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Although pet ownership is one of the most beautiful experiences that we can enjoy, at one point we have to face the reality that our beloved pets might not be with us here anymore. If you’re considering adopting a Shih Poo or already have this precious little Dood in your family, you’re probably keen on learning more about the Shih Poo lifespan and their potential health problems.
So, how long do Shih Poos live? And are Shih Poos healthy dogs? We’ll answer all of your questions surrounding the Shih Poo lifespan in this very article so keep on reading.
Are Shihpoos good dogs?
Yes, Shihpoos are good dogs.
When it comes to choosing the perfect pet, there are many factors to consider. For some people, size is an important consideration, while others prefer a certain coat type or personality. But one thing that everyone can agree on is that all dogs make wonderful companions. And when it comes to finding a pup that will make a great family pet, it’s hard to go wrong with a Shihpoo.
Shihpoos are a designer breed, created by crossing a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. This mix results in a pup with the best qualities of both breeds – the loving and affectionate personality of the Shih Tzu, and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
But beyond their great looks and pleasant dispositions, what makes Shihpoos such good dogs? Here are just a few reasons:
Shihpoos are great with children. Both the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle are bred as companion dogs, which means they’re used to being around people and have an easygoing personality. This makes them the perfect playmate for kids of all ages.
Shihpoos are intelligent dogs. Because they inherit the Poodle’s intelligence, Shihpoos are easy to train. With consistent guidance and positive reinforcement, they can learn tricks, manners, and commands with ease. This makes them well-behaved pups that are a joy to have around the house.
Shihpoos are low-shedding dogs. One of the main reasons people choose Toy Poodles is because they don’t shed much. And because Shihpoos inherit this trait from their Poodle parent, they’re also considered low-shedding dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies or who prefer not to deal with a lot of dog hair around the house.
If you’re looking for a pup that will make a great addition to your family, you can’t go wrong with a Shihpoo. These intelligent, loving dogs are easy to train and get along well with children. Plus, their hypoallergenic coat means they’re low-shedding pups that won’t leave too much hair around the house. So if you’re looking for a furry friend that will become part of the family, be sure to consider a Shihpoo!
How long do Shih Poo dogs live for?
The average lifespan for a Shih Poo is between 10 and 16 years.
The average lifespan of a Shih Poo is between 10 and 16 years. This is a relatively long lifespan for a dog, especially when compared to smaller breeds. The majority of Shih Poo dogs will live to be at least 12 years old, with many living even longer. There are a number of factors that can affect a Shih Poo’s lifespan, including diet, exercise, and genetics.
Diet is one of the most important factors in determining how long a Shih Poo will live. A healthy diet, full of nutrients and vitamins, will help to keep a Shih Poo healthy and extend their lifespan. Exercise is also important for a Shih Poo’s health and longevity. Regular exercise will help to keep a Shih Poo fit and reduce the risk of obesity, which can shorten their lifespan. Finally, genetics play a role in how long a Shih Poo will live. Some dogs are simply predisposed to longer lifespans than others.
There are a number of things that owners can do to help their Shih Poo live a long and healthy life. Providing them with a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise are both essential. Additionally, regular check-ups with the veterinarian can help to catch any health problems early on and ensure that they are properly treated. With proper care, Shih Poos can enjoy many happy years with their families.
Common Health Problems Of A Shih Poo
As we previously discussed, Shih Poos, like other Doodles, are less likely to inherit certain health conditions that are common in their purebred parents. All thanks to hybrid vigor. However, they are still prone to some health issues that are common in their Shih Tzu and Poodle parents. These include:
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Skin sensitivities and allergies
- Joint problems like patellar luxation, and hip and elbow dysplasia
- Dental problems
- Eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and corneal dryness
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Ear infections
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Thankfully, many of the hereditary illnesses can be prevented (to some extent) with health screening. As we mentioned earlier, picking a responsible breeder is crucial here, as they’ll test their parent dogs for various genetic conditions, including the eyes, heart, and joints.
In addition to that, you’ll also want to consider that a Shih Poo is a small dog that can easily get hurt. For instance, your pup may get seriously injured if you accidentally drop them, or if they get hurt during playtime with an excitable child. Always keep a close eye on your dog and supervise its interactions with young children.
Are Shihpoo healthy dogs?
Shihpoos are healthy dogs when compared to other purebreds, but they are not without their own health issues.
Shihpoos are hybrid dogs that are a mix of Shih Tzu and Toy or Mini Poodle breeds. They typically have a lifespan of 10-17 years and are considered to be low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs. However, since they are a mix of two different breeds, they can inherit health problems from either parent breed. Some of the health problems that Shihpoos can have include vision problems, allergies, patellar delamination, and endocrine conditions such as Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s disease.
While all dogs can inherit health problems from their parents, Shihpoos may be more prone to certain health conditions due to their small size. For example, patellar delamination is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place and is more common in small dogs. Similarly, endocrine conditions like Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease are also more common in smaller breeds of dogs.
