Full-grown Shih Poo care requires attention to their grooming needs. They need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their long, flowing coat.
Shih Poo's require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A short walk or playtime in the yard is sufficient.
Their diet should be well-balanced and nutritious, with a mix of high-quality dog food and occasional treats. A full-grown Shih Poo's ideal weight is around 9-16 pounds.
With proper care and attention, a full-grown Shih Poo can live up to 10-16 years.
Quick Facts
The Shih Poo is a wonderful breed, and here are some quick facts to get you started:
The Shih Poo typically stands between 8-13 inches tall.
They come in a variety of colors, often with a fluffy coat that's just irresistible.
Friendly and affectionate, the Shih Poo is a great companion for families, seniors, and apartment dwellers alike.
Their moderate energy levels make them a great choice for those who want a pet that's active but not too high-maintenance.
Regular grooming is a must for the Shih Poo, as their coats can get quite long and unruly if not properly cared for.
With positive reinforcement, the Shih Poo is highly trainable and responsive to commands.
Here's a breakdown of the Shih Poo's key characteristics:
- Size: 8-13 inches tall, 7-20 pounds
- Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, playful
- Exercise & Energy: Moderate energy levels
- Grooming Needs: High maintenance, regular grooming required
- Training: Responsive to positive reinforcement
Overall, the Shih Poo is a loving companion that's adaptable and easy to care for, making them a great choice for many pet owners.
Physical Characteristics
Shih Poos are small dogs, making them perfect for apartment living or for those who prefer a lap-sized companion. Adult Shih Poos typically stand between 8 to 13 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 7 to 20 pounds, depending on the size of their Poodle parent.
Their adorable looks often place them in the popular category of "Teddy Bear Dogs", a group of breeds known for their irresistibly cuddly appearance. Shih Poos tend to have a fluffy, teddy bear-like appearance that you'll instantly fall in love with.
You can expect your Shih-Poo to fall somewhere between 8–10 inches in height and 6–16 pounds in weight. This makes them a great fit for small living spaces.
Shih Poos come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, gray, and various combinations of these shades. Their fur can be long and silky like a Shih Tzu's or more tightly curled like a Poodle's.
Full-grown adult Shih-Poos typically grow between 8 and 18 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 8 and 18 pounds. Remember that a Toy Poodle parent will usually produce a slightly larger puppy than a Miniature Poodle Parent.
Worth a look: Breeds of Dogs under 40 Pounds
Health and Wellbeing
Shih Poo's are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary checkups can help identify any potential problems early on.
Small Shih Poo's are particularly susceptible to dental problems, so brushing their teeth, providing dental chews, and scheduling regular dental checkups is crucial to prevent these issues.
Intriguing read: Shih Poo Behavior Problems
Shih Poo's can also be prone to rashes and skin sensitivities, which can be prevented with thorough grooming.
Some potential health issues to watch out for in Shih Poo's include teary eyes, lung disorders, Von Willebrand's disease, and intervertebral disc disease.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Shih Poo's:
- Teary eyes
- Lung disorders
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Intervertebral disc disease
A long-lived mix, Shih Poo's can live up to 15 years or more with proper care.
Grooming and Care
Grooming is an essential part of caring for a full-grown Shih Poo. They have high grooming needs due to their long, often curly coats that can easily get tangled or matted if not brushed a few times a week.
Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting, and some owners prefer to have their Shih Poo professionally groomed and clipped every four to six weeks to keep their coat tidy and prevent tangling.
Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and daily teeth brushing are also vital to maintain overall hygiene and prevent discomfort, infections, and dental health issues.
Grooming Requirements
Shih Poos have a soft, silky hypoallergenic coat that can be curly, wavy, or straight, depending on which parent breed the puppy takes after the most.
Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting, especially if you don't plan to take your Shih Poo to a professional groomer.
Some Shih-Poo owners prefer to have their furry friends professionally groomed and clipped every four to six weeks to keep their coat tidy and prevent tangling.
Clipping can also reduce daily brushing time, making it a convenient option for busy owners.
Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent discomfort while walking, so be sure to add that to your grooming schedule.
Minimal Shedding
If you're looking for a low-maintenance coat, you're in luck - Shih Tzus and Poodles are known to shed minimally.
Pet parents who hate vacuuming will appreciate this trait, as it means less frequent cleaning.
However, it's essential to note that allergies are triggered by pet dander, not pet hair.
So, if you have a severe pet allergy, unfortunately, it won't make a difference which breed you choose.
Behavior and Training
Shih Poos are known for their delightful personalities, combining the best traits of both parent breeds. They're playful, loving, and love to please their people, making them both cuddly and smart.
Shih Poos are generally intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they can inherit some stubbornness from their Shih Tzu parent, which may make training a challenge.
Early training and socialization are key to helping your Shih Poo manage excessive barking. They can be somewhat vocal, a trait often inherited from their Shih Tzu parent, but they can also make good watchdogs, alerting their owners to newcomers.
Here are some key traits to keep in mind when training your Shih Poo:
- Intelligent and eager to please
- May inherit stubbornness from Shih Tzu parent
- Respond well to positive reinforcement
- May be picky and require creative training methods
By understanding these traits and providing regular training and socialization, you can help your Shih Poo become a well-behaved and loving companion.
What Makes Great
One of the most impressive things about Shih Poos is their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement during training.
Shih Poos are adaptable to different lifestyles, making them a great fit for various homes, from city apartments to quieter suburban spaces. They're perfect for small living spaces and can thrive in apartments with minimal exercise.
With proper socialization, Shih Poos get along well with children and other animals. This is especially great for families with kids or multiple pets.
