Shih Poo Haircuts Pictures? Top Answer Update

What is a poodle teddy bear cut?

Poodles have been groomed in a variety of ways since they became a popular companion and show dog. Poodles were originally hardworking water retrievers and their curly coats were kept short and easy to groom for hunters. No one had time to brush out their poodle after a long day of duck hunting!

Today they rarely work in the original purpose of their race. Instead, they are beloved companions and show animals. We have the time and resources to make them look as cute or fancy as we want!

The teddy bear cut is a poodle or doodle cut where the hair is kept about 1 to 2 inches long on all parts of the dog’s body, including the face. Traditional poodle cuts have the face shaved close to the skin. When shaved, the face looks more serious, majestic and like a show dog.

With the teddy bear cut, on the other hand, the hair on the face stays just as long as on the rest of the body. This will soften the dog’s face and make it look like a puppy – or like a teddy bear. Experienced groomers can shape the coat so that it looks very even and smooth and the dog has rounded features, just like a teddy bear.

When you welcome a Shihpoo into your home and into your heart, you care about their health and you want to make sure he or she is growing properly. You’re already anticipating the growth milestones that lie ahead, from staying asleep to teething to gaining weight and completing adult nutrition. Still, each phase brings new developments in your pup’s body, activity level, and temperament over the next year or so. You can sometimes even tell the stages from changes in the Shihpoo’s weight.

What Different Growth Stages Does a Shihpoo Puppy Go Through?

From birth up to two or three weeks of age, your Shihpoo will be in his newborn stage, followed by his explosive transitional and toddler stages through to two months of age. The puppy stage follows until around six months, after which your Shihpoo will become a juvenile and eventually reach adulthood at around twelve months. Adulthood of the Shihpoo lasts about ten years, at this age Shihpoos, like other breeds, can be considered seniors.

From November 2019 to January 2022, ShihpooCentral.com collected more than 300 submissions on Shihpoo puppy weights and growth from Shihpoo families. The graphic below shows the current status of the results of this survey. As we continue to collect additional submissions and follow up on these Shihpoo families a year or so later, we are confident that this is, and will continue to be, the most accurate Shihpoo growth chart on the planet.

Based on over 300 submissions to ShihpoCentral.com by Shihpoo families

The Newborn Stage of Shihpoo (0-2 weeks)

Most Shihpoo family members will never observe the newborn stage of their Shihpoos. Unless you are a breeder or work with a local breeder or one that offers videos of the newborns, you may not see your brand new tiny little Shihpoo.

Our Titus at 13 days

Even as small as Shihpoo adults are, they can range from under 6 ounces to about a pound as newborns. They will gain about half an ounce a day for their first month of life and will gain about a pound by four weeks.

Shihpoos are born with only three senses: touch, smell and the associated sense of taste. Both the eyes and ears of newborn Shihpoos are closed at birth. The eyes usually open first, around two weeks, followed shortly by the opening of the ears.

Newborn Shihpoos cannot walk or even stand right after birth, unlike those you see in other animals (think Bambi). They’re pretty helpless for a few weeks, needing an external source of heat (mom, a heating lamp or heating pad) and even help from mom to pee and poop (skip the obvious breed jokes here).

Also, baby shihpoos don’t have teeth. Shihpoos usually don’t get their teeth until they are toddlers. Once opened, their eyes have a blue tint. Interestingly, their noses lack pigment, causing them to turn pink for a few days to a few weeks.

After two weeks, their coats will show their adult color patterns. However, darker colors, particularly in bi- or tri-colored puppies, may fade as they age. Our Titus had very dark brown and black markings as a newborn and toddler. By the time he was five or six months old, the blacks and dark browns had lightened considerably. Even our all-black Stark started turning gray before his second birthday.

Not surprisingly, newborn Shihpoos sleep about 90% of the day and take their first real steps a few weeks after birth.

The Shihpoo Transition Period (3-4 weeks)

During this stage of development, a Shihpoo weighs around 1½ to 2 pounds. With their eyes and ears open, the puppies learn extremely quickly from their surroundings. Curiosity about these adorable little creatures is starting to take hold. At this point, they are responsive to their outside world, often reacting in alarm to loud, sudden noises.

By the end of the transition period, a Shihpoo puppy will usually have started to urinate and void on their own without mom’s help. She must be so proud… and relieved!

At this point in the Shihpoo’s young existence, breeders will often introduce the pup to solid (okay, more squishy) food and begin the slow process of weaning. As you might suspect, the transition to solid foods can lead to weight gain.

The Shihpoo Toddler Stage (4-8 weeks)

Titus at 4 weeks

Although most Shihpoo families do not (and typically should not) welcome their pup into the home until after this stage, many are able to see or visit their new addition to the family during the death stage. A toddler Shihpoo is tiny (2-3 pounds), furry and oh so cute!

Our daughter visited our first little Shihpoo puppy, Titus, just before Thanksgiving 2016 when he was barely four weeks old. In the two weeks since the last recording, Titus had almost doubled in size. He was much more active and clearly enjoyed interacting and joking with his littermates.

Little shihpoos don’t mind if you hold them and may actually enjoy it quite a bit. Despite this, they prefer not to stray too far from mom, who still keeps a close eye on her puppies.

During infancy, Shihpoos grow their baby teeth. However, they cannot chew hard food yet. Small puppies are fully weaned from mom by the end of this stage.

Baron von Wigglebutt at 6 weeks

As the offspring of two breeds, Shihpoos can inherit certain traits more from one parent than another, or a balanced mix of both parents. The tail, for example, may curl over the lower back when walking or standing like the Shih Tzu. Our first Shihpoo has this tail.

Alternatively, a Shihpoo could inherit the poodle’s tail, which sticks out just behind the pup and usually wags wildly (and very adorable, I have to say) from side to side. This also applies to our second puppy, Stark, who earned him the nickname Baron von Wigglebutt. If ever there was a literal embodiment of the phrase “tail wags the dog,” it was him. However, around his second birthday, he began carrying his tail more like a Shih Tzu.

Families thinking about bringing a Shihpoo into their home need to remember this one important rule: DO NOT give in to the temptation to pressure the breeder into letting you bring your toddler home before 8 weeks . Despite trying soggy foods for the last month, the toddlers have still been breastfeeding with their mom. They will not be fully weaned until they reach the 8 week milestone. That’s why responsible breeders insist on keeping the puppies with their mother for about two months.

The Shihpoo puppy stage (2-6 months)

The puppy stage offers an exciting and wonderful time for Shihpoo families and homes. Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook feature the world’s most adorable Shihpoo puppies far more often than their adult counterparts. Can you blame them? Puppies, like human babies, seem so innocent in their joy. Their curiosity makes them wonderful subjects for all kinds of photos.

Shihpoos often arrive in their new homes as puppies, so they find everything and everyone around them new and interesting. However, her separation from mom and her littermates can make her a bit wary early on. Of course, some can also be quite anxious in their new family. This should decrease and disappear within a few days or a week. If it goes further than that, try a calming jacket like Chewy’s ThunderShirt.

I have noticed many comments from other Shihpoo families over the years about this type of product helping their pup. It works on the same principle as a weighted blanket for human beds. There’s something naturally soothing about this heavy, warm wrap.

However, we found that by the age of 8 weeks, our two puppies didn’t care about anything except their food, the many cuddles they got, the chews we gave them and fun games with our children who only the puppies really understood.

During the puppy phase there are a number of major milestones that you need to watch out for and encourage. Here are a few:

eating habits

If your Shihpoo came from a breeder at eight to 10 weeks (the norm), hopefully the breeder will send home a sample of the puppy food your puppy was used to. First, you should buy at least a small bag of the same puppy food if you have no other reason to help your furball transition to the puppy food of your choice. Whatever food you offer your new puppy, make sure it contains small kibble (appropriately sized morsels for a small puppy).

Be aware that if you change your puppy’s food, their body may likely react with gas or loose stools (diarrhea). To transition your puppy to a different puppy food, set aside a week mixing the two types of food.

The cautious approach involves mixing the two foods over a period of six or seven days. For example, mix about 90% of the original food with the new food on the first day. Day two, move to 80% and 20%. If there are no complications with the puppy’s bowel movements, switch to 50%/50% on days three and four. Day five is 30% original and 70%, day six is ​​10% original and 90% new. By the seventh day, your puppy should be well adjusted to its new food.

Our puppies have done well with the switch from their breeder’s puppy food to a healthy but cheaper food from the local pet shop (we have asked our vet to confirm that she is okay with the switch).

Check out our blog and various healthy foods to look for in your Shihpoo pup’s new puppy food. In your eagerness to provide only the best for your new little boy or girl, be careful not to follow overly extreme diets such as:

The reason for the meat-only diet is that dogs descended from wolves, which are carnivores, so you should feed your pup a meat-only diet. However, it is important to remember that when wolves ate their prey, they also ate the grasses and grains that were in the intestines of that prey.

Your Shihpoo needs some grain and will certainly enjoy some foods. The same blog post includes a list of foods and drinks you should absolutely avoid ever giving to your beautiful new family member.

Shihpoo sleep and potty training

When you bring your eight week old pup home for the first time you are filled with joy and excitement because your new addition to the family is so cute. And thank goodness for that excitement, otherwise you might just hand it back after you’ve struggled to get the pup to sleep and do his or her doody outside.

Shihpoos sleep through the night

Since my wife had already endured the reality of breastfeeding three babies with endless nights of little sleep, I felt it only fair that I take on the responsibility of waking our two Shihpoos up at night as puppies to teach them to stay dry at night . We got our first puppy in the early bird and our second one last spring. I recommend late spring or summer.

Plan to visit us two or three times a night with your eight to ten week old Shihpoo puppy. I carried them outside in their kennels and let them out on the grass.

First week: We put the puppies to bed around 9pm and I got up with them at midnight and 3am. I usually get up at 6am anyway, so I’d let them out again at 6am and put them back two hours before breakfast. Every night I delayed the time to raise the puppies by about 10 minutes. Second week: Earlier this week I brought the puppies up at 1:00am and 4:00am and 7:00am. Every day I let her sleep an extra 15 minutes between waking up (okay, I would sleep). Week three: At the beginning of the week I only let the puppies up twice, once at around 1:30am and again at around 6am (so only once for me as I was up at 6am already). I would set the time back at least 30 minutes every night. Week Four: At the beginning of the week I only woke the puppies once at 3 or 4 am, but by the end of the week we all slept comfortably through the night without sleeping through.

