You should bathe a Shih Poo every 2 to 4 weeks, but often less frequently (every 4-6 weeks) to avoid drying their skin, using professional grooming for full baths every 1-2 months; however, frequent brushing and spot-cleaning paws/face with wipes between baths is crucial to prevent mats, as their hair grows fast and tangles easily.
Shih Tzus generally benefit from baths every 2-4 weeks, with regular brushing in between to prevent matting. Over-bathing can dry out their skin and coat, so it's best to avoid excessive washing. Factors like their activity level, coat length, and any environmental issues can influence how often they need a bath.
How long do Shih Poos live? On average, Shih Poos have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups, many Shih Poos live well into their teens.
While these are adorable dogs, remember that they will require frequent and persistent grooming. Professional recommend that a Shih Poo gets groomed every four to six weeks. In addition, you will have to brush or comb the Shih Poo every few days to help prevent the fur matting or tangling.
Temperament. Shih Poos are more friendly with humans but may be more wary of other dogs. Shih Tzus are affectionate, good with children, and adaptable. They are incredibly friendly toward other dogs but may be cautious around new people.
These include allergies, patellar luxation, vision problems and endocrine disorders such as Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Shih poos that inherit the shorter snout of the shih tzu may also be prone to respiratory issues, reverse sneezing and snoring.
Do Shih Poo dogs bark a lot? All dogs bark, but Shih Poos bark a little more than average. Early socialization and a positive approach to training can promote favorable behaviors and curb excessive barking.
The hardest dogs to groom often have dense, curly, or corded coats that mat easily, like Poodles, Bichon Frises, Pulis, and Komondors, requiring constant brushing and specialized handling to prevent painful tangles and maintain their unique textures, with breeds like the Bergamasco Sheepdog considered exceptionally difficult due to their three-layer coat. Other challenging breeds include long-haired dogs like Afghan Hounds, large double-coated dogs such as Newfoundlands, and those with sensitive skin or temperaments like Shih Tzus and some Doodle mixes.
The toy breeds usually reach their full size (height/length anyway) at about 8 months.
Shih Poo: Costs
If you purchase a shih poo from a breeder, the cost could range from around $2,200 – $4,500 or more since the shih poo dog breed is bred specially from shih tzus and toy poodles. Factors that impact the cost include the pup's lineage, size, color, type of coat, and more.
Quick Learners: Shihpoos exhibit a high level of intelligence, thanks to their Shih Tzu and Poodle heritage. They are quick learners and enjoy mental stimulation. Shihpoos excel in obedience training and can easily pick up commands and tricks, making them a delight to train.
While most dogs can hold their urine for 8 to 10 hours, exceeding this time frame can potentially lead to health issues. It's important to provide regular bathroom breaks to prevent discomfort and health risks.
Heart failure is a leading cause of death in older shih tzus, and 75% of the heart disease is caused by valve deterioration. If your dog has a heart murmur or physical signs that suggest heart problems, we'll do perform diagnostic testing to determine the severity of the disease.
But there's one characteristic you can count on: The Shih-poo size is small. Shih Tzus weigh 8–18 pounds, Toy Poodles range 4–6 pounds, and both breeds' maximum height is around 10 inches. A Shih-poo, full grown, will stay around this tiny size.
Use a gentle facial cleanser daily like Eye Envy® Tear Stain Facial Cleanser, which is easy to apply and can be simply wiped off with a cloth. It features a lovely smell to keep your Shih Tzu's beard from getting stinky.
Shih Poo pups may experience anxiety if left alone for an extended period. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety but can also experience anxiety from other sources.
Puppy difficulty at ages 3-4 months. Things start to ramp up by the time your puppy is 12-16 weeks or 3-4 months of age. This is a particularly challenging age for many owners for several reasons. First, your pup may still not be fully potty trained and you may start to be feeling frustrated!
Shihpoos are known for being friendly, adaptable, and loving. Affectionate Companions: They thrive on human interaction and love cuddling with their families.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
Dog Breeds Most Likely to Bite
The Border Collie is widely recognized as the dog breed with the highest "IQ," consistently ranking first in intelligence studies for their exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (under 5 repetitions) and obey them (95%+ of the time). Other top breeds include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher, all known for their trainability and problem-solving skills.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
Shih Poos can be prone to several health issues inherited from their parent breeds, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye disorders, and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help manage these conditions.
The "3-bark rule" is a positive dog training technique that teaches a dog to alert you to something (like a visitor) with a few barks, then stop when cued, preventing excessive noise. It involves letting the dog bark 2-3 times, using a calm "Quiet" or "Thank You" command, and rewarding the subsequent silence, acknowledging their alert while taking over the situation and teaching them to yield to your command.