The Shih Poo Is the Snuggliest Choice for a Family Dog
A popular hybrid dog resulting from a crossbreeding of a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle, Shih Poos are a popular choice for many pet lovers. These dogs inherit delightful traits from their parent breeds, and make for intelligent, loyal, and friendly companions. Their appearances can vary widely even within the same litter, as each pup could favor one parent over the other. Typically, their coats are curly or wavy and come in a variety of colors. Shih Poos are clever and eager to please dogs who can be easily trained. They are very friendly with proper socialization, and tend to seamlessly integrate into their families. Often playful, affectionate, and outgoing dogs, they enjoy interacting with their owners through games or by simply sitting on a lap. Highly adaptable to different living conditions and with moderate energy levels, Shih Poos enjoy playtime as much as they enjoy snuggling on the couch. This makes them perfect companions for singles, couples, seniors, and families alike. If you’re interested in adding such an adorable addition to your family, reach out to Peak Legacy Ranch for more information on the adoption process.
History
The Shih Poo is a designer breed that originated in the late 20th century, combining the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. This hybrid was bred to create a small, hypoallergenic companion dog that inherits the best traits of both parent breeds. The Shih Tzu’s regal history as a favored pet of Chinese royalty, combined with the Poodle’s reputation for intelligence and low-shedding coat, makes the Shih Poo a popular choice for families. While relatively new, this mix quickly gained popularity for its charming personality and adaptability.
Temperament
Shih Poos are a friendly, eager to please, and affectionate breed that love playtime and snuggles in equal measures. Their cleverness makes them easy to train and their friendly natures make them fun to socialize with pets and people alike. While at times they may be stubborn, training them with positive reinforcement tends to work out well, and they often become cherished companions for individuals and families alike.
Environment
Shih Poos are highly adaptable dogs who can live in a variety of living conditions like apartments, condos, and houses. They do not require a lot of space, and are very happy to cuddle with their owners. In fact, they are such social creatures that they want to tag along with you no matter if you are running errands, going on a walk, or watching tv. They make for great lap dogs and are ideal companions for singles and seniors wanting a little extra snuggle time.
Exercise
Needing only a moderate amount of exercise, Shih Poos should get about 30 minutes of activity per day. That includes multiple short walks a day, vigorous playtime, and other fun activities. Indoor games like tug-of-war and hide-and-seek are also great ways to engage your furry friend to ensure plenty of time up and about.
Grooming
Shih Poos inherit the hypoallergenic coat from both parent breeds, making them that much more attractive a choice to adopt. Their furs vary greatly due to which parent they take after, but most of them have curly or wavy coats that shed lightly. Like Poodles, the coat will not stop growing, and it’s important to plan for monthly haircuts for healthy hygiene. Baths are recommended once or twice a month as needed, and it’s also good to maintain nails, ears, and teeth cleanings to ensure your furry friend remains healthy.