We cover the kennels with a towel when there is a chance of light in the room.

To be honest our second puppy inherited a steel bladder from his parents. Up to the age of 10 weeks (end of the second week at home) he slept through the night without an accident. I knew from his reluctance to get out of his crate in the middle of the night that he was a better sleeper than our first.

For us the key was the box/kennel. The kennel we had for our first Shihpoo was too big and he used it as a potty a few times at night. Not nice. After we moved him to a smaller kennel he never had an accident again.

For families who want their Shihpoo puppies to sleep in bed with them, read our blog on how to introduce your pup to the Hooman bed with as little risk of potty accidents as possible.

Shihpoo puppy potty training during the day

For daytime potty training, the bell on the door is key. You can buy a nice looking doorbell that attaches to the door or floorboard, or you can use a chime on a cord that hangs from the doorknob like we did.

Courtesy of Chewy

Be sure to set a 1 hour timer as a reminder for yourself. Offer your puppy some water and some food every hour on the hour. Five to 10 minutes later, walk or carry your pup to your back door where the bell is, sit him on the ground, and tap the bell with your front paw. Then let him or her out.

Keep an eye on the pup while you’re outside so you open the door and bring him back in once he’s done. Shihpoos are pretty smart cookies, so it can take a couple of three or four hours for them to connect ringing the doorbell when you’re let out.

Not long after, if they get bored inside, they’ll start ringing the doorbell to go outside and play. Let them out anyway so as not to disconnect the bell with going out…at least for a few weeks.

Our first puppy understood it immediately and got along wonderfully with the bell. Our second pup took a month but that was mainly because he just followed his older brother out the door after the older Shihpoo rang the bell.

Ready for training

Although sleep and potty training are perfect for 8-week-olds, many experts suggest waiting a week or two before beginning other training activities. Check out our post for details on the 5 easiest commands to teach your Shihpoo but these include Watch Me, Bed, Sit, Stay and Come.

Training is not a dog thing. It’s a human thing. Your pup is smart and can easily understand each of these commands within a day. The problem is that we humans tend to become careless and sometimes we even stop using the commands. This confuses the puppy.

This is why puppies so often come out of obedience school with great manners and then lapse into frustrating behavior within a few weeks. We humans also have to go to the obedience school :-).

Shihpoo puppy teething

For the first two months that you have your Shihpoo home (from two to four months of age), you should expect him or her to want to chew and chew and chew anything that is on the floor. Shihpoos aren’t the voracious chewers that golden retrievers are, for example, but they will naturally chew on things while they’re going through teething.

The good news is that as long as you provide several chew toys and keep your floor relatively tidy, your Shihpoo shouldn’t exhibit any destructive behavior. We once caught our oldest Shihpoo chewing on the corner of our kitchen’s wood cabinet, but a quick spritz of non-chew product and dealing with other chews did the trick.

Make sure you provide your Shihpoo with chew toys that are LONG-LASTING (rubber is best… avoid plush and plastic unless you don’t want to replace them every few hours). Your Shihpoo pup will love to chew, pull, and tear up any toy he or she is given. Check out our recommendations here.

Aside from providing the chew toys, your job is to engage your pup with these toys. Fetch, hold away, and tug-of-war will keep your Shihpoo’s chewing behavior focused on their toys and not your furniture, slippers, and other items on the floor.

How Fast Do Shihpoo Puppies Grow?

If you got your Shihpoo pup at 8 weeks, this tiny 3-pound ball of fur seems so fragile you’ll wonder if he or she will ever grow into a sturdy, strong adult. Hold on to your dog bones because the growth spurt is about to begin.

While large dogs aren’t fully grown until they are almost two years old, the toy variety (including your Shihpoo) are generally ready by their first birthday. At the age of two to six months (puppy stage), they grow particularly quickly. This Shihpoo puppy growth chart will give you an idea of ​​where your own pup might end up weight wise. If he or she starts out smaller (e.g. 5 pounds at 4 months of age), expect him or her to weigh less by adulthood.

That three pound energy fluff ball you brought home at eight weeks could double his or her weight in a month and double it again in the sixth or seventh month. Our juvenile Shihpoos (aged 6-12 months) weighed between 10 and 11 pounds and only grew about two pounds by their first birthday.

The Shihpoo Juvenile Stage (6-12 Months)

Two important milestones to know about and prepare for in Shihpoo puppy puberty have to do with the puppy’s teeth and sexual maturity.

Juvenile teething

Around six months of age, your Shihpoo will begin to lose its sharp, small baby teeth and replace them with the larger adult teeth. If you see a little blood on a puppy’s chew toy at this age, it’s generally not a cause for concern. Take a look at the puppy’s mouth and you’ll likely see that a tooth is missing.

Time for Shihpoo neutering or neutering

Six months is generally the recommended age for spaying or spaying your Shihpoo. Unless you plan ahead to breed Shihpoos (which usually happens to Shih Tzus and Poodles rather than actual Shihpoos), we strongly encourage you to go the responsible route and have your pup fixed.

Baron von Wigglebutt in “The Cone”

The cost can run into a few hundred dollars, but some veterinary services and hospitals offer a monthly service contract that includes the cost of spaying or neutering.

Your Shihpoo will wear the “Cone of Shame” for two weeks after surgery. Don’t be tempted to remove it sooner. We had to take our first Shihpoo back to the vet because he reopened his wound after a week when we thought it had healed enough to remove the cone. Listen to your vet and leave the cone on for as long as recommended.

The Shihpoo adult phase (1-10 years)

Shihpoos reach adult size around their first birthday. As for her personality, no need to worry about your spunky and sweet shihpoo becoming a chubby sidekick. Adult Shihpoos remain playful and cute.

3-year-old Titus – Note that his favorite chew rings are always nearby

At three years old, our Titus still likes to play fetch and tug of war. Adult Shihpoos tend to be easy to care for. We keep our puppies’ coats trimmed fairly short and do not need to brush them more than once a week. That’s how often we bathe our Shihpoos.

Schedule yearly visits to the vet. Keep your adult shihpoo active with ideas from this list of exercises and games. You can even go for a jog with your adult Shihpoo every day or so.

Shihpoo dental health

A common health concern in adult puppies in general, including Shihpoos, is dental care. Shihpoos can often inherit their Shih Tzu parents’ underbite, which can expose their bottom teeth. Without proper dental care (brushing and chewing teeth daily), they can develop tooth decay and gum disease.

The Shihpoo Senior Stage (ages 10+)

Like other mini and toy dogs, Shihpoos can live longer than most larger dogs. With proper care and daily exercise, you should plan to have your Shihpoo with you until they are 15 years old or older. This means that if you get your Shihpoo as a puppy when your own children are 5 or 10, they could be college-age by the time your Shihpoo reaches their golden years. Or if you’re in your 60s, you’ll have a wonderful lap companion and hiking buddy for years to come.

As your Shihpoo ages, keep an eye out for signs of normal age-related issues. This can include trouble hopping on the couch, which used to be a breeze. He or she might have dental health issues that require softer foods or tooth extractions.

Keeping your older Shihpoo active will continue to be a priority for you. Daily walks and games prevent your dog’s muscles from wasting, keep their immune system strong and promote heart health.

Arthritis is possible in most dogs as they age. So talk to your vet if you notice your pup having trouble getting up, jumping, or walking.

Welcoming a Shihpoo into your home can be a joyful experience. It’s your responsibility to keep him or her healthy at every stage of the Shihpoo’s life, but it will be one of the most rewarding of your own.

related questions

At what age is a Shihpoo fully grown? Like their Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, Shihpoos typically reach full adult size around twelve months of age.

How long do Shihpoos live? Although some Shihpoos live as little as 10 years, most live to 15 years or more.

The Shih-Poo is a mixed breed dog—a cross between the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle dog breeds. These small, hypoallergenic and cuddly companions inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.

Shih-Poos are also called Shoodle or Pooshi, but don’t confuse them with Poo-Shi, the Poodle/Shiba Inu mix. Despite their status as a designer breed, you may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and rescues. So think about adopting! Don’t shop!

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Shih-Poos make great companion animals for almost anyone, but a retired senior would most likely be an ideal match. They love to be spoiled, spoiled and loved. They are quite versatile and can thrive in almost any environment – single family home, apartment or tiny house in the middle of nowhere.

Individual or family, just make sure your Shih-Poo gets lots of love and attention. Shih-poos should never be kept outside and will require regular veterinary check-ups, teeth cleanings and grooming. Frequent potty breaks can also help if they inherit their Shih Tzu parents’ tendencies to be stubborn and territorial.

Below are all the Shih Poo Facts and Mixed Breed Dog Traits!

Pictures of Shih Poo mixed breed dogs

Our first Shihpoo pup cost us $600 in 2016 from a breeder in Southeast Idaho. Two years later, our second Shihpoo cost us $1,000. Did we get a great bargain on the first one or were we taken to the dry cleaners on the second? Our 2019 survey answers these and other questions about the nationwide average prices of Shihpoo puppies.

So what is the average price of a Shihpoo in 2019?

According to our September 2019 survey of 350 Shihpoos for sale online, the nationwide average cost for a Shihpoo puppy is $952. The middle or most common price is $850. The lowest list price is only $150 while the highest price for a Shihpoo puppy is $2,800.

Shihpoo puppy breeders vary their price by state, age, gender, and additional services

If you’re looking to buy a Shihpoo puppy for your home, you don’t have to limit yourself to just local breeders. Many breeders will offer to ship your new pup up to 300 miles or so, while others can arrange for your new pup to be shipped by air for an additional fee. Still others offer neither delivery nor shipping.

Also, you may not even be able to find a Shihpoo breeder in your state, let alone your city. Take a look at the map below to see where you can find Shihpoo puppies at the lowest average price.

