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ToggleShih Poo Price: Overview of Pricing Factors
If you have been researching Shih-Poos and are ready to consider adding one to your family, you are probably starting to wonder what costs to expect. Not only the upfront costs but the ongoing costs too. This finance guide will break down all of the numbers you will need to be aware of.
So, how much do Shih Poos cost? Shih-Poos are usually priced by breeders at between $500 – $1,000 per puppy, with higher prices possible based on parentage or other factors. Other upfront costs, such as initial vet visits and basic supplies, will cost a further ~$500. You should plan on spending around $100 – $150 a month for ongoing costs, such as grooming, food, treats, etc.
As with any dog, or pet for that matter, there will be an element of flexible supply spending.
In other words, ongoing costs are always there, but they are likely to vary, and there may be ways, or times, where you can save money.
Nevertheless, do consider that getting a dog is a long-term financial commitment.
But don’t let that put you off.
Shih-Poos are friendly, playful, small to medium-sized dogs that come in a wide array of beautiful color combinations.
They are a great option for people who want a beautiful dog that doesn’t do much shedding.
With this in mind, let us break down their expected cost further, running through all you will likely need to pay for from the time you get them to your time owning them throughout the years.
How Much Do Shih-Poo Puppies Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay $500 – $1,000 for a healthy Shih-Poo puppy from a reputable breeder. Remember, this is only an average. You may be able to purchase a puppy for slightly less or find breeders asking much more for their puppies.
People are often surprised by the asking price of well-bred puppies, but puppy prices often reflect the costs associated with caring for the puppy’s mother during her pregnancy, initial vet visits for the litter, and general food and care costs put in by the breeder.
The upfront purchase cost of a puppy may seem like a lot, but it is a small price to pay for a healthy puppy born into a loving home.
While puppy prices run an average range, there are things that may influence the price of your specific puppy.
Let’s look at some factors that may affect the cost of your puppy.
Factors That Influence Shih-Poo Puppy Prices
Several different factors work together to influence the price a breeder asks for a Shih-Poo. Some of the main influences of Shih-Poo puppy prices are the cost put in by the breeders, a breeder’s successful puppy raising history, the genetic and show quality of the puppy’s parents, and the location where you live.
A Breeder’s Level of Experience
A breeder who has made a name for themselves by breeding healthy, happy Shih-Poo puppies may charge a slightly higher amount for their dogs.
Experienced breeders can often provide references of people who own puppies from previous litters.
They also are often more able to give strong estimates of what to expect your puppy to look like as it ages.
While you may pay more for a Shih-Poo from an experienced breeder, it is often worth the extra dollars to know that you are getting a puppy from someone who has both experience and reputation on their side in producing healthy dogs.
If a breeder is asking prices far beyond the $1,000 range but can not show a proven history of breeding healthy dogs through references or paperwork about a dog’s health and the health of the parents, it is best to continue your puppy search.
Any time that you feel uncertain about the pricing of a puppy, it is a great idea to ask questions before agreeing to a purchase.
Any great breeder will be happy to share with you information about their dogs, experiences raising Shih-Poos, and explain their price point decisions.
Costs Experienced By The Breeder
As discussed earlier, a breeder is working to make a profit on their puppies.
Even if they are not living on this profit, it is the money that will allow them to continue breeding happy puppies in the future.
A responsible puppy breeder will always track the records of their spending on supplies and veterinary care for each puppy.
They should also be able to provide you with a copy of these records upon request.
Some breeders will be able to give vaccinations and safely do other basic vet care at home to keep their puppy prices low, while others prefer to have each step overseen by a vet at an office.
Some breeders will also provide genetic testing of their puppies to test for potential health issues or may feed specialized diets to their puppies that go above and beyond their basic breeder responsibilities.
You should expect the price point of these puppies to be on the higher end of Shih-Poo asking prices.
The Quality Of A Puppy’s Parents
As Shih-Poos are mixed breed dogs, they do not have the extensive breed registry and recorded lineage that comes with some other breeds.
That does not take away from the importance of healthy parents on puppy well-being and cost.
