My bro and SIL are "babysitting" their son's 6YO ShihTzu while the family is away. They also have a large German Shepherd mix and a yellow lab mix in the house. They all get along well. The Shih Tzu rules.

 

A good thing about the Shih Tzu is that they are a low shed dog. Very cute.

 

My inlaws have 2 shih Tzus they don't care for Mocha much but they are a little older and not used to large dogs. If you got a younger one I would say they will be fine. Their's are pretty bossy too maybe it's a trait.

 

It really depends on the dogs. I had my friend's Shih tzu stay with me when I had my Pitbull. Those two had a blast playing together.

 

Proud momma to a 5 yo Shi Tzu (Max) and a 6 mo old Lab (Lucy). They get along great. Max rules the roost, but it should be that way. He has been here longer than Lucy. I should say that Lucy is the most easy going lab even as a puppy and Max is VERY tolerant. Hair won't be an issue because Shi Tzu's don't shed. I do take him to the groomer every 6 weeks, but no problem with shedding.

I say go for it and post pictures when and if you do!

 

I think if both dogs are properly socialized, it shouldn't matter what breeds you put together.

 

My Darla, 2yo 68#female just loves to play with my dads 7 mo shih tzu, Toby. When Darla goes to the lake she beelines it to the water and the Shi Tzu is right behind. While Darla is swimming and retrieving toby will be running up and down the beach waiting for her. Once she makes the shore he will run right beside her and you would never know there is a 60# difference. Darla respects his size and won't stomp or play bitey face.

However, his last shiz tzu from a puppy mill that they got at 6 weeks was a different story. He was totally agressive and if I didn't keep Darla away would of ate him for lunch. Just make sure the Shih Tzu is socialized.

 

I have one; well, he's a Shih Tzu/Cocker mix. Everyone is correct when they say they are bossy. No doubt about it; I've always said my little guy has Napoleon's syndrome. I'll be honest, he's a cutie but has never been a "favorite" ... not when you put their personality up against a lab. Szu's are more demanding and bossy; more of a take kind of pup rather than a giver (if that makes sense). Zoe can't stand him; in fact I have to keep them separated. He gets along with all the other labs because they just ignore him.
They have hair rather than fur; so they don't shed but you do have to have them groomed, so be sure to figure that into your second dog budget. Good luck and keep us posted if you get a new addition.

 

Why not check out your local shelter? There may be a trained buddy just waiting for a new home? I think personality mixes will be most important and shelters usually let you take them home for a test run to see how things work out

 

I have a little dog big dog..Riley (lab) is 8 years old and Robbie (Cavalier King Charles) 10 months...Riley was always good with little dogs but when I brought one home it was a little different story...He really wanted nothing to do with the little guy ... wouldn't play with the little guy, wouldn't little the little guy cuddle with him...It took about 6 months for him to really play because he wanted to play and not because the little guy was bothering him and he will now let him cuddle up too.

 

I think if both dogs are properly socialized, it shouldn't matter what breeds you put together

I agree.

Not sure company for the lab is a great reason to get another dog, you've got to want it to.

 

Thanks for all of the responses. I agree getting another dog to keep Lucy company is not a good idea. I love dogs and know that I want another, but think I would like a smaller, non yappy breed.

I don't know what to do. It would be months before I get another one, so I have plenty of time to research but Lucy is my baby, and thinks that she is a princess, and I know that I don't want another dog to come in and take over. I also plan on checking out the local shelters. Who knows what breed I will actually end up with.

Thanks again.