The best way to ensure that your Shihpoo remains healthy is to take them for regular checkups with your veterinarian and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common health conditions. For example, if your Shihpoo starts showing signs of allergies such as excessive scratching or paw licking, you should take them to the vet for an evaluation. Similarly, if your dog starts limping or showing signs of pain in their joints, this could be a sign of patellar delamination and you should take them to the vet for an examination.
By being aware of common health problems that Shihpoos can face and taking them for regular checkups with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your Shihpoo lives a long and healthy life.
Life Stages Of A Shih Poo
The Shih Poo lifespan can be divided into different life stages, such as puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and senior. By knowing what to expect in each of those life stages, you’ll be able to do a much better job at keeping an eye on your dog’s health and development.
During puppyhood, you’ll be able to witness fast growth rates, whereas in senior years you might start noticing certain signs that your dog is getting older. Here’s a breakdown of each of the Shih Poo life stages and what to expect:
Puppyhood (0-6 months)
- Puppyhood starts with birth and will last up to 6 months of age. However, as the Shih Poo is a small breed that generally grows much faster than some other larger Doodles, they tend to grow out of puppyhood faster.
- During those very first months, it’s crucial you expose your puppy to a variety of new experiences, people, and other animals. Your puppy should also be well on its way of learning good manners and potty training. The habits that puppies learn in this life stage are going to stick, for sure.
- On the other hand, you don’t want to expose your pup too much. At least not until they’re fully vaccinated. As puppies are extremely vulnerable to diseases, don’t take your pup to a dog park and don’t let them come in contact with other dogs unless they’ve received all of their puppy shots.
- What’s more, you should also pay attention to your puppy’s growth. Small dogs like the Shih Poo reach half of their adult weight already between 3 and 5 months old. Before that, they’ll put on weight at a staggering speed, and later slow down a bit.
- During this life stage, your pup should eat specially formulated puppy food. However, make sure you feed your puppy the right amount of food to prevent obesity or becoming underweight.
Adolescence (6-18 months)
- Once your puppy matures sexually, you’ll know that they’ve entered their adolescence period. During this phase, you’ll also notice that your pup is acting up a bit. After all, they’re experiencing massive hormonal changes.
- Once your puppy reaches its sexual maturity, it’s time to consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate next steps. Your vet will then be able to recommend when your pup should undergo a spay or neuter surgery.
- By the adolescence stage, your puppy will likely have its adult coat and finished its teething. Smaller Shih Poos will finish growing in height and weight between 6 and 10 months old. Meanwhile, larger Standard Shih Poos will finish growing somewhere around 7 to 12 months of age.
Adulthood (1-10 years)
- Once your puppy has finished growing, they’ll technically enter adulthood. This is also the time when many pups switch to an adult dog food formula. As puppies need more calories when they’re growing, switching to an adult formula helps maintain your dog’s healthy weight and prevent any health conditions that stem from obesity.
- Obviously, for the first few months into adulthood, your Shih Poo will likely still behave like a puppy. But as they mature, they’ll also become more level-headed and balanced in their behavior.
- As your puppy is enjoying its adulthood, you may start to notice them becoming slightly slower and calmer with each passing year, especially once they start nearing their senior years.
Senior (10+ years)
- Around the 10-year mark, your puppy will enter its golden years. Around this time, you may notice signs of aging. For instance, many dogs become slower, less agile, and calmer as they age.
- With that being said, you might also have to adjust your dog’s diet, depending on their activity levels. As your pup may not be as active anymore, you’ll want to make sure that they eat the right amount of food to prevent excess weight.
- Naturally, to keep your pup as healthy and fulfilled as possible in those last years, you’ll want to pay more attention to their health as well. We recommend you take your pup to routine vet visits around every 6 months or so.
Shih Poo Signs Of Aging
- As we mentioned previously, you’ll likely notice your dog slowing down once they near their golden years. You’ll probably notice your pup enjoying slightly shorter walks and calmer playtime. Additionally, they may gain some weight and lose muscle mass due to being less active.
- Moreover, aging dogs can experience loss of sight and eye problems, issues with hearing, develop lumps and bumps under the skin, get stinky breath and dental problems, or changes in their bathroom habits.
- In terms of behavioral signs of aging, your pup may have changes in their sleeping habits or general behavior. It’s crucial we note that as soon as you notice any behavioral changes in your dog, consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes changes in behavior, such as becoming aggressive, can indicate that your dog is in pain. There’s also the canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which can lead to forgetfulness, confusion, unusual fear, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors.
Extending The Lifespan Of A Shih Poo
Both genetics and environment can drastically affect a Shih Poo’s lifespan and quality of life in general. The first step in that would be to choose an ethical breeder that has carefully chosen their parent dogs through rigorous health and genetic testing.
