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Shih-Poo
Shih-Poo
Origin
China
Germany
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-15Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 50,000
Top 5 Traits
Intelligent
Playful
Energetic
Friendly
Loyal
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,300 - ₹ 5,400
Shih Poo Dog Breed Overview
When a shih tzu and a poodle are crossed, a hybrid breed known as a "shih-poo" is created.
The Shih Tzu breed standard states that the breed's "sole purpose" is to serve as a "house pet and companion." A Shih Tzu that has received the right socialization is therefore "social, cheerful, devoted, courteous, and loving towards everyone." In contrast, the breed standard describes the Toy Poodle as "very active," "intelligent," and possessing a "pride and dignity that is unique to the breed." A Shih-poo dog with these temperaments will usually be intelligent, social, and self-assured.
Shih-poos are small, intelligent, and shed little. According to PetMD, they require around 30 minutes of exercise a day. This makes them an excellent option for first-time pet owners and apartment dwellers.
Because of their outgoing and extroverted nature, the breed gets along well with family members of all ages, including kids and senior citizens, as well as with other dogs and cats. Shih-poos require an indoor environment, frequent grooming, and lots of company.
Physical Characteristics
- Height: 8 to 15 inches tall
- Weight: 7 to 20 pounds
- Coat - Straight, wavy, or curly
- Colours - Black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue, or apricot
Origin
In the 2000s, when the "doodle craze" reached North America, people began mixing poodles with almost all the breeds. Thus was born the Shih Poo. According to the Spruce Pets, there is no official standard for hybrid dogs. But purebred dogs are meticulously produced over generations in accordance with the breed standard.
As a result, traits in hybrid dogs, such as body composition, color, coat type, temperament, height, and weight, are less consistent than in purebred dogs. Breeders may have varied opinions on what makes a shih tzu-poodle hybrid ideal. Furthermore, none of the major purebred dog registries, including the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club, acknowledge shih tzu–poodle mixes.
How Long Can A Shih Poo Live?
Shih Poos have an average lifespan of 10 to 16 years.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
How Much Does a Shih Poo Cost in India?
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 50,000
The price of Shih Poo in India can range from ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 75,000.
The price depends on several factors, including the dog’s lineage, its potential as a show-quality pet, and the breeder’s reputation.
Adoption is also a great way to welcome a Shih-Poo into your family. It gives a deserving puppy in need a second chance at love. You can find one to adopt by contacting local animal shelters and rescue groups.
Here are some breeds that are similar to the Shih Poo: Shih Tzu l Bichon Frise l Japanese Chin l Lhasa Apso
Prerequisites to pet a Shih-Poo
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Things To Know Before Buying Or Adopting a Shih Poo
- Research: Spend time both online and offline to learn more about the breed. Talk to current Shih Poo owners to understand their experiences and challenges.
- Adopt: Adoption is a fantastic opportunity to give a needy puppy a loving home.
- Medical Examinations: Get all the important medical documents. Take the pup to a veterinarian and get a thorough medical checkup.
- Doggy Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies like a dog bed, food, treats, and toys to give them a warm welcome.
Shih Poo Nutrition Guide
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 400 kcal
Adults:Â 500 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Home made meals
- Protein – Helps boost the immune system and repair tissues. It is essential for building lean muscles.
- Fats – Offer steady energy. They keep the skin and coat in good condition, support brain function, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- Carbohydrates – Provide energy for daily activities and help maintain healthy digestion.
- Fiber – Aids digestion and gut health. It helps control weight by keeping dogs feeling fuller for longer.
- Vitamins and minerals – Promote overall health. Ensure their diet includes important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin E.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Recommended Foods To Keep Your Shih Poo Healthy
- Shih poo puppies need frequent meals, three or four times a day with smaller kibble sizes for easier chewing and digestion.
- This diet should be rich in high-quality protein, moderate in carbohydrates, and include healthy fats and fibre.
- Focus on foods with animal-based protein like chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb as the
- primary ingredient.
- Fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and apples can be given for fibre and nutrients
- Ensure that their diet is in line with the AAFCO guidelines.
- Good sources of carbohydrates are boiled oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes.
Foods That Are Toxic To Shih Poos
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Garlic
Onions
Chocolate
Grapes
Xylitol
Alcohol
- Avoid foods with excessive fillers and artificial additives
- Avoid giving your dog common human foods that are toxic, like chocolate, avocados, raisins, and grapes.
- Cooked bones can pose a choking hazard by getting stuck in your dog’s throat or mouth. They can also splinter inside the intestines and cause blockages in the digestive tract.