If you look at the map, you might find that ShihPoo puppies are cheapest in the Midwest, although the cheapest price online was in Idaho. What this map doesn’t show is the number of breeders in each state.

Many states only have one breeder with online listings, while others have two or more. Some states like California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have five or more breeders using the internet to market their Shihpoos.

You can find a wide price range in states with multiple breeders. For example, in Wisconsin, where only two breeders advertise online, you can find one breeder selling Shihpoo puppies for $400 each while another is selling their puppies for $800 each.

As another example, in Arizona you can find prices ranging from as little as $200 up to $750. Contrary to the tenet that competition leads to lower prices, Florida (with NINE breeders online) has the widest price range. You can find Shihpoo puppies in Central Florida for as little as $350, while some South Florida puppies go for as much as $2,499.

What is the Average Cost of a Shihpoo in Each State?

As of September 2019, only 36 active Shihpoo breeders have advertised online. That doesn’t mean there aren’t Shihpoo breeders in the other fourteen states or in the District of Columbia. Breeders in these areas just aren’t easy to find online. The table below lists the average cost of Shihpoo puppies in each state, along with the average price for males and females. The total sample size of the survey is a total of 387 Shihpoos for sale. Average costs from countries with small sample sizes (5 or less) should not be taken as representative, particularly for average costs by gender.

State Sample Size Average Cost for Females Average Cost for Males Average Cost Alabama $4,850 $800 $825 Alaska 0 – – – Arizona $4,200 $600 $500 Arkansas 0 – – – California $9,800 $825 $811 Colorado $4,500 $900 $800 Connecticut 5 $1,048 $1,048 $1,008 Delaware 0 – – – Florida 30 $1,337 $1,332 $1,333 Georgia 13 $900 $577 $627 Hawaii 0 – – – Idaho 2 – $338 $338 Illinois 5 – $560 $560 Indiana $072 $813 Iowa 6 $900 $15 813 $879 $871 Kansas 5 – $380 $380 Kentucky 5 $700 $493 $535 Louisiana 31 $1,150 $938 $1,004 Maine 0 – – – Maryland 9 – $1,183 $1,183 Massachusetts 2 – $1,450 $1,450 Michigan 8 $575 $713 $644 Minnesota 1 – $600 $600 Mississippi 2 $900 $800 $850 Missouri 13 $699 $1,240 $1,198 Montana 0 – – – Nebraska 13 $995 $795 $965 Nevada 2 – $1,000 $1,000 New Hampshire 0 – – – New Jersey 15 $1,013 $968 $992 New Mexico 0 – – – New York 15 $1,054 $735 $905 North Carolina 9 $1,220 $1,543 $1,398 North Dakota 0 – – – Ohio 3 2 $1,085 $857 $957 Oklahoma 15 $946 $667 $778 Oregon 0 – – – – Pennsylvania 19 $764 $703 $723 Rhode Island 1 – $1,500 $1,500 South Carolina 22 $770 $704 $750 South Dakota 0 – – – Tennessee 15 $825 $475 $638 Texas 10 $1,064 $833 $1,000 Utah 19 $1,818 $1,756 $1,785 Vermont 0 – – – Virginia 11 $848 $738 $768 Washington 13 $925 $1,021 $977 West Virginia 0 – – – Wisconsin 6 $533 $667 $600 Wyoming 0 – – –

Factors that affect the cost of a Shihpoo puppy

There are several factors besides the breeder that affect how much you pay for your Shihpoo. This includes the puppy’s gender, coat color and pattern, and age. In addition, breeders offer various services that can greatly impact the final cost of your newest and smallest family member.

Some of the most common extra services include microchipping, live video chats with the breeder and the pup before birth, health certificates and warranties (1-5 years), dewclaw removal, local delivery, kennels and even chews and stuffed animals.

How coat color and pattern affects the cost of the Shihpoo puppy

If you insist on a specific coat color, know that the average price range can vary by as much as $500. It’s easy to assume that the least common colors would fetch the highest price for a puppy. After all, that’s half of the law of supply and demand, right? On the demand side, however, families looking to add a Shihpoo puppy to their home tend to pay more for the most common color coats.

Highest Average Price $1,102 Gold (solid yellow, tan, cream)

Lowest Average Price $685 White (Solid)

Here’s how the average cost of a Shihpoo puppy is spread across the country by coat color and pattern. The percentage in parentheses indicates how common the coat color and pattern was in the survey. Unless otherwise stated, the color can be assumed to be one color.

Gold: $1,102 Brown: $1,078 Black – solid or with white patches: $978 Bicolor – white base with black or tan patches: $976 Red: $945 Grey: $800 Brindle: $790 White: $685

Color Specimen % Average Cost Average Cost Two-Tone 32.3% $976 $900 Black 27.5% $978 $850 Brindle 10.8% $790 $795 Bay 10.6% $1,078 $1,000 Gold 9.3% $1,102 $1,000 $Red 3.7% $945 $850 Silver 0.3% $800 $800 $5.6 49% White $5.6

How Does Puppy Gender Affect the Cost of a Shihpoo?

Of the survey sample, nearly 40% of the puppies listed for sale online in the US were females. This likely explains the fact that female Shihpoo puppies cost, on average, nearly $70 more than male Shihpoos ($68.63 more, to be exact).

The average cost of a female Shihpoo puppy in 2019 is $995.

The average cost of a male Shihpoo puppy in 2019 is $926.

Female puppies are generally more expensive than male puppies, mainly due to their breeding potential. However, since the second and third generation Shihpoo are not common (or even in demand), this explanation does not seem to make sense.

Rather, it’s more of a holdover from the expectation that both breeders and the families looking for a puppy have developed and accepted. If you are considering a female Shihpoo puppy, keep in mind that the cost of spaying will also cost between 10% and 30% more than the cost of spaying a brand.

The age of the Shihpoo puppy significantly affects its price

The most important factor affecting the cost of a Shihpoo in 2019 is its age. If you’re buying a brand new puppy and want to add him to your family when he’s just 8 weeks old, you can expect to pay $959 (that’s pretty much the average price across the board).

On the other hand, if you’re willing to either rescue a Shihpoo or buy one that’s already a year or two old, you could save yourself an average of $405. The challenge is that there are so few adult Shihpoos available for sale. Less than 2% of all Shihpoos found for sale online during the survey were over a year old.

If you want to rescue a Shihpoo, young or old, your biggest challenge will be finding one. There are so few of them. Luckily, breeders don’t seem to overproduce Shihpoo puppies. Given their hypoallergenic, non-to-low shedding coats, they probably won’t survive long in a shelter before another family snaps them up anyway.

Introducing an adult Shihpoo (or even a juvenile) into your home has many rewards that come with a few challenges. Rescuing a dog gives both your dog and your family peace of mind that a puppy will be less likely to be unwanted and neglected.

Some adult dogs may already be microchipped, saving you the $25 to $50 it costs to have this done at the vet. If you’re lucky enough to find one who’s already potty trained, you’ll save yourself the biggest headache or hassle of all.

Most adult rescues are also already spayed or neutered, saving you another $50 to $100 at the vet.

If the adult Shihpoo isn’t potty trained, fear not. You can teach old dogs new tricks. You just need perseverance while the dog needs motivation. Don’t make this the reason you aren’t adopting an adult Shihpoo.

Many families considering an adult puppy worry that their new addition to the home could be “damaged merchandise.” If you have room in your heart, this could be the best reason of all. If you’ve ever walked through an animal shelter and taken the dogs there to walk or play with, you know that they’re generally excited and happy to be getting the attention they deserve.

How much to pay for your Shihpoo to be delivered locally

Most breeders don’t offer a delivery service, while many that do will change a typical fee of up to $350 to meet you up to 300 miles away.

This is most relevant if you live in one of the states that do not have Shihpoo breeders or if you decide to use a breeder in another state. Some breeders will offer to pick you up at a local airport to drop off your pup, adding to the additional fees for shipping or flying your new pup home.

Given the added cost, you’d be spending less money if you were willing to drive those 300 miles yourself to pick up your pup. If your vehicle drives 30 miles per gallon and a gallon of gas costs $3.50, your immediate round trip gas cost is only $70.

If you’re picking up your pup and have a long drive home, like we did with our first Shihpoo, I highly recommend bringing a second person with you for the ride to cuddle your pup and give him that sense of security.

Bring a kennel and soft bedding. However, your passenger will likely be holding the pup all the way home. Our first Shihpoo made it home after an hour and a half ride without a potty accident. We once stopped at a fast food restaurant where we found some weed that he could use to relieve himself. He was a real champion.

Also remember that your pup should not be brought near other dogs or into parts and common areas where dogs may have relieved themselves. Until your puppy gets his or her full vaccination course (around two months old), he or she will be very susceptible to canine parvovirus.

So on the way home, DO NOT stop at public places or dog parks to let your pup out to relieve himself.

How much does it cost to ship a Shihpoo by air

The few breeders that offer to ship their puppies overseas by air all recommend or require using Delta Airlines’ pet shopping service. Each of these breeders will charge a delivery fee to get the pup to the airport on top of what you pay the airline. Some breeders even require the use of a pet name to accompany the pup on the plane to your local airport

These additional costs (delivery, shipping, vet) can easily add $1,000 to $2,000 to the final cost of your Shihpoo puppy.

Additional services that some Shihpoo breeders offer

In the vast majority of cases, the puppy price includes just the puppy, up-to-date vaccinations and dewormers, and a health check by a veterinarian. If the breeder you’re working with doesn’t offer proof or a guarantee of at least these minimum benefits, you should keep shopping.

Many breeders offer a health certificate with a health guarantee for one to five years. Hopefully you never have to take advantage of such an offer, but it’s a good idea to inquire about the terms and what compensation is available if your new pup is diagnosed with a chronic condition within the warranty terms.

All of your breeders when provided with and verified medical records from a vet visit or just the breeder’s own notes are included.

Few breeders include puppies declawing in the price. Dewclaws are the nails halfway down the puppy’s leg. They roughly correspond to the human thumb and nail.