Their low-shedding coats are also a bonus for those with mild allergies. While not completely hypoallergenic, Shih Poos shed minimally, which can be helpful for those with sensitivities.
Here are some key traits that make Shih Poos wonderful companions:
- Intelligent and eager to please
- Low-shedding coats
- Adaptable to different lifestyles
- Great with kids and other pets
Temperament & Intelligence
Shih Poos are known for their delightful personalities, combining the best traits of both parent breeds. They're playful, loving, and love to please their people.
These little dogs are often described as confident and adaptable, making them great pets for various households. They're typically affectionate, loving, and outgoing.
However, your Shih Poo's adult personality will be shaped by his experiences as a puppy. The more socialization you do with your youngster, the better equipped he will be to cope with the experiences he'll have as an adult.
Shih Poos inherit some personality from each of their parents, so it's essential to ask to see both mom and dad when you go to look at Shih-Poo puppies. The parents should be friendly and relaxed and happy for you to pet them and the pups.
Some Shih Poos are picky and stubborn, which can make them a little tough to train. But with the right treats and training methods, they can be easy to train.
Shih Poos are generally intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can inherit some stubbornness from their Shih Tzu parent.
Here are some key traits of Shih Poos that make them great pets:
• Intelligent and eager to please
• Relatively easy to train
• Can be stubborn at times
• Love to please their people
• Form strong bonds with their owners
These traits make Shih Poos wonderful companions for people of all ages, particularly if they show them attention. They love to be petted and cuddled, which is enhanced by plenty of handling and socialization at a young age.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Train Shih Poo
Behavior
Shih Poos can become frustrated and bored if they don't get enough exercise and mental stimulation, leading to destructive behavior.
To prevent this, it's essential to provide your Shih Poo with daily exercise, such as a half hour of physical activity, and mental stimulation through puzzle toys and basic obedience training.
Shih Poos are tiny dogs that can burn off their energy by playing with toys indoors, making them suitable for apartment living or homes with small yards.
However, they do enjoy activities and can adapt to more active lifestyles if needed, so be prepared to adjust your exercise routine accordingly.
A couple of short walks daily, combined with playtime, is usually sufficient to keep your Shih Poo happy and healthy.
They perform well in dog sports, like agility, which can be a great way to work their mind and body simultaneously.
Pet Compatibility
Shih Poos are generally great with kids and other pets, but it's essential to supervise interactions with children to prevent accidental injury. They're patient and gentle, making them a wonderful addition to families with older kids.
Proper socialization is key to ensuring a harmonious household. Introduce your Shih Poo to other pets at a young age, and they'll consider them part of the family.
If you have multiple pets, consider getting a companion dog to alleviate boredom and loneliness in your Shih Poo.
Here are some tips for introducing your Shih Poo to other pets:
- Introduce them at a young age to prevent territorial behavior.
- Supervise interactions closely, especially during the early stages.
- Provide a safe and comfortable space for your Shih Poo to retreat to if needed.
Keep in mind that Shih Poos don't cope well with being alone for long periods, so it's essential to ensure they have companionship and mental stimulation.
Living with a Shih Poo
Living with a Shih Poo is a joy, as they are adaptable dogs that can thrive in various living situations. They're perfect for apartment dwellers or those with small yards.
Shih Poos don't require a lot of space, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation. A couple of short walks each day, combined with playtime, is usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs.
They're playful, loving, and love to please their people, making them great pets for various households. Their friendly nature allows them to get along well with most pets, but introducing them to other pets at a young age is crucial.
Shih Poos don't cope well with being alone for long periods, so it's essential to have a companion dog or provide plenty of toys and activities to alleviate boredom and loneliness.
Health and Conditions
As a responsible Shih Poo owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Shih Poos are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions inherited from their parent breeds.
Some common health issues in Shih Poos include dental problems, which can be prevented by brushing their teeth regularly, providing dental chews, and scheduling regular dental checkups.
Rashes and skin sensitivities are also common in Shih Poos, but they can be prevented by ensuring thorough grooming.
Here are some specific health issues to watch out for:
- Teary eyes
- Lung disorders
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Intervertebral disc disease
Additionally, Shih Poos may develop skin allergies or food sensitivities, which can manifest as itchy skin, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues.
Obesity is a common health problem in Shih Poos, typically caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise.
General Information
The Shih Poo is a small dog that typically weighs between 9-16 pounds, making them a great fit for urban living and apartment dwellers.
They are adaptable to almost any living situation and don't require much space, which is perfect for seniors, families, and first-time owners.
Shih Poos are loyal and affectionate, making them fantastic companion dogs.
Their temperament is also easy to train, playful, and friendly, which means they'll get along well with strangers.
As a hypoallergenic breed, Shih Poos are a good choice for individuals with allergies.
Their coats can be curly or straight and come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, brindle, or white, depending on the genes they inherit from their parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a full-grown Shih Poo?
A full-grown Shih Poo typically grows between 8-18 inches tall and weighs 8-18 pounds, depending on the Poodle parent's size. Their compact size makes them a great fit for small living spaces.
How much is a Shih Poo supposed to weigh?
A Shih Poo typically weighs between 7 to 20 pounds, depending on its parent breeds.
What are the disadvantages of Shih Poo?
Shihpoos can be prone to health issues such as luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and eye problems due to inherited genetic traits. Choosing a reputable breeder who screens their dogs and provides a health guarantee can help minimize these risks
How long does it take for a Shih Poo to be full grown?
A Shih Poo reaches full growth by around 12 months of age, completing its developmental stages in just a few short months.
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