Are you planning to bring home a new fur baby soon, and finding it difficult to choose from a variety of breeds? Take a look at Shih-poo, and you will not want to check out any other dog. Shih-poo is a cross between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu. These high-spirited dogs can become your best friend, and a loving family member. They share the characteristics of both Shih Tzu and a Poodle. That is why they are not only good looking but also fun-loving and highly intelligent.

Nature

Many dog owners also call them the teddy bear dog because of their appearance. The furry face covers a part of their eyes, and their size is small enough to look like a stuffed toy. Shih-poos are a happy go lucky breed that always plays around in the house. If you have ailing parents or toddlers, the Shih-poo will play with them all the time. They hardly get tired. The appearance of Shih-poos differs according to their genetics. They are soft and cuddly creatures that love attention from their owners.

Temperament

Shih-poos are friendly and outgoing dogs. They love to spend time outdoors. So, you need to allot an hour every day to take your doggo for a walk or play with them outside. You can also train them to be disciplined in the house. Their friendly nature makes them approachable even by strangers. However, they tend to get anxious when they don’t see their owners for a long period. They will bark and sometimes lay down quietly.

Experts think that the temperament of Shih-poos depends on what they inherit from their parents. Some may lean towards the genes from a Poodle while others may lean towards Shih Tzu. That’s a good reason to buy a mixed breed because you get a bit of both the dogs. Shih-poos are very intelligent when it comes to learning new instructions. They can follow your commands and will remember them even when you are away.

Health

Shih-poo is usually a healthy breed that doesn’t experience any serious health problems. However, over time, they may counter respiratory issues such as brachycephalic syndrome. This may happen to any dog with a small nose. You should also keep an eye on the diet of the doggo. Feed them at regular hours, and don’t overfeed them. Shih-poos may have kidney issues towards the later stage of their life.

It is always wise to go for a periodic checkup with your Shih-poo to make sure it is safe and healthy. This will eliminate the chances of running into a bigger health problem later. Also, don’t make your Shih-poo run around in the house frantically while playing. They are prone to hip dysplasia which is an abnormal growth of the hip bones. It tends to aggravate if the doggo is injured while playing or if it hits a solid surface.

Shih-poos can live up to 15 years, and these 15 years is pure joy. This energetic pet will keep you entertained, and it will be hard to part ways with it.