Removing the wolf’s claws is generally not recommended. For certain show and gun dogs, dewclaw removal is the norm. Since your Shihpoo will not be an AKC competition dog (since Shihpoos are not a recognized breed) and since Shihpoos are not hunting dogs (except when hunting for his or her chew toy), you don’t have to worry about the wolf’s claws being REMOVED.

A small minority of breeders will also include your Shihpoo puppy’s microchip in their price. While this will only save you $25-$50 on service at the vet, your peace of mind is far more valuable.

Finally, some breeders include a list of items to send home with the puppy delivery. The most common item is a small bag of puppy food that the breeder has fed your Shihpoo. Other items can include a chew toy, a stuffed animal, and even a kennel.

related questions

What is the life expectancy of a Shihpoo? Shihpoos reverse quite a long lifespan from both of their parents. You can expect your Shihpoo puppy to live around 15 years or more if you can tell him or her to stay healthy and active. The oldest known Shihpoo loved for 21 years.

Do shihpoos bark a lot? Shihpoos are not quiet dogs, but they are not Yippity Yap Yap puppies either. You should expect your Shihpoo to bark if he or she hears any noises at the door or in the yard. Teach your pup the speak and silence commands to minimize barking.

Shihpoos are generally considered to be weak to moderate barking dogs. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, so learning the “speak” and then the “quiet” commands can help them keep their barking to a minimum. See our post on training a Shihpoo to stop barking.

Posted on October 12, 2019

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My dog ​​Max is usually adorable. But a few months ago he looked like a cross between a baby yak and a muppet. He was in desperate need of a haircut and I wanted to try and give him a Yorkie puppy cut myself. But then I thought, can you use regular clippers on a dog?

Knowing Max didn’t have the amazing downy fur of a husky, I thought I’d try the human clippers I have at home. The trimming worked. Max wasn’t hurt or anything, but I noticed a few issues.

The loud noise, intense vibration, and swinging cable really scared him. I also noticed that although he has fine hair and no undercoat, the clippers were occasionally stuffed with his hair. This did not allow smooth trimming.

Thinking that pet clippers had to be better, I did some digging and ended up buying a pair online. It made a big difference. Here’s what I learned.

In this review:

3,212 reviews Wahl Bravura 90 minutes of cordless runtime at full power; works even when plugged in.

5-in-1 blade technology adjusts between sizes #9, 10, 15, 30 and 40.

Quiet, light and cool running.

Can you cut dog hair with human clippers?

Normally, you should not use human clippers on your dog because clippers vary in blade speed, volume, and heat output. But in certain cases it’s okay, so there’s no simple answer to this question other than “sometimes”. Your dog’s breed, the current condition of their coat, and how anxious they are with grooming tools all play a role.

The information in this guide will help you determine if you can use human clippers on your dog, and when it’s worth adding a good clipper to your arsenal.

In short:

Your dog might be a candidate for human clippers if he:

Are a single-coated breed

Currently have shorter fur that is neither matted nor too thick

Are small and you can work quickly to avoid the clipper overheating

Don’t be easily alarmed by vibrations or loud noises

Have never experienced hair being pulled by clippers in the past

Pet clippers are a must if your dog:

Has undercoat or long, thick fur that may get stuck in clippers

Has a curly or wiry coat

Has matted hair

Is large and trimming takes more than a few minutes

Is nervous or easily frightened – especially by loud noises

>> Read more: What are the best dog clippers?

The best and safest option is to simply get a quality pet clipper to avoid injury or stress to your dog.

If you’re still unsure about using human clippers on your dog, it can help to understand the difference between dog fur and human hair, and the difference between animal clippers and human clippers. Read on to find out more.

The difference between dog hair and human hair

If you are wondering if you can use human clippers on your dog, you must first determine what type of coat your dog has and whether it resembles human hair.

Dogs with a double coat

Dogs with a double coat have an outer primary coat that contains coarse guard hairs that help shed moisture and protect against injury. Beneath this topcoat, they also have a softer, thicker undercoat that acts as an insulator against extreme temperatures.1

No human — not even Rapunzel — has double-coated hair, so human clippers don’t work well on these types of dogs. They just aren’t meant to handle the volume or texture of double-coated dog fur.

Single-coated dogs

Single-coated dog breeds have no undercoat. They only have an outer base layer that resembles human hair. Examples of single-coated dogs include whippets, Yorkshire terriers, shih tzus, and poodles.

Human clippers might work on a single-coated dog, but I say this with caution since dogs (just like humans) have different thicknesses of hair. So if your single-coated dog has thicker hair than the average human, you’ll probably want to use pet clippers.

>> Read more: What are the best dog clippers for thick or matted hair?

Dog clippers vs human clippers: key differences

There are several key differences between dog clippers and human clippers that can have major implications when it comes to trimming your dog’s coat. Read on to find out more.

The motor

The motors in pet clippers are designed to be lighter and quieter than human clippers. This results in smoother vibrations that are easier for you to manage and less stressful for your pet.

This lighter motor also means your clippers can run longer. Clippers heat up quickly but are typically only used for a few minutes of trimming. Pet clippers, on the other hand, need to stay cool as they are used for much longer periods.

The speed

Pet clippers tend to work at a higher speed. You need more beats per minute to get through thick skin without snagging the blade.

Some dog clippers have multiple speeds. Slower speeds are great for precision grooming on sensitive areas like the face. Cheaper types of pet clippers may not have different speeds.

The blades

Unlike human clippers, dog clippers come in two different types of blades that can make a world of difference in grooming your dog, especially a double-coated dog.

Fine-toothed blades

Fine-tooth blades are marked “F” or “FC” on the blade. For example, a 7-tooth fine-toothed blade is designated #7F. Fine-tooth blades have less space between each tooth than skip-tooth blades, but more space between teeth than human clippers.

All of the fine-toothed teeth are the same length as human clipper blades, giving the trim a smooth, finished look. These blades will not work on thick fur, dirty hair, or matted fur.

Skip tooth blades

Skip tooth blades have gaps between the teeth, allowing thick or matted fur to be fed into the blade. This is crucial if your dog has a thick double coat. The long teeth also help prevent painful fur pulling.

These can be used to do a quick first pass to remove long fur, tangles and dirt before bathing and deep grooming.

If you are new to grooming, be careful when using toothed blades as you can easily injure your pet. When in doubt, use scissors to cut out mats or trim delicate areas.

Skip Tooth blades are not identified with an alphabetical first letter and are only available in numbers 3, 4, 5 and 7.

blade numbers

Blade numbering for pet clippers is different from the numbering system for human clippers. Although they may have the same blade number, note that the cutting length is different. In general, the higher the number of blades, the shorter your dog’s coat will be.

grooming combs

Grooming combs or guards fit over the clipper blade, allowing the groomer to set the desired length. While human clippers also have combs, pet combs are designed to cut longer lengths of 1/16 inch to 2 inches. Typically, human combs cut shorter lengths of 1 inch or less.

Wired or wireless

With corded dog clippers, the cord is longer so you can work around your pet and gear. However, clippers can be supplied cordless for easy movement around the dog. This is an advantage if your dog is already uncomfortable with the trimming. Check out our guide to the best cordless dog clippers for some good options.

Final thoughts on using human clippers for dogs

Although hair clippers for humans and pets may seem the same, the features and functions are very different. In general, human clippers should not be used for dog grooming due to the increased risk of injury to your pet. The motor isn’t ideal for prolonged use, and its noise and vibration can also easily startle your pet.

Plus, pet clippers are so much better for you! You can make your DIY grooming job so much easier because the clippers can sail through thick fur.

Personally, I feel like after considering Max’s small size, his one coat, and his short Yorkie haircut, I could certainly use human clippers as long as I go slow and he’s not in distress (which is unlikely , since he’s a scaredy-cat…er – dog). But I have decided to keep the pet clippers because I think they will work so much better for both of us.

>> Read more: Best Dog Clippers for Yorkies

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references

Shih-Poos are small and fluffy dogs with particularly friendly personalities. One parent breed, the Shih Tzu is a loyal and alert lap dog. The other, a Miniature Poodle, is highly intelligent and loves to be the center of attention. The result is a Shih-Poo (or “Shih-Poo”), a versatile and spunky pup full of excellent personality traits. Whether family dog ​​or companion for seniors, he masters his role.

While Shih Tzus and Miniature Poodles are both popular dog breeds with ancient and royal histories, Shih-Poos are a relatively new breed. They’ve only been around for a few decades, but they’re starting to make a name for themselves. Adult shih poos can be tiny (as small as 7 pounds) or weigh as much as 20 pounds. They can come with curly coats like their Poodle parent or a smoother coat inherited from their Shih Tzu side of the family.

“Shih-Poos are lively, active, and animated dogs with a sense of humor,” says Liz Randall, CPDT-KA, owner and CEO of Dogs Abound. “Intelligent and playful, they make great companions for an active home where their dog is the focus of many of their activities.”

Shih-Poos are adaptable to small living spaces (they’re A-OK with apartment living) and because they shed so little, they tend to be allergy-friendly dogs and are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih Poo dogs need a lot of grooming, so make sure you have the time (and budget) for their beauty routines.

Looks

Because Shih-Poos are a crossbreed, there is no breed standard that dictates what Shih-Poos should look like. But in a word, they are adorable.

A Shih-Poo loves to be the center of attention and should not be left alone for long periods of time. He does best with an owner who is a couch potato or who takes him on errands or adventures.

Shih Poo puppies can look completely different, even from the same litter. With hybrid dogs like these teddy bear-shih-poos, it all comes down to which traits of the parents are dominant. For example, some Shih-Poos may appear more poodle-like with a short and curly coat, while others might sport the silky, straight, and luxurious coat that is synonymous with Shih Tzus. However, other Shih-Poos can sport a quasi-curly and semi-silky coat.

The color of their coats can also be a bit of a joker. Some common colors are white, black, brown, brindle, grey, red or apricot – and that doesn’t even include all possible color combinations.

temperament

Niccole Bruno, DVM, chief of staff at Companion Animal Hospital in Spring, Texas, has a shih-poo named Jimmy, a rescuer who comes to work with her every day. (Shih-poos absolutely love being your shadow!) While dogs can have their own personalities, shih-poos generally tend to be friendly, good-natured dogs.

