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Shihpoo
The Shihpoo is a total sweetheart - it's a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, and it's got a low-shedding coat to boot. This little guy is perfect for families who want a low-maintenance furry friend that'll shower them with affection. With its friendly demeanor and gentle personality, the Shihpoo is an excellent addition to any household.
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Why I Fell Head Over Heels for My Shih Tzu
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've always been a dog lover, and when my son asked me to get him a pet, I knew exactly what he meant – a furry friend! I'd been searching for the perfect breed, and after scouring the internet and reading up on different characteristics, I fell head over heels for the Shih Tzu. Their adorable faces, fluffy coats, and perfect proportions won me over, but I did have one concern: finding a reputable breeder. I eventually found one in Moscow, and it was worth the search. My Shih Tzu is now a beloved member of our family, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I love how energetic he is, and he's always up for a playdate. He's also super smart and picks up commands in no time. Plus, he's got great guarding instincts, which gives me peace of mind when we're at home. And the best part? He's super friendly with our cat, which was a major concern for me when we first brought him home.
settingsSpecifications
Fur9/10
Size8/10
Kalite9/10
VerdictPerfect
Temperament9/10
Tot, who ever said you can't buy happiness, has never owned a dog.
I've always been a dog lover, and when my son asked me to get him a pet, I knew exactly what he meant – a dog! I'd been dreaming of having a furry friend since I was a kid, and now that I was a mom myself, my dream finally came true.
But which breed?
I had some pretty specific requirements for the breed: I wanted a small dog that was energetic and had good guarding instincts. I took my search very seriously, scouring the internet and reading articles online until I stumbled upon the Shih Tzu breed.
Their adorable faces, fluffy coats, and perfect proportions won me over, but I did have one concern – I couldn't find any Shih Tzus in our city. Undeterred, I started looking for a reputable breeder and eventually found one in Moscow – "Akulova Gora".
After paying the deposit, I traveled to Moscow with my daughter to pick up our new furry friend. We left as a family, but when we returned, we had a lively and affectionate little boy – a chunky, adorable Shih Tzu named Odysseus.
Attentive and focusedxa0
General characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed:
Country of origin: Belgium
Height: 25 - 33 cm
Weight: 5 - 8 kg
Fitting for apartment living: yes
Life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Recommended for: experienced owners
Our little guy is slightly above breed standard: 37 cm height at the withers, 9 kg weight.
One of the things I love about Shih Tzus is their incredibly thick fur. The hard outer coat and densely packed undercoat keep them warm in cold weather without needing additional clothing.
Winter is our shih tzu's favorite time of year In the summer, he prefers to stay in the shadeBut in the heat of summer, our poor guy has it tough. During walks in warm weather, he'd rather lie in the shade of trees than engage in active play.
Personality:
One of the main differences between a Shih Tzu and a decorative dog is its stable nervous system. In any unfamiliar place or situation, the dog shows confident and calm behavior, without showing signs of cowardice.
Even when interacting with larger breeds, it behaves on an equal footing, without showing signs of fear or submission.
FriendsIts relationships with fellow canines are mostly calm and friendly, but with some dominant males, friendship doesn't quite work out.
Notably, our Shih Tzu is very tolerant of felines in the family. When he sees a stray cat, he tries to approach it, introduce himself, although these attempts aren't always successful.
Some cats aren't exactly friendly, and Odysseus's housemate Kuzma is one of them - a feisty, aggressive little thing :)But despite Kuzma's tough exterior, he's actually a total softie and loves playing games and getting into mischief with Odysseus.
Kuzma - Odysseus's trusty sidekick
The dynamic duo taking a break after a hearty breakfastThe breed is super easy to train, and after 5-7 repetitions, they'll be executing commands like pros.
Despite being a highly intelligent and resourceful breed, the Shih Tzu can be a bit stubborn and independent at times.
My own little guy has a mind of his own and only listens when he feels like it - it's hilarious to watch him ignore commands and do his own thing.
Odysseus loves going on leash-free walks, but sometimes he's not exactly enthusiastic about coming back home - that's when things get tricky, and we have to give him the 'come' command.
As long as there aren't any distractions like birds, other dogs, or cats around, and there's something tasty to snack on, he'll eventually come over. But if it's not his favorite snack, or if something more interesting is going on, he might just ignore the command.
He's a super energetic breed and loves being involved in all household activities - if he's not getting attention, he'll make sure everyone knows about it.
One thing's for sure - Odysseus always wants to be in the know and can get a bit anxious if he's left out of the loop.
Time for a game, anyone? :)If you want your Shih Tzu to be calm and well-balanced at home, it's not just about taking them on long walks - they need mental stimulation and exercise too.
Fast as a bullet:) but active games too.
Active games - the key to health and a great mood:)
We take our dog out for a walk at least three times a day, with a minimum of 30 minutes per session. That's the bare minimum.
My typical workday looks like this: a morning walk from 5-6 am, lasting around 30-50 minutes.
Then I'm out again at 12-14 pm for 30-50 minutes, and finally, I take him out for a longer walk from 20-21 pm, which can last up to 1.5-2 hours.
Confident, smart, and handsomeIn the weekends, we like to go on longer walks and explore the countryside, where our dog can run free. In the city, we keep him on a leash.
