Shih-Mo

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15-22 lbs
12-16"
Unknown
American Eskimo
Shih Tzu
The Shih-Mo is a hybrid designer dog that is obtained from a cross between an American Eskimo and a Shih Tzu. The hybrid has been a popular mix for the last 20 years. Its exact origins are unknown. This small dog possesses the combined characteristics of both parents to create a delightful companion. The Shih-Mo is relatively short and stands only 12 to 18 inches and weighs 15 to 25 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller than males. The Shih-Mo has long, silky fur and comes in shades of cream and tan. He is affectionate and lovable. The Shih-Mo is usually considered an excellent companion for small children or seniors. He adores being a lapdog and having ample amounts of attention lavished on him.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
American Eskimo and Shih Tzu

Shih-Mo Health

Average Size
Male Shih-Mo size stats
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 18-25 lbs
Female Shih-Mo size stats
Height: 12-16 inches Weight: 15-22 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Liver Disease
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Kidney Problems
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
  • Pateller Luxation
  • Bladder Stones and Infections
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Allergies
  • Hernia
  • Reverse Sneezing
  • Dental Problems
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Dental Examination
  • Eye examination
  • Chest X-rays
  • Clinical Exam

Shih-Mo Breed History

The Shih-Mo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and an American Eskimo dog. In many cases, the breed is a 50/50 mix but with each consecutive generation, the ratio alters a bit. Despite the percentage, the Shih-Mo remains a combination of both the Shih Tzu and the American Eskimo so shares many of both its parent’s unique characteristics. The Shih Tzu is a noble and ancient breed. The dog’s history can be traced back to both China and Tibet where it was a favored companion dog in the Tang dynasty. Once only a pet of the nobility, the Shih Tzu became a commoner's canine during the Ming dynasty. In 1928, a breeding pair was shipped to the United Kingdom. Eventually, the breed made its way to the United States where it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. The American Eskimo is from the Nordic family of dogs known as the ‘Spitz’. Its exact origins are unknown but the dog was a common pet in the 19th century in many German communities in America. It would eventually become a popular breed used by circus entertainers to perform tricks. The American Eskimo joined the American Kennel Club in 1994. This small dog is exceptionally smart and always willing to please his owner. The Shih-Mo is a delightful combination of both its parents.

Shih-Mo Breed Appearance

The Shih-Mo is considered a small to medium sized dogs. He typically has long legs and a compact body. His tail curls up across his back. His ears resemble the Shih Tzu’s. Many people think that the face of the Shih-Mo more closely resembles that of the Shih Tzu instead of the American Eskimo. The Shih-Mo has an alert appearance with bright, shining eyes. His hindquarters are well muscled and slightly larger than his chest area which gives him a cute and unusual form. 
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Shih-Mo eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Shih-Mo nose
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Shih-Mo straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Shih-Mo Breed Maintenance

This small dog has a long, silky, straight coat the comes in shades of cream, white, brown, and black. He sheds moderately and does require daily brushing to prevent tangles. This soft little dog benefits from a professional grooming once a month. Many owners opt to have his long coat sheared short to prolong grooming visits. He has no significant odor and usually only requires a bath once a month. His ears should be wiped clean weekly. This dog's toenails often require monthly clipping. Many owners opt to brush their dog’s teeth a few times a week to prevent future periodontal disease
Brushes for Shih-Mo
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Shih-Mo requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Shih-Mo Temperament

Unlike many other small dogs, the Shih Mo loves children and is a great companion for youngsters. He is also ideal for a senior because he requires very little care and loves to while away his hours as a spoiled lapdog. The Shih Mo is ideal for anyone with other pets because he gets along well with dogs or cats. He tends to be a very happy dog who is always willing to please his owner. When a stranger approaches, he is protective and may bark. The Shih-Mo is not an excessive barker like some small dogs. He makes a wonderful apartment dog as long as he is allowed adequate time outside for a change of scenery.

Shih-Mo Activity Requirements

The Shih-Mo is an excellent combination of its two parent breeds. The Shih Tzu tends to be a laid back lapdog and the American Eskimo loves to play and is bursting with energy. The Shih-Mo loves to be cuddled on a warm lap but is always ready for a fun walk and a bit of playtime. His desire to play is one of the reasons why the Shih-Mo excels as a child’s companion. He will benefit from a daily hour-long walk but if his owner doesn’t feel like walking then he is happy to play indoors. His versatility is one of the reasons why he is an ideal apartment dog.  The Shih-Mo bonds closely with his owner and make an exceptionally loving companion.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Shih-Mo

Similarly Sized Breeds to Shih-Mo

Shih-Mo Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.90 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Shih-Mo Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Shih-Mo size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Shih-Mo size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 6.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Shih-Mo size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
Female Shih-Mo size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Shih-Mo size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 21.5 lbs
Female Shih-Mo size stats at 18 months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
author-img

Written by a German Shepherd lover Kimberly Sharpe

Published: 12/06/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

More articles by Kimberly Sharpe

Shih-Mo Owner Experiences

Matilda
6 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She’s protective and lovable. She loves attention.
6 years, 5 months ago
Ezra
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
going for walks
Going to the bark park
going to petco
going for drives in the car aka “go bye-bye”
Playing in the snow
Ezra is a very happy shih-mo that loves constant attention and affection. He loves playing dress-up, going bye-bye in the car, and making new friends.
4 years, 10 months ago
Prince Darius
4 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loves senior dogs but all dogs really not so much puppies. He love all animals cats, my friends snake, birds, frogs lol he’s absolutely curious by everything it cute he watches tv with me love to be on my lap & just feel me pet him. He loves babies and kids & old people men he has an issue with because he’s a rescue. Swimming he’ll do it if I’m in the water but he’s a little afraid of it cause he’s small & when I go underwater he barks thinking I’ll drown, he’s very protective of me & my grandma. If a stranger gets close & he doesn’t like them he’ll growl never bite not unless you pet him while he’s growled I know that would push him to his limit happened. I feed him a raw / freeze dried diet he’s very healthy cost very soft & shiny, it was really easy to train him with any dog especially if they’re a puppy train everyday for 30 minutes for older dogs you can still train would just take more time but with him he’s pretty fast; roll over, spin, sit, ‘against the wall’ aka sitting upright, high five, paw, fist pump, lay, stay, eat, crawl, beg, & bark. This breed is definitely family oriented loves to just be with you he never lets me cry or my grandma he’ll give you kisses & cry for you it makes you laugh helps a lot considering my grandma has dementia he’s a major stress reliever & mine, even if you’re single he’s still a great breed to have a great friend by your side maybe just just a cat or dog to keep each other company while you are at work.
4 years, 1 month ago
Jet
8 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jet has been an incredible dog to own. He was very easy to train, he is very affectionate and loves to cuddle and have his belly rubbed. Hey gets along well with the 3 cats in the house but is not so easy around other dogs, as he was attacked by one when he was a puppy. He has nipped at children when he is startled but once a person sits down in the house, Jet becomes their best lap buddy. He is just the best dog ever!
3 years, 4 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

If your puppies parents are ... Mother 1/4 Shih mo and the father is 100% Shih Tzu will the offspring shed.

Answer
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