If your Shih-Poo puppy comes from parents who are each registered to their respective breeds, that being an AKC registered Poodle and AKC registered Shih-Tzu, you can expect a higher price tag for your puppy.
Registered parents is not a requirement to have a great Shih-Poo companion, but it does give you some insight into where your puppy came from.
Along those same lines, if your puppy’s parents have received specialized training, awards, or show experience, the price of the puppy will also increase.
If a puppy comes from parents that are not registered, that doesn’t mean they will not be a high-quality pet and a great family dog.
It does mean you will want to ask questions about the parents and their histories in detail and ask about the health of any other litters they may have had.
For many families, a lower-priced Shih-Poo from unregistered parents is a great fit.
The Power Of Location
Just as location influences the costs of food, housing, and gasoline, it also can influence the price you are asked to pay for your Shih-Poo puppy.
If you are puppy shopping in a place where veterinary care and food supplies tend to be higher than the national average, you can expect to pay more for your puppy as well.
Places where Shih-Poos are in high demand but breeder numbers are limited will also see a higher asking price for puppies.
Being close to a breeder or two may bring down the cost of your Shih-Poo as you are able to pick up locally, and the breeders may experience some level of competition with each other.
Similarly, if a breeder isn’t paying inflated costs for raising their puppies, then their asking price will also be more within the national average.
Don’t feel pressured to purchase a puppy from the first breeder you contact.
Instead, reach out to several breeders in your area, ask questions, and be realistic about the initial purchase investment you are able to comfortably make.
Where Can You Buy A Shih-Poo?
Shih-Poos can be purchased from several sources, including specialized breeders, animal rescues, and some pet stores. Each option has different benefits and important things to consider when looking for your puppy.
Shelters/Adoption Facilities
- Shih-Poos, like many dog breeds, can be found in shelters and adoption centers when people are unable to care for them for a variety of reasons.
- A shelter or rescue is a great place to look if your family would prefer a mature dog past the puppy stage or doesn’t have a breeder nearby.
- To the surprise of many, even young Shih-Poo puppies can be found in rescues.
- But at the same time, you may have to be very patient and bide your time if you are after this particular breed.
- At the same time, rescues will often require interested owners to fill out applications before adoption.
- This is to make sure that each puppy or dog is a great fit and that the adoption will work out for everyone involved.
Shih-Poo Breeders
- As we discussed, a specialized breeder is a great place to look for a Shih-Poo puppy.
- When selecting a breeder, always ask questions about the puppy’s upbringing, ask for references of happy customers, if possible, see the parents in person, and don’t feel pressured by a breeder who seems impatient as you do your research.
- Unfortunately, in an effort to maintain a profit, some breeders get in over their heads with breeding dogs and end up with more than they can care for or lower the quality of their breeding in favor of production.
- Remember, a quality breeder will be happy to show off their hard work and may have just as many questions for you about where their puppy is headed as you do for them!
Pet Stores
Some pet stores sell puppies, and there is a chance you could find a Shih-Poo puppy at one.
The important thing is to remember that many pet stores inflate puppy prices and may not know much about the breeding or history of their puppies.
Buy with caution from a pet store, knowing that you have little guarantee of your puppy’s health or support if they fall ill after purchase.
What Are The Initial Costs of Owning Shih-Poo Puppy?
The initial expenses of owning a Shih-Poo include an initial vet visit, rounds of puppy shots, and your new pet’s supplies. The cost for these items can be expected to reach around $500 but will vary some based on the cost of living where you live.
New Puppy Supplies
To start out your puppy ownership, you will likely need to spend $200 – $250 on supplies for your new Shih-Poo.
Initial Puppy Food
- You will also need to purchase puppy food, water bowls, a leash and collar, and some toys for your puppy to chew on instead of your shoes.
- During the first year of life, a puppy does a lot of developing that is best supported by food designed just for puppies.
- While this food is usually around $2 – $3 more per bag than adult food, it guarantees your puppy the best nutritional foundation until one year of age.
Dog Crate
A big part of the initial supply cost is at least $50 for a quality kennel.