Our dog loves the water and is always the first to try out the pool in our backyard. Freedom, speed, and agility:)
Health:
Our breed is known for being generally healthy with no chronic issues.
Of course, we've had a few minor setbacks. When our pup was still a puppy, his paws would get inflamed and he'd start limping. We added a supplement to his diet to support joint health, and he's been fine ever since.
One year, in the fall, Odysseus started coughing, so we took him to the vet, and they gave him a clean bill of health.
Our vet diagnosed my pup with bronchitis, and we had to give him antibiotics and limit his outdoor time when it's cold and wet. We followed the vet's advice to the letter, and he's all good now. Apparently, bronchitis is pretty common in young dogs under a year old, especially during the transition between seasons.
ChumazeykaDiet:
We stick to natural food only – mostly beef mixed with grains, and occasionally chicken or turkey. Our pup's menu also includes yogurt, eggs, and seasonal veggies. He's got a thing for tripe, though!
Our Shih Tzu's got a healthy appetite, but he won't overeat. We cook for him separately, never taking food from our plates.
He's a pro at begging, but he does it in a really polite way – he sits by the door and gives you the puppy dog eyes. Our guests often think we're neglecting him, but he's just being his charming self.
Treasure HunterHabits:
Our pup loves staring out the window, especially when he's home alone.
We've set up a little observation deck on the windowsill in the living room, and he spends hours there, keeping watch. It's great that he's got something to do when we're away – it saves our furniture and shoes from getting chewed up!
He's got a signature move where he stands on his hind legs and tucks his front paws under his body. We call it the 'squirrel' pose.
He's also got a thing for climbing – he'll investigate every hill we come across on our walks.
Drawbacks:
Don't let his small size and cute face fool you!
My Shih Tzu experience has been a serious one - it requires patience, attention, and a significant investment of time and money from the owner.
This breed needs a lot of encouragement and attention, and they can get pretty clingy - I've found myself spending a lot of time with my Shih Tzu!
People who value their alone time might find this trait annoying.
But one thing that's been a pleasant surprise is how talkative my Shih Tzu is! They can make all sorts of sounds, from barking and whining to grunting and howling.
This is definitely something to consider when choosing this breed - my Shih Tzu loves to bark, and it can get pretty loud. Luckily, our neighbors have been really understanding.
My takeaways:
Have I ever regretted my decision to get a Shih Tzu?
No way - not even once!
The only thing I wish I'd done differently is get a Shih Tzu sooner.
My Odysseus is the love of our family, and he's just a beautiful guy!
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Getting a dog is the only way to buy love with money.
Yana Ipolykhorska
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Thanks for reading!
Oseynek Beaphar Beaphar Flea and Tick collar
live_helpFeatured FAQ
How do I care for my Shih Tzu's coat?
To prevent matting and tangling, it's essential to brush your Shih Tzu regularly – at least 2-3 times a week. You can use a slicker brush or a pin brush, depending on your Shih Tzu's individual needs.
Are Shih Tzus good with children?
Shih Tzus can make great family pets, but as with any breed, it's essential to socialize them well and teach children how to interact with them gently and respectfully.
Can Shih Tzus be left alone for long periods?
While Shih Tzus can adapt to being left alone, they do thrive on attention and interaction. If you have a busy schedule, it's best to hire a dog walker or ask a trusted neighbor to check in on them regularly.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
Shih Tzus are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise – a short walk or playtime indoors should suffice. However, they do need regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Can Shih Tzus be trained to do tricks?
Shih Tzus are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Shih Tzu to do a variety of tricks and commands.
How often should I take my Shih Tzu to the vet?
Regular check-ups with the vet are essential to ensure your Shih Tzu stays healthy. Schedule annual check-ups and keep an eye out for any signs of illness or injury.
Can Shih Tzus be prone to certain health issues?
Yes, Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems and respiratory issues. Regular check-ups with the vet and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus typically live between 10-16 years, depending on factors such as diet, exercise, and health conditions.
Do Shih Tzus make good family pets?
Shih Tzus can make great family pets, but as with any breed, it's essential to socialize them well and teach children how to interact with them gently and respectfully.
check_circlePros
- •My Shih Tzu is super energetic and loves to play – it's the perfect companion for an active family like mine.
- •He's got great guarding instincts, which gives me peace of mind when we're at home.
- •Shih Tzus are known for being friendly with other pets, and mine gets along great with our cat.
- •The breed is generally healthy, which is a big plus for me as a pet owner.
- •They're super smart and easy to train – my Shih Tzu picked up basic commands in no time.
- •Shih Tzus have great nervous systems, which means they're not easily stressed or anxious.
- •They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise – a short walk or playtime indoors should suffice.
- •Shih Tzus are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
cancelCons
- •My Shih Tzu can be a bit stubborn at times, but with patience and consistency, he learns to listen.
- •They do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
- •Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems and respiratory issues, so regular check-ups with the vet are a must.
- •They can be a bit sensitive to temperature changes, so we have to be mindful of that when taking him out for walks.
- •Shih Tzus do shed, which can be a bit of a pain for some owners.
- •They can be a bit prone to barking, especially when they're excited or anxious.