“Jimmy would probably welcome a robber,” says Bruno. His motto is “If you give me some attention, I will love you.”

Left: Whatever you want to do, your Shih-Poo will want to do it too. These puppies love to be the center of attention and will accompany you on everything from walks to movie nights on the couch. | Photo Credit: Keith Getter/Getty

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Check out all Shih Poo pictures!

Shih Poos are sometimes called “teddy bear dogs” because of their resemblance to stuffed animals.

A Shih Poo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature Poodle and is not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club. Shih Poos tend to be affectionate and playful dogs. Like their two original breeds, they don’t typically shed much and are often considered hypoallergenic, although this varies from dog to dog, and some longhaired varieties may not be hypoallergenic. Shih Poos are usually good apartment dogs because they don’t usually bark a lot. They make excellent pets. Shih Poos, sometimes known as Shoodle or Pooshi, have been popular with owners and breeders for over a decade, but no one is sure when these toy dogs were first bred.

Check out all of our product reviews from experts.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Shih Poo

professionals! Disadvantages! Highly Intelligent: They are smart little dogs who pick up routines easily. High String: They can be a little high maintenance. They can become easily anxious and dislike changes in routine. Small: Due to their small size, they can easily be taken in the car and everywhere where dogs are allowed. They don’t eat (or poop!) as much as larger breeds, making them more cost-effective. Separation Anxiety: Your dog wants to be with you. They will not do well if left alone for long periods of more than a few hours. Don’t Need Much Exercise: They don’t need a large yard and can easily stay in a small apartment. Their need for exercise is low, so they don’t have to go for long walks every day. Stubborn: Although they are smart dogs, or perhaps because of them, these dogs can be stubborn, so they are not as easy to train as other breeds. They can be trained, but it may require extra effort and patience on your part.

Your Shih Poo wants to be with you. They will not do well if left alone for long periods of more than a few hours. Bonita R. Cheshier/Shutterstock.com 3,026 people failed this quiz Think you can? Take our brand new A-Z Animals Dogs Quiz

Shih Poo size and weight

Shih Poos are small to medium sized dogs. Their hair is often long and wavy, but can also be short and curly. They average about 13 inches in height, although for teacup varieties it can be much smaller. Adult Shih Poos can typically weigh up to 25 pounds, although most are closer to 10 pounds. Weaning age puppies weigh about a pound.

Height (Male): 12 inches Height (Female): 12 inches Weight (Male): 15 pounds Weight (Female): 15 pounds

Shih Poo Common Health Problems

Shih Poos are a fairly healthy breed, but there are a few issues that can arise with this crossbreed. They have a strong tendency to overeat, so it’s important to monitor how much food you’re giving them. These little dogs are also prone to dental problems and bad breath, so properly sized kibble, proper teeth cleaning and dental care are key to keeping them healthy. Unless your pet has inherited the Poodle’s longer nose, their short snout can cause breathing problems. The shorter their nose, the more likely they are to have breathing problems. Less common, more serious conditions to watch out for include hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and patellar luxation, where the kneecap is common.

To recap, a Shih Poo can experience the following conditions:

overeating

dental problems

difficulty breathing

hip problems

eye problems

knee problems

Shih Poo temperament

Shih Poos’ behavior and personality traits make them great companions for those with less active lifestyles. Because of their size and personality, they are best suited to couples with older children or older couples without children. They love to cuddle and play with or without toys. These pets are a bit stubborn, so they’re not necessarily recommended for people with no dog training experience. if you want a dog that will be at its best. One of their best qualities is their intelligence. So if you have training experience, they can be taught.

Health and entertainment for your Shih Poo

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How to take care of Shih Poo

These dogs need regular teeth cleaning, regular hair and nail trimmings, and if they are rather small, steps or ramps to help them reach higher places if you want to let them onto beds or other furniture. Monitoring their food so they don’t overeat is an important part of Shih Poo ownership.

The best dog food for Shih Poos

These dogs should be fed appropriate to their size and age, using adult small dog kibble and puppy kibble. They tend to eat as much as you allow, so their intake, including treats, needs to be monitored, especially once they are no longer puppies. Buy your Shih Poo good quality dog ​​food with the right nutrition to help satiate their appetite and curb overeating.

Our pick from A-Z Animals for the best dog food for Shih Poos is Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult Oral Care for Dental Health Dog Food.

This special, crunchy dry food is approved by veterinarians and nutritionists to help treat dental plaque and tartar in dogs like Shih Poos who are prone to dental problems. The best natural ingredient is a high quality meat protein source like chicken. And because this formula is balanced and nutrient dense, your Shih Poo is more likely to stop eating when it feels full to help combat overeating.

Get Hill’s Science Diet Dental Health dry dog ​​food for your Shih Poo at Amazon.

Sale Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Oral Care, Chicken, Rice & Gerley Recipe, 4 lb Bag This dry dog ​​food helps improve your adult dog’s dental health

Helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up with clinically proven kibble technology

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A dog food with omega-6 fatty acids & vitamin E for healthy skin and coat

Made from natural ingredients

Maintenance and Care

If your dog is the long-haired variety, he will need to be brushed almost daily as the hair is prone to dirt, tangles and tangles. People often like to tuck the top of their Shih Poo’s hair into a ponytail to help keep it out of their eyes. Your nails need to be trimmed frequently.

education

These dogs are smart, but they can be stubborn, making them easy to train in some areas and less so in others. House training can go well, but other commands may require more time and discipline.

exercise

Shih Poos don’t need a lot of exercise, making them ideal for small living spaces and smaller yards. On average, they only need about half an hour of exercise to maintain their weight.

Shih Poo puppies

The most important thing to remember is that when you get your pup as a puppy, the coat and markings will change, sometimes drastically, over the course of the next 12 months.

Shih Poos don’t need a large yard and can easily stay in a small apartment. Their need for exercise is low, so they don’t have to go for long walks every day. Cinda-lu/Shutterstock.com

Shih Poo and kids

Shih Poos aren’t bad with children, but they’re also not usually as friendly with children as other breeds like Golden Retrievers. A puppy adapts more easily to children than a fully grown adult.

Dogs similar to Shih Poo

Shih Tzu: One of the Shih Poo parent breeds, similar in size and coloring.

Toy Poodle: The Shih Poo’s other parent breed, similar in temperament and behavior.

Lhasa Apso: This breed is often confused with the Shih Tzu.

Popular names for Shih Poo

Tough

lily

daisy

Precious

teddy

mommy

teacup

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In the world of designer mixed breeds, it can definitely be difficult to keep track of all the funny dog ​​breed names you may hear. One designer breed that’s rapidly gaining popularity over the past decade is the Shih Poo, also known as the “teddy bear dog” for its adorable, affectionate expression that looks exactly like a stuffed bear.

Thinking about adopting a Shih Poo? Here’s everything you should know about these spunky and energetic puppies.

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What exactly is a Shih Poo?

As the name suggests, the Shih Poo dog is a mixed breed: a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature or Miniature Poodle. Their cute, alert-looking facial expressions and strong bodies make them easily identifiable.

The Shih Poo looks like a live teddy bear with a cute personality to match.

Shih Poos are not purebred dogs or a breed of their own. The Shih Poo isn’t recognized by breed organizations like the American Kennel Club, but that doesn’t mean they’re mutts.

As a designer cross, Shih Poos can come at a steep price, but it can be well worth it when you fall in love with their cute looks and fun personality.

What does a Shih Poo look like?

The Shih Poo’s appearance is determined by its genetics. As you can imagine, the Shih Poo can share traits of both the Miniature Poodle and the Shih Tzu. Some Shih Poos have the curly, hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle, while others have the Shih Tzu’s long, straight coat.

Some Shih Poo puppies look more like one parent than the other. Some are the perfect mix of both. Shih Poos are usually white or white with tan spots, but they can be all black, tan, or some other combination.

No matter which parent your pup prefers, you can bet your Shih Poo will be cuddly, small and soft.

Just remember that the Shih Poo is a crossbreed with no breed standard. Most Shih Poos today are a first generation cross between two purebred parents.

The personality and temperament of the Shih Poo

Shih Poos have very unique personalities to match their fluffy looks. These little dogs are usually very friendly and affectionate with lots of energy. They tend to be outgoing and are fairly easy to train. Shih Poos can also be quite stubborn at times, but their intelligence should not be underestimated.

Remember that your pup’s personality and temperament comes from both his environment and his mother’s temperament.

Both the Shih Tzu and the Poodle tend to be on the outgoing, friendly end of the spectrum, but how your Shih Poo pup turns out really depends on how lucky their genes are, what they learn from their mother, and their siblings the socialization they receive before and after moving into their new home. Shih Poo puppies should not be overly aggressive or shy. So if their parents run away or won’t let you around or even go as far as to growl at you, it’s probably best to move on and find another litter.

Tips for training your Shih Poo

Use positive reinforcement techniques to train your Shih Poo; Reward them with games, praise, and treats. As long as you can show what’s in it for them, they’ll have fun and enjoy learning.

You will want to start as soon as you bring your pup home. If you put it off for too long, your Shih Poo will become more and more headstrong and become much, much more difficult to manage.

If possible, try to get the puppy into a regular training class, ideally before he turns 10 to 12 weeks old. This is a great way to teach them the most important skill of all: socializing. If that’s not possible, make sure your home workout includes plenty of socializing with family and friends.

Tips for Finding Shih Poo Puppies

You may want to get your pup from a rescue center or animal shelter, or you may want to find a reputable breeder. Either way, here are some tips to keep in mind as you search.

Shih Poo puppies are obviously adorable. That’s why you’re here. But like everywhere in the world, the rules of supply and demand apply in the dog world. Cute puppies are definitely among the best sellers, making the Shih Poo a firm favorite of irresponsible, greedy breeders and puppy mills. However, don’t expect to spend millions; Local animal shelters or adoption organizations nearby often have fantastic specimens of Shih Poos waiting to find a new home.