A dog crate will be the equivalent of your puppy’s bedroom and should be a comfortable, safe space for your Shih-Poo.
This means that purchasing a properly sized and well-built kennel is worth the money spent for the purchase.
Toys
Durable toys often have a higher price tag than their lower quality counterparts but are worth the cost in their ability to last through sharp-toothed puppy play.
ID Tag/Microchipping
One item that shouldn’t be overlooked is an identification tag for your dog’s collar.
Puppies are master escape artists, and properly tagged dogs have a much higher rate of being returned to their owners should they leave on an unexpected adventure.
You can often select a tag and even have it engraved on the spot in a pet store for $10 – $15.
First Vet Trip and Immunizations
- Your Shih-Poo will need a trip to the veterinarian shortly after coming home to guarantee their health.
- You should expect this cost to fall in the $200 – $250 range.
- By taking your puppy to the vet within the first week of being home, you help them begin to establish a trusting relationship with your veterinarian, can get ahead of any early developing health concerns, and get a great chance to show off your new sweet family member.
- Looking at the initial cost of puppy ownership can be daunting, but taking time now to plan and save will help guarantee years of joy for both you and your Shih-Poo.
What Are The Ongoing Costs Of Owning A Shih-Poo?
With the purchase price and initial expenses of owning a Shih-Poo paid for, an owner will continue to be responsible for some monthly expenses related to their Shih-Poo in the range of $100 – $200. It is also smart to set aside some money for emergency expenses in the range of $25 – $50 per dog each month. This will help to cover vet bills or other sudden needs that arise over the course of a Shih-Poos life.
Food
- Food is a repeated expense throughout a Shih-Poo’s life.
- With Shih-Poos being small to mid-size, you won’t be spending as much on food as your Great Dane owning friends but should expect an expense of $25 – $30 a month to feed your Shih-Poo.
Grooming
- The most common regular expense of owning a Shih-Poo is in grooming fees.
- While these dogs do not shed like many dogs, their hair does grow long and requires regular upkeep.
- Some people try to save money by grooming their dogs at home, but nothing beats a professional groomer for making sure your Shih-Poo stays free of mats and tangles.
- A wise owner will take their Shih-Poo to the groomer at least every six weeks.
- Grooming prices vary depending on where you live and where you go for grooming.
- An owner should expect to pay between $50 – $100 for a Shih-Poo grooming that includes bath, hair and nail trim, and thorough brushing.
Vet Visits
- Vet visit costs and frequency will vary based on the general health of your dog, where you live, and the amount of mischief your Shih-Poo manages to get into.
- Putting away money every month towards veterinary care is often the best way of preventing stress from sudden Shih-Poo medical needs.
Training
- Some may think that due to their compact size, a Shih-Poo doesn’t need training but training is an important part of puppyhood for any dog.
- Even if you never plan to enter an obedience show pen with your Shih-Poo, basic classes for walking on the leash and simple commands will make pet ownership more rewarding.
- On average, you should expect to spend $100 – $200 on training in the first year or two of your Shih-Poo’s life.
How Much Is A Shih Tzu Poo?
The average Shih Poo price ranges between $1200 and $4000 when adopting a puppy from a reputable breeder in the US. Of course, the Shih Poo cost varies between different states. As with anything, their price is usually tied to the overall cost of living in the area.
Are Shihpoo Dogs Good?
Shih Poos are loving, playful, friendly, and smart little companions. They make excellent pets for almost any household, as long as you have the time and energy to spoil this pup. Thanks to their small size, they’re suitable for both apartment-dwellers and people living in big houses. At the end of the day, the Shih Poo loves nothing more than to cuddle up with its favorite humans. The Shih Tzu-Poodle mix truly is the epitome of a lap dog.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than having a cuddly companion by your side at all times. But with pet ownership there are also plenty of responsibilities you’ll carefully have to consider before taking on this huge commitment. One of the most important aspects of it being the financial side of things. We hope you’ve found this article a helpful resource for understanding the Shih Poo price of adoption and overall living costs.