On top of that, you’ll want to provide your dog a healthy, happy and fulfilled life, the main factors including the following:
Proper Diet
- Whether your dog is still a puppy or in adulthood, you’ll want to make sure that they eat the right amount of high quality dog food. Look for nutritionally balanced formulas that are made with real ingredients, and avoid any unnecessary filler ingredients or chemicals. For small Doods like the Shih Poo, you might find a formula specially designed for small-sized breeds more suitable.
- And as we said, it’s just as important that you don’t over or underfeed your pup. Obesity is one of the main causes of serious health conditions in dogs, including diabetes, joint problems, heart diseases, and even cancer. Of course, don’t forget that treats also add up in calories.
- If you notice that your puppy isn’t putting on weight as fast as they should, or that your dog is struggling with some excess wiggliness, be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian to find the most suitable solution.
Routine Vet Visits
- Obviously, regularly taking your dog to the vet is one of the best ways you can keep track of your dog’s health and discover any underlying health issues.
- During the first weeks at home, you’ll have to make sure that your puppy is up-to-date on all of its vaccinations, deworming, and preventative care. Once your puppy reaches its sexual maturity, you’ll also want to have them spayed or neutered.
- In later years, make sure your dog is getting all of its age appropriate vaccinations. We recommend you take your pup to general vet checkups every year, twice a year once they’re older. Of course, if you notice any unusual signs, such as loss of appetite, changes in bathroom habits, behavioral problems, contact your vet immediately.
Daily Exercise
While we’re on the topic of a healthy lifestyle, we can’t forget the importance of daily exercise. Shih Poos are quite active dogs and they love their playtime. Not only is exercise crucial for keeping your dog at a healthy weight, it’s also extremely necessary for their overall health and wellbeing. If your pup doesn’t get to express all that pent up energy, they may get bored and start showing bad behaviors, even becoming destructive.
On the other hand, due to its small size, the Shih Poo isn’t a suitable pup to accompany you on long hikes and jogs. Instead, take your pup for daily 30-minute walks, and make sure they have plenty of opportunities to play.
Furthermore, you’ll also want to make sure that your pup has plenty of opportunities to put its high intelligence levels to good use. Stay consistent and firm with training, and purchase interactive toys and puzzle games for your Dood to spend time with.
Regular Grooming
If you know a little bit about Doodles, you know that they’re sometimes considered rather high-maintenance. Even though the Shih Poo is praised for its low-shedding coat, it does come at a cost. Namely, the daily brushing and frequent haircuts.
Not only does regular brushing keep your dog’s coat looking beautiful, it also prevents the formation of painful mats, which can lead to skin irritations, infections, and pain. As the hair also grows inside the ears, you should also keep it nice and trimmed inside the ears to prevent ear infections. Once in a while, also give them a thorough bath.
Shih Poo Lifespan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shih Poo A Good Dog?
- Shih Poo is a great pet for almost anyone. They’re perfect companions for singles, couples, and even families. Shih Poos are loving, affectionate, and playful dogs. Owners usually describe them as sweet-natured dogs who enjoy both cuddles and playtime. As an added bonus, the Shih Poo comes with a hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, making them excellent pets for people with allergies.
- On the other hand, as the Shih Poo is such a small dog, they might not be best suited for families with very young children who might accidentally hurt the pup during playtime.
What Is The Average Lifespan For A Shih Poo?
- The average Shih Poo lifespan is around 13 to 17 years. Like other crossbreeds, Shih Poos greatly benefit from hybrid vigor, making them less susceptible to hereditary diseases that are common in their purebred Shih Tzu and Poodle parents.
- Nonetheless, lifestyle and environment also contribute to a long and healthy life. So, be sure to feed your dog a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet, let them exercise and play, groom them regularly, and keep an eye on their overall health and wellbeing with the help of a veterinarian.
Do Shih Poo Dogs Bark A Lot?
Generally, Shih Poos don’t bark a lot, which makes them perfect for apartment living. However, some Shih Poos may inherit their tendency to vocalize from the Poodle parent. They may be more alert and let you know anytime someone’s behind the door. They may also express their displeasure with you when you don’t pay attention to them as fast as they would like you to. But overall, Shih Poos are considered rather calm and they don’t usually make much noise.
How Big Is A Full-Grown Shih Poo?
Shih Poo is a pocket-sized pup, usually in the toy or mini-sized breed range. A full-grown Shih Poo can weigh anywhere between 5 and 17 pounds, and stand between 6 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Naturally, the size of the parents used in the mix will influence the puppies’ size. Shih Poos with a Toy Poodle parent usually weigh between 5 to 13 pounds with an average height of 6 to 10 inches measured from the shoulder. In contrast, Shih Poos with a Miniature Poodle parent weigh between 8 and 17 pounds with a height of 10 to 15 inches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to adopt a Shih Poo or have already done so, it’s crucial that you know what you’re getting into. Fortunately, Shih Poos tend to live very long and healthy lives thanks to their more diverse genetic pool and small size. Of course, lifestyle and environment will also play their part in the Shih Poo lifespan. So, if you take care of your pup’s needs and keep an eye on their health, your canine friend will likely enjoy a very long and healthy life by your side