If you are looking to adopt your Shih Poo from an animal rescue or shelter, there are many great options and opportunists available to you. Sites like petfinder.com make finding a Shih Poo in your area a quick and easy task. These sites even allow you to make very specific inquiries and they can be a great tool to help you find animal rescue groups that are in your area. Advertising in the local newspaper isn’t quite out of fashion either, and social media sites can be a great place to start your search.

Choose a breeder carefully!

If you’re looking to buy from a breeder, make sure you find one who has run all the relevant health tests to ensure your puppies do not carry any of the potential genetic diseases common to Shih Tzus and Poodles. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to even a thousand dollars or more for a Shih Poo, so make sure you spend wisely.

It goes without saying that you should avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can sell their puppies and take your money. Also, be aware of the risks involved in buying a puppy online. A top tip is to put no less effort into buying a new puppy than you do into buying a new car.

Your breeder should be able to help you find exactly what you want in a dog. Breeders will see puppies on a daily basis and can often make shockingly accurate recommendations once they know more about you, your personality and lifestyle. Regardless of what you’re looking for in your Shih Poo, make sure you find a puppy that has been well socialized since early puppyhood and whose parents have great, pleasant personalities.

Shih Poo Health Issues to Watch Out For

All dogs, just like all humans, have the potential to develop genetic or other health problems. If you come across a breeder who does not give any guarantees as to the health of their puppies, or tells you that the mixed breeds have no known health issues and are 100% healthy, or has told you that his or her puppies have been isolated, stay away from health issues Reasons away from all main parts of the house.

It is imperative that you find a breeder who will, above all else, be open and honest about health issues in mixed breed dogs and the frequency with which they occur in their lines.

As you might expect, the Shih Poo is still prone to all of the health issues that can afflict the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle. However, there is a small chance that the genetic diversity created by mixing these two breeds will reduce the likelihood of certain hereditary diseases developing. However, genetic variation makes it quite difficult to predict, so do some research.

Not all conditions your Shih Poo puppy could potentially inherit will be detectable and it can be quite difficult to predict if an animal will be free of these problems. It is therefore important that you find a reputable breeder who is fully committed to breeding the healthiest dogs possible. They should be expected to be able to provide, upon request, independent certification that the puppy’s parents and grandparents have been screened for genetic defects and found healthy for breeding. Accept nothing less than the breeder can show that both parents have the appropriate health certifications from organizations like the Canine Eye Registry Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

If you’ve found a breeder who can’t provide you with written documentation to prove the parents were cleared of breed-related health issues, walk away.

Simply having the dogs examined by the vet is not an acceptable substitute for genetic health testing.

With all that said, don’t forget the most common health issue that can affect all dogs: obesity. You and you alone have the power to prevent your Shih Poo from becoming obese, and keeping your pup at a reasonable weight and providing him with a healthy diet and good exercise is one of the simplest and easiest ways to extend his life.

What makes the Shih Poo such a great service animal?

Simply put, Shih Poos are incredibly cute and incredibly affectionate, affectionate creatures. For these reasons and more, Shih Poos can make more than just a great pet; They also make excellent emotional support animals. Below we’ll go through just a few of the reasons that can make them so perfect for the job.

Shih Poos make great companions

Shih Tzus were originally bred for companionship, and that trait definitely carries over to the Shih Poo. Emotional support animals have an important job in providing a degree of emotional stability to their distressed owners, and this can come in the form of constant companionship and unconditional love: two qualities the Shih Poo can offer in abundance.

Shih Poos offer great loyalty and devotion

Anyone suffering from depression, self-esteem issues, or any other form of emotional disorder can benefit greatly from a companion who can give their full love and attention, and it doesn’t get much warmer and more loving than the Shih Poo. These adorable little bundles of fluff could cuddle all day, and they are extremely affectionate and loyal. These properties can help alleviate the symptoms you may experience.

Shih Poos are small and portable – great for ESAs!

The Fair Housing Amendments Act provides certain protections for emotional support animals. This means they can live in a residence that may have anti-pet policies. There are still guidelines that can replace this, but only for certain larger, noisier, and more aggressive breeds.

Obviously these are three things the Shih Poo is not, so as an owner you shouldn’t have any issues with a Shih Poo being an ESA. With an average weight of between 7 and 20 pounds, the Shih Poo is extremely portable and travel-friendly.

Although the Air Carrier Access Act no longer allows ESAs to ride in the cabin of an airplane, the Shih Poo is small enough that it can likely be carried on a plane as carry-on baggage if the airline allows it. There is a fee, but you’ll feel relieved knowing your ESA is right under your seat and not in the cargo.

Shih Poos have a calm and relaxed nature

A relaxed demeanor is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for an emotional support animal. The last thing you want when you’re already feeling excited, exhausted, and stressed is having to calm down an overly excited, aggressive, or loud dog.

If you are looking for an emotional support animal for a quiet, reserved companion who will enjoy snuggling up on the couch all day and all night, then the Shih Poo is for you. In addition, the breed does not require a lot of exercise. So if you’re not able to walk your dog frequently every day, there’s a bonus.

Shih Poos crave attention

Your Shih Poo will frequently crave your attention, so they will do anything to make you happy, and the smallest of compliments can go a long way. If they can hold on to something you seem to like, they will try to gain your attention and praise by doing it over and over again.

Shih Poos can be hilarious

You can always count on your Shih Poo to make you smile again after a tough day. Laughter is always the best medicine, they say, and these dogs are known for putting a smile on their owners’ faces.

Shih Poos are extremely affectionate

Most importantly, Shih Poos are just incredibly affectionate and affectionate. What more could you ask for in an emotional support animal? Like the Shih Tzu before it, these dogs were bred to be loved, and they’ve certainly learned how to show it back. Compared to any other breed, this is undoubtedly their greatest trait.

Over the centuries, dogs and the company they bring have proven time and time again to be a natural, safe, and effective remedy for all manner of emotional and mental disorders such as anxiety, phobias, PTSD, depression, and more.

Once you’ve decided that a Shih Poo is the right breed for your emotional support or companion animal, take the extra step of registering them for your protection and convenience. US Service Animals offers a quick and easy registration process that includes an animal ID, certificate, and inclusion in our national database.

Traits, personality and behavior

At their best, Shihpoos are playful, friendly, and affectionate, always happy to sit on a lap and give a little love. They generally weigh 7 to 20 pounds depending on the size of their parent breeds. They are bold for their size and make excellent watchdogs, but they can be on the barking side.

Choose a Shihpoo if you have older children who understand how to handle a dog carefully. Toddlers can be clumsy and hurt a Shihpoo unless you can always be there to oversee their interactions.

Shihpoos are smart but can be stubborn. To train them effectively, you need to figure out how to motivate them. Often this involves food rewards or somehow inspiring the dog to believe that what you want from him is his own idea.

Shihpoos have a moderate level of activity that can be adjusted to suit their owner’s lifestyle. You will enjoy a walk or active indoor playtime every day. Some Shihpoos love to be in the limelight, and they do well at canine sports like agility, obedience, and rallying.

Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning they can be tolerated by people with allergies to dogs. Because they have the poodle in their heritage, Shihpoos are sometimes referred to as being hypoallergenic. But allergies aren’t caused by a specific type of dog coat, but rather by dander, the dead skin cells that all dogs shed. There is no scientific evidence that any breed or crossbreed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some allergy sufferers are less sensitive to certain dogs, but no reputable breeder guarantees their dogs are hypoallergenic.

Shihpoos can have different types of coats, from curly to straight, depending on what genes they inherit, but most have a curly or wavy coat. A Shihpoo’s coat looks best with professional grooming every four to six weeks and will need brushing or combing every few days to avoid mats or tangles, as well as regular bathing between groomer appointments.

Shihpoos are one of the breeds that often develop reddish-brown tear stains under their eyes. Sometimes the spots are related to the dog’s diet and changing their diet can help. However, it is best to wash your face daily and gently wipe under your eyes to prevent stains from settling.

Your Shihpoo doesn’t need bikini wax, but you may need to trim the genital area for cleanliness or have the groomer shave the lower abdomen. This will keep urine from staining and smelling the coat and faeces from getting caught in the hair around the anus.

Also, trim his nails at least once a month—more often if necessary—keep his ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections, and brush his teeth as often as possible. Small dogs are particularly prone to periodontitis.

Shihpoos are companion dogs meant to live indoors. They can be sensitive to heat and should never be left outdoors in hot or humid weather.

Shihpoo puppies are adorable and that is one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Shihpoo a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there is no need to spend a lot of money on a Shihpoo. You can often find a wonderful example of this hybrid dog at your local animal shelter or adoption organizations.

However, if you decide to buy one, choose a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure their puppies do not carry the genetic diseases that are common to both Shih Tzus and Poodles. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a great way to minimize the possibility of high vet bills in the future.

Health Issues Shihpoos Share

All hybrid dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems just like purebred dogs and just like all humans have the potential to inherit a specific medical condition. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who doesn’t give any pup health guarantees, who tells you the Shihpoo is 100 percent healthy with no known problems, or who tells you their puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about Shihpoo health issues and the frequency with which they occur in their lines.

Shihpoos can develop health issues common to both Shih Tzus and Poodles, especially if you’re not careful about who you buy from. These include dislocating kneecaps, hip dysplasia, and eye problems such as entropion, cataracts, or progressive retinal atrophy.

Many toy breeds and small dogs suffer from a luxating patella, where one or both knees are unstable and occasionally slip. Depending on the severity (1 is mild and 4 is severe), dislocating the patella can be a minor problem that causes little discomfort or pain to the dog, or severe enough to require surgical correction.

Ask the breeder to provide proof that both parents of a puppy have OFA patella (knee) clearances, as well as certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that their eyes are healthy. Do not buy a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents have been cleared of health issues affecting the breed. Veterinary control of dogs is not a substitute for genetic health testing.

Condition Risk Profile Cost of Diagnosis and Treatment Entropion Moderate $300-$1,500 Patellar Luxation Moderate $1,500-$3,000 Hip Dysplasia Moderate $1,500-$3,000 Cataract Moderate $1,000-$4,000

5 tips to bring home a healthy Shihpoo puppy

Finding a good breeder is more important than finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will no doubt have completed all the health certifications necessary to screen out health issues as much as possible.