Shih Poo Medical care
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 900 - ₹ 1,800
Common Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Disorders
Bloat
Kennel Cough
Eye problems
Leptospirosis
Allergies
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Agility Training
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
20 - 40 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Common Health Issues Found In Shih Poos
- Hip Dysplasia- It occurs when the hip joint does not develop normally, resulting in degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) and a loose joint. Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat mild cases, but surgery may be necessary for severe ones. Symptoms include: limping, an unwillingness to stand or jump, a reduction in the muscular mass of the limbs, and hip discomfort.
- Patella Luxation - Patellar luxation (dislocation) is the word used to describe the movement of the patella (kneecap) out of its natural position. A luxating patella may not be an issue for some dogs, but in more severe situations, surgery may be necessary. Symptoms include: limping and a cracking or popping sound coming from the knee joint.
- Periodontal Disease- Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a degenerative disorder in which bacteria build up in the mouth and cause harm to the dog's bones, gums, and other tissues. While badly damaged teeth need to be pulled, mild cases could just need a professional dental cleaning. The best approach to prevent periodontal disease is to brush their teeth at least three times a week and have regular cleanings from a professional.
- Eye Problems - Shih Poo are susceptible to a number of eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dry eye syndrome, and cataracts. Vision loss results from cataracts because they cloud the lens, preventing light from reaching the retina. Inform your veterinarian if you observe cloudiness or symptoms of visual loss in your dog, such as clumsiness. Although they can be cured surgically, cataracts are progressive. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), another name for dry eye syndrome, is a condition in which a dog's eyes do not generate enough tears to adequately lubricate them and shield them from irritations and infections. A drug that promotes the formation of tears is used to treat this condition. A group of eye conditions collectively referred to as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occurs when the rods and cones of the retina either fail to develop normally in puppies (early-onset PRA) or start to degenerate in adults (late-onset PRA). Clumsiness, cataracts, and a reluctance to approach dimly lit areas are indicators of the condition. PRA has no known cure and eventually causes blindness.
- Von Willebrand Disease- According to PeMD, it is a common blood ailment and is genetically inclined to develop in both of the Shih-poo's parents. It is brought on by a lack of von Willebrand Factor proteins, which makes it harder for blood to clot. Although there is no cure for the illness, blood transfusions can help control it. Symptoms include: prolonged, excessive, or unplanned bleeding; blood in the feces or urine; nosebleeds; bruising easily; and red blood cell insufficiency, or anemia.
- Leg Calve Perthes Disease - A disorder known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease occurs when the femur bone's head degenerates on its own. Osteoarthritis, or inflammation of the bones and joints, results from this disintegration of the hip joint. According to PetMD, small-breed dogs are most frequently affected. After undergoing surgery to remove a portion of the femur, dogs must undergo a strenuous exercise and physical therapy program. The symptoms include walking with limbs raised, pain in hip joints while walking, and thigh muscle loss in the afflicted limb or limbs.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
10-12 Weeks
Leptospirosis, Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
12-16 Weeks
Rabies
How To Care For a Senior Shih Poo
- Caring for a senior Shih Poo involves adapting to their changing needs, with a focus on maintaining their health and comfort.
- Make adjustments to their diet, exercise routine, and grooming schedule, and pay close attention to their dental and joint health.
- Choose foods formulated for senior dogs, with a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, along with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Provide joint supplements after consulting with your veterinarian.
- Provide cognitive stimulation in the form of games and puzzles to keep their mind sharp and healthy.
Shih Poo Grooming Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Ear Cleaning
Brushing
Eye Care
Benefits of Grooming
Prevents Bad Breath
Odourless
Low Shedding
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
- Coat - Brush their coat every day to get rid of loose fur and debris.
- Eye - Trim the hair around the eyes. This can prevent irritation. They are prone to tear stains, and they can be cleaned with a vet-recommended wipe.
- Ear - Look out for wax and dirt buildup in their ear. Clean them with a vet-recommended cleaning solution.
- Nails - Trim their nails once every two weeks.
- Skin - Give them a bath when you notice a lot of dirt. PetMD advises against frequent baths as it can strip their skin of essential oils and may lead to dry skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shih tzu-poodle mix hypoallergenic?
The shih tzu is naturally a low-shedding breed. However, keep in mind that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Is a Shih-poo a good family dog?
Yes, they are friendly, affectionate, and make great family dogs.
How long do Shih-poos live?
The average lifespan of a Shih-poo ranges between 10 to 18 years.
