side.
Are Boshihs good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Boshihs tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Boshih need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Boshih needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Boshihs shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Boshihs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Boshihs are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Boshihs bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Boshihs good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Boshihs suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Boshih can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog / crossbreeds and health: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- RVC VetCompass programme — companion animal health data: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
- PDSA — Dog breed and health information: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog care and breed advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- British Veterinary Association — Brachycephalic dogs / responsible breeding: https://www.bva.co.uk/
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.