Consider an adult dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. Many of the health issues in Shihpoos are not obvious when they are puppies, but adopting an adult dog can rule out most of them. Additionally, Shihpoos can live to be 12 or more years old, so an adult dog will be a part of your family for a long time to come.

Pup or adult, take your Shihpoo to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your vet will be able to identify visible problems and will work with you to put in place a preventive program that will help you avoid many health problems. Ask specifically about dental care, as most toy breeds suffer from dental issues, as well as tips on how to deal with tear stains.

Never, ever, ever buy a puppy from a pet store. You are more likely to end up with an unhealthy, unsocialized and difficult to housetrain puppy and support the cruelty of high volume puppy mills.

Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that lays out responsibilities on both sides. In states with “puppy-lemon laws,” make sure you and the person you are getting the dog from understand your rights and remedies.

Pet Insurance for Shihpoos

Pet insurance for shihpoos costs more than mixed breed dogs. This is because Shihpoos are more likely than mixed breed dogs to make claims of inherited conditions that are expensive to treat.

Embrace dog insurance offers full coverage for all breed-specific conditions (excluding those that already exist) that Shihpoos are prone to. The best time to get pet insurance for your Shihpoo is when he is a healthy puppy. You can’t predict what will happen in the future, and pet insurance is the one thing you can’t get when you need it most.

Shih Poo puppies, also known as Shoodles, are the offspring of a Shih Tzu and a Miniature Poodle. Adult Shih Poos are affectionate, intelligent, and versatile little dogs that make great pets for singles, couples, and families.

Thick, little flaky fur can be straight like that of a Shih Tzu or curly like that of a Poodle or anywhere in between.

Charming, affectionate and quick-witted, the small and fluffy Shih Poo adapts well to apartment life and would make an excellent senior companion.

Shih Poos are a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature Poodle. While some Shih-Tzu breeders will breed a Poodle with a Shih-Tzu to create first-generation Shih-Poos, it is also common to breed Shih-Poos together to create multi-generation dogs. As crossbreeds, Shih Poos are not an officially recognized breed, and there is no breed standard in terms of appearance or temperament. Even Shih Poo puppies born in the same litter can take after one parent more than the other and appear wildly different in coat texture and color, says PetGuide.

Shih Poos fall in the small to tiny range, typically standing between eight and 18 inches at the withers and weighing between eight and 18 pounds. Their coat can be long, smooth, and silky like that of the Shih Tzu, shorter and curly like that of a Poodle, or it can be somewhere in between. Despite the appearance, the Shih Poo’s coat rarely sheds, making these dogs a good fit for someone with mild pet allergies.

Coloring can be done after either parent breed. While Poodles have solid coats that are typically black, white, gray, tan, or apricot, Shih Tzu coats can be solid color or come in a variety of color patterns and combinations. Shoodle coats can mimic either parent’s color pattern.

Personality:

Mixed breed dogs often develop temperaments that balance the qualities of their parent breeds. Shih Tzus tend to be very affectionate and extremely charming, but possess a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Poodles, on the other hand, while equally charming with playful and comedic personalities, are highly intelligent dogs that are more eager to please and easier to train. Shih Poos are therefore often playful, affectionate and quick-witted little charmers, although they may inherit the stubbornness of their Shih Tzu parents. Because of this, they often need a strict but patient guide in training and may not be the best choice for first-time dog parents.

What Shih Poos may lack in trainability, they more than make up for in love and affection. They love to play with toys and get along well with older children, although their small size and hair, which is easy to grab and pull, means they should be closely supervised around young children. While they are friendly and great at getting along well with other pets, especially when introduced as puppies, older Shih-Poos may not like having other dogs around. They often do well as only dogs. Despite this, these fluffy puppies love to be close to their humans and will not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. If work or school takes you away from home for long hours, you may need to consider a dog daycare to keep your Shih Poo happy.

To live with:

Shih Poos are generally versatile dogs that do well in both small apartments and larger homes. They need up to 30 minutes a day for play and exercise, which can be content with two or three short walks a day or 15-minute sessions of intense playtime twice a day. The rest of the time, they’ll be content to curl up in your lap or snuggle up on the sofa next to you. Shih Poos are very social and love to be around people, so expect them to stay close as you move around the house.

While Shih Poos tend to be long-lived, some living 17 years or more, they can be predisposed to the same health issues as their parent breeds. These include allergies, luxating patella, vision problems, and endocrine disorders such as Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s disease. Shih Poos, who inherit the Shih Tzu’s shorter snout, can also be prone to breathing problems, reverse sneezing and snoring. Extra care needs to be taken to avoid overheating and heatstroke, says Dogtime. And like many small breeds, these dogs can be prone to dental issues and will benefit from regular dental cleaning and daily brushing.

Regardless of the length or texture of your Shih Poo’s coat, it will be thick, fast-growing, and prone to matting. Daily brushing and monthly visits to the groomer are recommended to keep the coat under control. Limit baths to a few times a month to prevent skin drying. When bathing, be careful not to get water in the ear canals to avoid developing ear infections.

Shoodles have healthy appetites and will overeat if given the opportunity, resulting in unhealthy weight gain. It’s best to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule rather than letting them eat kibble throughout the day. Feed your pup a quality dog ​​food designed for small breeds and keep treats to a minimum.

Story:

Not much is known about the backstory of the Shih Poo. Unlike other boutique breeds, no breeder has come forward to acknowledge the introduction of the Shih Poo. Most likely, this cross was created unintentionally, with breeders in the US later deciding to breed her on purpose when her popularity began. As a crossbreed, Shih Poos are not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, although they are recognized by various designer breed registry clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry.

In the world of designer mixed breeds, it can definitely be difficult to keep track of all the funny dog ​​breed names you may hear. One designer breed that’s rapidly gaining popularity over the past decade is the Shih Poo, also known as the “teddy bear dog” for its adorable, affectionate expression that looks exactly like a stuffed bear.

Thinking about adopting a Shih Poo? Here’s everything you should know about these spunky and energetic puppies.

Register your emotional support animal and receive all the benefits. Proceed with registration

What exactly is a Shih Poo?

As the name suggests, the Shih Poo dog is a mixed breed: a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature or Miniature Poodle. Their cute, alert-looking facial expressions and strong bodies make them easily identifiable.

The Shih Poo looks like a live teddy bear with a cute personality to match.

Shih Poos are not purebred dogs or a breed of their own. The Shih Poo isn’t recognized by breed organizations like the American Kennel Club, but that doesn’t mean they’re mutts.

As a designer cross, Shih Poos can come at a steep price, but it can be well worth it when you fall in love with their cute looks and fun personality.

What does a Shih Poo look like?

The Shih Poo’s appearance is determined by its genetics. As you can imagine, the Shih Poo can share traits of both the Miniature Poodle and the Shih Tzu. Some Shih Poos have the curly, hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle, while others have the Shih Tzu’s long, straight coat.

Some Shih Poo puppies look more like one parent than the other. Some are the perfect mix of both. Shih Poos are usually white or white with tan spots, but they can be all black, tan, or some other combination.

No matter which parent your pup prefers, you can bet your Shih Poo will be cuddly, small and soft.

Just remember that the Shih Poo is a crossbreed with no breed standard. Most Shih Poos today are a first generation cross between two purebred parents.

The personality and temperament of the Shih Poo

Shih Poos have very unique personalities to match their fluffy looks. These little dogs are usually very friendly and affectionate with lots of energy. They tend to be outgoing and are fairly easy to train. Shih Poos can also be quite stubborn at times, but their intelligence should not be underestimated.

Remember that your pup’s personality and temperament comes from both his environment and his mother’s temperament.

Both the Shih Tzu and the Poodle tend to be on the outgoing, friendly end of the spectrum, but how your Shih Poo pup turns out really depends on how lucky their genes are, what they learn from their mother, and their siblings the socialization they receive before and after moving into their new home. Shih Poo puppies should not be overly aggressive or shy. So if their parents run away or won’t let you around or even go as far as to growl at you, it’s probably best to move on and find another litter.

Tips for training your Shih Poo

Use positive reinforcement techniques to train your Shih Poo; Reward them with games, praise, and treats. As long as you can show what’s in it for them, they’ll have fun and enjoy learning.

You will want to start as soon as you bring your pup home. If you put it off for too long, your Shih Poo will become more and more headstrong and become much, much more difficult to manage.

If possible, try to get the puppy into a regular training class, ideally before he turns 10 to 12 weeks old. This is a great way to teach them the most important skill of all: socializing. If that’s not possible, make sure your home workout includes plenty of socializing with family and friends.

Tips for Finding Shih Poo Puppies

You may want to get your pup from a rescue center or animal shelter, or you may want to find a reputable breeder. Either way, here are some tips to keep in mind as you search.

Shih Poo puppies are obviously adorable. That’s why you’re here. But like everywhere in the world, the rules of supply and demand apply in the dog world. Cute puppies are definitely among the best sellers, making the Shih Poo a firm favorite of irresponsible, greedy breeders and puppy mills. However, don’t expect to spend millions; Local animal shelters or adoption organizations nearby often have fantastic specimens of Shih Poos waiting to find a new home.

If you are looking to adopt your Shih Poo from an animal rescue or shelter, there are many great options and opportunists available to you. Sites like petfinder.com make finding a Shih Poo in your area a quick and easy task. These sites even allow you to make very specific inquiries and they can be a great tool to help you find animal rescue groups that are in your area. Advertising in the local newspaper isn’t quite out of fashion either, and social media sites can be a great place to start your search.

Choose a breeder carefully!

If you’re looking to buy from a breeder, make sure you find one who has run all the relevant health tests to ensure your puppies do not carry any of the potential genetic diseases common to Shih Tzus and Poodles. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to even a thousand dollars or more for a Shih Poo, so make sure you spend wisely.

It goes without saying that you should avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can sell their puppies and take your money. Also, be aware of the risks involved in buying a puppy online. A top tip is to put no less effort into buying a new puppy than you do into buying a new car.

