ShihPoo Information |  |
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About the ShihPoo
The ShihPoo is a hybrid dog that is made up of a combination of two different purebreeds. It's a cross between the Miniature Poodle and the Shih Tzu. We've found the best method for understanding the characteristics of the ShihPoo is to read both of its ancestors descriptions taking note of their temperaments, size and general look.
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General Description
The Shihpoo is a crossbreed that is a mix between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu. This type of breed is sometimes referred to as a hybrid or a designer breed and in recent years they have become popular because they typically take the best traits from both breeds, including in terms of behavior as well as appearance. Prospective owners should be aware that although a Shihpoo may be bred from two purebred parents, it is not recognized by a purebred registry. As more hybrids become popular, hybrid registries are opening and recognizing designer breeds.
In terms of appearance, the Shihpoo may have somewhat of a varied appearance, depending which parent breed it takes after. The Shihpoo may more resemble the Poodle or the Shih Tzu or it may take after both parent breeds. There tends to be variance among the coat colors of this breed because the breed may take after a wide variety of coat colors that are seen in both parent breeds. The coat may be a solid color or it may be a combination of colors. Typically, the coat of the Shihpoo will be either wavy or curly and it will typically be medium to long in terms of length.
The ears of this breed are usually floppy while the tail is left long rather than being docked. The size of the Shihpoo will typically depend on the size of the parent breeds. Smaller parent breeds will produce smaller Shihpoo dogs while larger parent breeds will produce larger Shihpoo dogs. Even when they are small, a Shihpoo is typically sturdy in build.
Character
The Shihpoo breed tends to be friendly, intelligent and alert. They are typically loyal to their owners and love to spend time with them. Since they are a small breed of dog, they may show some shyness around strangers. In order to achieve the best results with this breed of dog it is a good idea to socialize them to be around children and other people as well as other pets from a young age, although they will usually do well around other pets on their own. As a result of their intelligence they take to training well and are happy to please their owners. This is a dog that gets on well with the elderly and would make a good companion dog because they are happy to sit on someone’s lap and simply be petted.
General Health
As a hybrid breed, the Shihpoo is not as likely as their parent breeds to experience serious health concerns. The Shihpoo will usually have fewer breathing problems than the Shih Tzu because the snout on the Shihpoo is not pushed in as far as their parent breed. Prospective owners should be aware that as a result of their floppy ears, this breed of dog may run a higher inner ear temperature. Consequently, they will usually need to have their ears check regularly to avoid any chance of infection or of parasites taking up residence in the ears. The Shihpoo may also have some problems with dental health because they are a small breed but this can be assisted through a good dental health regimen. On average, the life expectancy of a Shihpoo that is provided with good care and regular checkups will range between 12 and 18 years. The exact life expectancy will vary somewhat with size as smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs.
Maintenance
The Shihpoo will require brushing on a regular basis in order for the long coat to avoid becoming tangled. This is not a dog that sheds a lot, if any at all, so that is typically not a problem with this breed. The dog will need to be bathed when necessary to remove dirt from the coat. Brushing prior to bathing can help to eliminate problems with snarling of the coat. The Shihpoo will also typically need to have its teeth brushed two to three times per week to help reduce possible dental health problems. The best time to start this is when the dog is a puppy. This breed will also need to have monthly nail trimmings to prevent the nails from becoming too long and hurting the dog's feet.
Ideal Environment
The Shihpoo will do best in an environment where it can live indoors and will not be subjected to extreme temperatures of either cold or hot. This is a dog that craves attention and needs to be with its family. Generally, the Shihpoo will get a sufficient amount of exercise on its own, although it will enjoy a walk.
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ShihPoo Q&AAsk a Question
- Sinus issues in Shihpoos
I have an 8 month old Shihpoo who seems to have what I assume is a post nasal drip issue. He will do a lot of swallowing and funny breathing thru his nose and this happens a lot at night. Last night he actually got sick. Is this...
Asked by Anonymous - Array answers 
ShihPoo-PantingOur dog named Saydie sleeps in the bed with us. Just lately she has started panting after a couple of hours in bed? What would cause her to pant? I've tried offering her water but she refuses. Thank you. R.Leviston
Asked by Anonymous - Array answers
Re: Shihpoo and ducksWe have a shihpoo named "Lucy" that we recently took to a lake near where we live. The lake has ducks and geese. We have never seen our little shihpoo go so crazy over chasing the ducks and geese! She paced and ran back...
Asked by Anonymous - Array answers- I have a shihpoo that has some dry sores on his back. I thought it was some kind of bug or ...
I have a shihpoo that has some dry sores on his back. I thought it was some kind of bug or parasite but I think it is just dry skin. What do you suggest I do for him? He is 1o weeks old and has long black hair.
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ShihPoo PhotosUpload a Photo
![ShihPoo, 2.5, blonde/brown](http://www.greatdogsite.com/resources/photos/from_owners/ShihPoo-thumb-small-1296962699.jpg "ShihPoo, 2.5, Loki is 10-11 pounds, very loving, enjoys cuddling, very "go-with'the-flow"-willing to play at the drop of a hat but rarely bugs us for attention. Likes to be wherever we are, but not in an obnoxious way. Such a lovely and funny personality. Best dog I have ever had!")