Shihpoo
| Recognized By: |
DBR
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IDCR
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| AKA: |
Shih-Poo, Shipoo, Shi-Poo, Shi Poo |
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| Mispellings: |
Shihpooh, Shipooh, Shitzpoo |
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Caring for a Shihpoo
Feeding: Shipoos, like Shih-tzus, can have an obesity problems due to their tendency to overeat. It is not reccommended to 'free feed' (leave food down all the time) your Shipoo.
Living with a Shihpoo
Temperament: Shipoos are normally intelligent, alert, friendly, and very loyal to their owners. Loke other small dogs they tend to be shy around strangers. For this reason it is a good idea properly socialize them around other people and young children.
They enjoy being the center of attention and because of this are not too keen to be put in a kennel. Shihpoos do well with other pets.
Shih-poo's are usually very intelligent and eager to please their owners.
Grooming: Shihpoos need regular groomings every few months. You should also brush and remove mats from your Shihpoos fur, at least every other day.
Shihpoos need their nails trimmed about once a month. Nails thar are too long, can result in deformed bones in the toes because the dog cannot walk on their toes properly. This can cause major problems not to mention being extremely painful. You should not be able to hear the nails clicking when they walk across the floor.
Training: Shipoos like most Poodle Mixes are very trainable. They learn quickly and enjoy showing off their newly learned tricks.
Barking: Shipoos can be highly vocal and like to bark. This makes them a good chioce for a watch dog. Training may be desired to decrease their barking.
Weather: Shihpoos' do not have a good tolerance for extreme heat or cold. Never leave them in a car in the summer even with the windows open, they can suffer from heat exhaustion. It is also advisable to put a jacket or sweater on your Shihpoo when taking them out in the cold.
Shihpoo Appearance
Appearance: Shihpoos' tails have long straight hair and tend to curl over their back end. Their ears are long and floppy.
Size: Shipoos typically weigh about 10-15 lbs and are about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Color: They tend to have a wide variety of colors. Black and white seems to be the most popular color combination.
Coat: Shipoos have long coats which can be straight, wavy or curly.
Shihpoo Facts
Life Expectancy: 14 to 17 years.
Shihpoo Health
Health: Shihpoos are less likely to experience the breathing problems of shih-tzus because their snouts are less pushed in than the purebreds'.
Shipoos have a higher temperature of the inner ear due to their floppy ears. This results in them needing to have their ears checked on a routine basis. You should check for odors or parasites.
Dental Health: As with all dogs Shihpoos need to have their teeth brushed at least once a week (2-3 times is best). You should start this routine while your Shihpoo is still a puppy so they learn this must be done.
* The most accurate way to determine characteristics of a mixed breed is by researching the parent breeds.
** Not all dogs being represented by this name consist of the exact percentages listed above.
*** It is important to do research on your dog's history before choosing a dog. We are dedicated to providing the most accurate information possible about each breed.
