A Shih-poo is a dog born from the cross between a Shih-Tzu and a Poodle. It is a cross dog that has gained enormous popularity in recent years due to its fluffy appearance and small size. Shih-poo is characterized by being a beautiful hairball that can be proud of excellent health. All this makes Shih-poo a trend in the canine world.
Want to get to know this dog better in this Animal Expert file? Read on and discover all the features of Shih-poo, its main care, its potential health problems and much more.
- The name Shih-poo comes from the combination of the names of the two parent races.
- So the prefix? Shih? Shih-tzu and? Poo? Poodle.
- These two breeds.
- The Shih-tzu and the Poodle.
- Which are popularly known.
- Are also mixed in the Shih-poo.
- Which incorporates the characteristics of both races in terms of appearance and temperament.
Although we know very well the genetic origin of Shih-poo, the exact moment in which this hybrid breed was born is unknown. Therefore, there is no specific date that can establish the exact origin of Shih-poo.
As with other mixed breeds, Shih-poo does not have an official standard because it is not a breed recognized by international wine organizations.
Talking about the features of Shih-poo is a bit complicated. In fact, the breed has not yet developed in many regions and therefore does not have an exact number of specimens, nor the studies necessary to establish an average in terms of size and weight. In general, it can be said that most Shih-poo weigh between 3.6 and 8 kg and measure between 20 and 38 centimeters to the cross, being in any case a small dog. The average life expectancy of Shih-poo is between 15 and 17 years, so they are considered very long-lived dogs.
A Shih-poo has a particular morphology, the mixture between Poodles and Shih-tzu. Your body is extremely proportional and does not lose balance in any of its parts. The head has subtle shapes and is surrounded by a thick layer of hair that adds to its beautiful appearance. Its eyes are closed, very bright and light brown, characteristics that give it a soft and affectionate appearance. The ears have rounded ends, like those of the poodle, and hang slightly on the sides of the head. Its snout is long and slightly narrow and its truffle is black.
Shih-poo hairs are short, bulky and slightly wavy, although it is common to have a longer fur around the ears and head. In addition, they do not exchange hair, so it is a breed that, to lose a small amount of hair, is indicated in case of allergies.
Shih-poo’s coat can have the following colors: gray, brown, black, brown, cream or any mixture or combination of all the above options.
Although the Shih-poos are distinguished by their friendly and fun personality, when they are young it is important to be very consistent with their education. Otherwise, they tend to develop a malevolent and capricious personality, so it is common for them to continue to bite and destroy objects after the baby phase. Therefore, it is best to start basic education at a very young age, so that concepts are established as quickly as possible.
The personality of The Shih-poo is distinguished by all its goodness. On the one hand, it is a very cheerful dog, affectionate and very sensitive. On the other hand, it is a restless dog, which can be a bit naughty and incredibly playful. It emphasizes its need for company, because we are faced with a dog that does not know how to handle loneliness. So much so that prolonged loneliness can lead to disorders such as separation anxiety or socialization difficulties. This trait is inherited from both Shih-tzu and Poodle.
The Shih-poo is a very attentive dog with its owners, so it is always looking for treats and, of course, gives it the same affection. However, it is a somewhat reluctant breed to deal with strangers, fearful and frightened most of the time, especially if the puppy has not been properly socialized.
It is an ideal breed for families because it enjoys playing, especially with children, although it is essential that children and dogs are well educated to treat themselves with respect and that there is no fear or that someone is injured.
The coat of the Shih-poh requires some attention to be in good condition, one of which is to perform a regular brushing. To do this it is necessary to use a brushing suitable for your hair type, since there are different types of brushes on the market. Brushing is essential because, as we have already said, shih-poo does not lose much hair naturally, so you have to help with brushing so that you can peel off dead hairs and prevent them from accumulating.
As for the demands of physical activity, the Shih-poo needs walks and games to stay calm and balanced. To entertain yourself, you can use games of different types, such as those that serve to improve your intelligence or agility circuits, which include many different exercises, help develop and maintain your muscles throughout your body in the best conditions.
Finally, it should be noted that it is essential to offer the Shih-poo, both puppies and adults, a balanced and quality diet. You can set up a BARF diet, cook food and buy quality food, such as natural dog food.
One of the things that worries and worries the caregivers of a Shih-poo the most is getting used to being alone for moderately long periods. This question, which can be easy with other more independent breeds, is slightly complicated in the case of the Shih-poo, as they are very dependent and need a constant affection and affection to feel good. Therefore, it can be difficult for them to tolerate loneliness, but it must also be said that it is possible to use the appropriate techniques for it, such as those presented in this article: “How to entertain a dog alone at home”
Another area that may be related to the previous one and usually requires a little training is the subject of barking. Shih-poo are quite predisposed to bark, which is why, probably, if you live with one of them, this is something you should avoid. To do this, there are several activities and guidelines that help correct your dog’s excessive barking.
Finally, it is important to emphasize the importance of socializing the puppy and the adult dog, as well as the use of techniques based on positive reinforcement for all their education.
Although it is a dog with enviable health, the truth is that Shih-poo is exposed to diseases typical of its two parent breeds. On the one hand, it can inherit the predisposition to develop eye health problems, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, typical of both Shih-tzu and poodles.
On the poodle side, it tends to suffer from patellar dislocation, which affects the patella, or hypothyroidism, which is a hormonal condition, or bone disease.
Given the risk of developing any of the above disorders, as well as any bacterial or viral disease, it is of paramount importance to make regular visits to the veterinarian. During these visits, in addition to the appropriate tests, your doctor will be able to provide you with the appropriate vaccinations and perform the necessary deworming to keep your pet healthy and happy.
After reading this article about the features of The Shih-poo, who wouldn’t want to have one of those adorable puppies in their family? If this is the case, we recommend that before making a decision as important as adopting an animal, you wonder if you are really prepared to face whatever it means.
One of the most important things before adopting is to think about the needs and requirements of your future pet. They relate to your personality, including physical needs such as food, care, or the amount of daily exercise you need. In addition, of course, it is essential to ensure that you can take care of the animal, without resorting to abandonment.
If, after all, after the right considerations, you decide to adopt a Shih-poo, we recommend that you visit the shelters and animal protectors of your city. Even if you don’t have Shih-poo now, you can expect one; otherwise, it is also possible to increase the search rate in nearby cities. Definitely very soon you will find a lovingly hungry Shih-poo, who will be very happy to join your family!