Your breeder should be able to help you find exactly what you want in a dog. Breeders will see puppies on a daily basis and can often make shockingly accurate recommendations once they know more about you, your personality and lifestyle. Regardless of what you’re looking for in your Shih Poo, make sure you find a puppy that has been well socialized since early puppyhood and whose parents have great, pleasant personalities.

Shih Poo Health Issues to Watch Out For

All dogs, just like all humans, have the potential to develop genetic or other health problems. If you come across a breeder who does not give any guarantees as to the health of their puppies, or tells you that the mixed breeds have no known health issues and are 100% healthy, or has told you that his or her puppies have been isolated, stay away from health issues Reasons away from all main parts of the house.

It is imperative that you find a breeder who will, above all else, be open and honest about health issues in mixed breed dogs and the frequency with which they occur in their lines.

As you might expect, the Shih Poo is still prone to all of the health issues that can afflict the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle. However, there is a small chance that the genetic diversity created by mixing these two breeds will reduce the likelihood of certain hereditary diseases developing. However, genetic variation makes it quite difficult to predict, so do some research.

Not all conditions your Shih Poo puppy could potentially inherit will be detectable and it can be quite difficult to predict if an animal will be free of these problems. It is therefore important that you find a reputable breeder who is fully committed to breeding the healthiest dogs possible. They should be expected to be able to provide, upon request, independent certification that the puppy’s parents and grandparents have been screened for genetic defects and found healthy for breeding. Accept nothing less than the breeder can show that both parents have the appropriate health certifications from organizations like the Canine Eye Registry Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

If you’ve found a breeder who can’t provide you with written documentation to prove the parents were cleared of breed-related health issues, walk away.

Simply having the dogs examined by the vet is not an acceptable substitute for genetic health testing.

With all that said, don’t forget the most common health issue that can affect all dogs: obesity. You and you alone have the power to prevent your Shih Poo from becoming obese, and keeping your pup at a reasonable weight and providing him with a healthy diet and good exercise is one of the simplest and easiest ways to extend his life.

What makes the Shih Poo such a great service animal?

Simply put, Shih Poos are incredibly cute and incredibly affectionate, affectionate creatures. For these reasons and more, Shih Poos can make more than just a great pet; They also make excellent emotional support animals. Below we’ll go through just a few of the reasons that can make them so perfect for the job.

Shih Poos make great companions

Shih Tzus were originally bred for companionship, and that trait definitely carries over to the Shih Poo. Emotional support animals have an important job in providing a degree of emotional stability to their distressed owners, and this can come in the form of constant companionship and unconditional love: two qualities the Shih Poo can offer in abundance.

Shih Poos offer great loyalty and devotion

Anyone suffering from depression, self-esteem issues, or any other form of emotional disorder can benefit greatly from a companion who can give their full love and attention, and it doesn’t get much warmer and more loving than the Shih Poo. These adorable little bundles of fluff could cuddle all day, and they are extremely affectionate and loyal. These properties can help alleviate the symptoms you may experience.

Shih Poos are small and portable – great for ESAs!

The Fair Housing Amendments Act provides certain protections for emotional support animals. This means they can live in a residence that may have anti-pet policies. There are still guidelines that can replace this, but only for certain larger, noisier, and more aggressive breeds.

Obviously these are three things the Shih Poo is not, so as an owner you shouldn’t have any issues with a Shih Poo being an ESA. With an average weight of between 7 and 20 pounds, the Shih Poo is extremely portable and travel-friendly.

Although the Air Carrier Access Act no longer allows ESAs to ride in the cabin of an airplane, the Shih Poo is small enough that it can likely be carried on a plane as carry-on baggage if the airline allows it. There is a fee, but you’ll feel relieved knowing your ESA is right under your seat and not in the cargo.

Shih Poos have a calm and relaxed nature

A relaxed demeanor is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for an emotional support animal. The last thing you want when you’re already feeling excited, exhausted, and stressed is having to calm down an overly excited, aggressive, or loud dog.

If you are looking for an emotional support animal for a quiet, reserved companion who will enjoy snuggling up on the couch all day and all night, then the Shih Poo is for you. In addition, the breed does not require a lot of exercise. So if you’re not able to walk your dog frequently every day, there’s a bonus.

Shih Poos crave attention

Your Shih Poo will frequently crave your attention, so they will do anything to make you happy, and the smallest of compliments can go a long way. If they can hold on to something you seem to like, they will try to gain your attention and praise by doing it over and over again.

Shih Poos can be hilarious

You can always count on your Shih Poo to make you smile again after a tough day. Laughter is always the best medicine, they say, and these dogs are known for putting a smile on their owners’ faces.

Shih Poos are extremely affectionate

Most importantly, Shih Poos are just incredibly affectionate and affectionate. What more could you ask for in an emotional support animal? Like the Shih Tzu before it, these dogs were bred to be loved, and they’ve certainly learned how to show it back. Compared to any other breed, this is undoubtedly their greatest trait.

Over the centuries, dogs and the company they bring have proven time and time again to be a natural, safe, and effective remedy for all manner of emotional and mental disorders such as anxiety, phobias, PTSD, depression, and more.

Once you’ve decided that a Shih Poo is the right breed for your emotional support or companion animal, take the extra step of registering them for your protection and convenience. US Service Animals offers a quick and easy registration process that includes an animal ID, certificate, and inclusion in our national database.

“Give my dog ​​a puppy cut.”

Ask 10 clients or barbers to describe this style and I bet you’ll get 10 different answers. On the one hand, it’s a great conversation starter! On the other hand, one quickly realizes how easily one can misunderstand one another.

The puppy cut is popular because it works well on a variety of pets. Almost any breed that gets longer coats can be done in this low-maintenance style. However, the puppy cut is also the most misunderstood haircut at grooming salons across the country. Why? There are no clear instructions as to what this trim actually is or how it should be done. It is left to individual personal interpretation by owners, carers or talented animal stylists.

Origin of the “puppy cut” among professional dog groomers

The puppy trim began as a trimming style for young poodles in the dog show world. Once the pup is one year old, he is put into the elaborate adult haircut for the conformation ring. Today, the term “puppy cut” is used very loosely. It can apply to a variety of different breeds. It is highly adaptable to any dog ​​size or coat type.

Many owners love this style of disguise – and with good reason. It’s cute, easy to care for, and easy for customers to remember by name. With this trim, the dog does not drag in dirt and grime from outside. Their ears won’t be grinding in the food or water bowl. The need for brushing between grooming appointments is minimized. For smaller pets, bathing between grooming appointments is a breeze. What’s not to love?

So what is a puppy cut?

Essentially, the puppy cut is one length all over. The most common length is between 1 and 2 inches across the body, legs, tail, head and ears. Typically this is done with a clipper fitted with a long guard comb over the blade. There should be no cut marks, uneven fur, or sharp edges in the fur. Along with a powerful clipper, quality blenders are your best friends for this trimming. Everything is soft and plush, like a fluffy puppy.

This is where it gets difficult. In some circles, the puppy cut is also referred to as a teddy bear cut, summer cut or kennel cut. I’ve even seen some salons turn their version of the trim into their “signature haircut.” In general, only the names and the length of the coat change between these disguises.

It doesn’t stop there! Others associate the puppy cut with smooth-coated breeds like the boxer, pug, or beagle. Basically, it’s about a youthful, “puppy” look. Therefore the name.

With all these interpretations, it’s easy to imagine things differently. While that’s not a bad thing, not being clear about what the final look will be can definitely hurt the outcome and your relationship with the client. When an owner requests this fairing for the first time, be prepared to discuss the fairing in detail. Don’t assume you’re both on the same page! Communication is the key to a happy customer.

A clear understanding starts with a conversation. Spend a few minutes with the client and pet before the client leaves your salon.

Proper conversation begins with the 3 L’s:

Look – Seize those precious moments when your customers are observing the animal. What do you see? These first impressions can be used to guide your conversation.

– Take advantage of those precious moments when your customers are watching the animal. What do you see? These first impressions can be used to guide your conversation. Lead – This is the time to ask for clarity. Ask guiding questions about each area of ​​the pet (body, head, ears, legs/feet, and tail): What do you want your pet to look like? Smooth and smooth or fluffy and plush? What is the pet’s lifestyle? Is he the life of the party or a designated lap dog? How long should his fur be? Remember that “short” means something different to everyone. Be specific to make sure. How should the head look? The head and face are a big part of the dog’s personality. It is very important for your customer to get this part right.

– Now is the time to ask for clarity. Ask guiding questions about each area of ​​the pet (body, head, ears, legs/feet and tail): Listen – Listen for details and cues. The client may not be familiar with grooming terminology – that’s one of the reasons they rely on you. Interpret their observations and preferences so you can get a clear picture of style options.

Now that you are clear about what the client wants, it is time to use your talent and experience. An experienced pet professional will know how to make minor changes to the disguise that increase the pet’s attractiveness. If the coat is too matted to make the longer cut, you can suggest alternatives that work best for its current condition. You can then discuss how the client can edit the coat at home to make the pet look longer and fluffier as it grows.

Educating clients about proper pet hygiene is a valuable service that most salons offer their clients free of charge. To keep the dog looking its best, you can offer suggestions on how to maintain this haircut between grooming appointments. At home, brushing and bathing can make a world of difference in how it looks and smells. They can also provide suggestions on how often trimming should be done based on the pet’s lifestyle and coat texture. Always remember that your customers are the lifeblood of your business. Spend a little more time in advance for a warm and welcoming pet consultation to build a solid relationship with them.

Try these tips and see if it helps you get closer to your client’s idea of ​​a puppy cut… the first time!

Happy trimming!

melissa

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The pet grooming salon (especially our mobile pet grooming salon) is a loving place for your best friend to relax after a long day chasing squirrels. Despite all his love and affection, give him a haircut every now and then to keep his mane healthy!

Well, your dog’s appearance doesn’t just depend on the groomer – you can have your say too! A good groomer will give you sound advice on the best haircut options. And there are certainly some standard cuts for different breeds. So if you have a specific style in mind, ask your groomer if it’s a good choice for your dog!

These shared dog haircuts will give you some great ideas for your best friend’s next trip to the spa!

Cut teddy bear