Shih-Poo

Firstly, some good news if you want a breed of dog that doesn’t shed much — the Shih Poo is a relatively low shedder. This is especially true if the dog has a coat that’s more in line with the Poodle’s short covering. While no breed can ever be considered 100% hypoallergenic, the Poodle is about as close as you can get to being allergy-friendly.

That doesn’t mean you forever ignore grooming tasks, though. The Shih Poo will still need a good brush every few days to keep its coat in its best condition — free of matting and clumping. A visit to a professional groomer for a trim three or four times a year is recommended.

Teeth should be brushed at least once a week (more frequently if possible) especially considering the Shih Poo’s risk of dental issues. Don’t bathe your pup too often; only really when dirty and muddy, which will probably be very rare as Shih Poos aren’t a particularly outdoors type. Do check ears regularly for any signs of debris, to reduce the risk of infection. Trim or clip nails when necessary.

Shih Poo health

Sadly, it’s inevitable that dogs suffer health issues from time to time — which is why pet insurance is so important. The Shih Poo is no different, and there are particular health problems that the breed is susceptible to. These include:

• Brachycephalic Syndrome

• Periodontal disease

• Von Willebrand’s Disease

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Brachycephalic Syndrome affects only certain breeds of dog — those with shortened heads and ‘squashed’ or ‘flattened’ faces. One of the Shih Poo’s parent breeds, the Shih Tzu, is among those. This condition makes it difficult for a dog to breathe and can lead to respiratory issues. Symptoms include loud breathing and labored breathing (known as dyspnea), but also difficulty eating or exercising. These can be eased by making lifestyle changes — managing weight is one — or by some surgery, in some cases.

Periodontal disease

Dental problems are a health risk with Shih Poos — which is typical of many small breeds. Those problems include gum disease and tooth decay, and also something called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the mouth. It develops in four stages, starting with plaque and moving to a severe condition with gingivitis, bone and tooth loss.

Symptoms aren’t always obvious, but can include bad breath, bleeding gums and pus around any affected teeth. Treatment options vary, depending often on the stage of the disease.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Von Willebrand’s Disease is a bleeding disorder that can have serious consequences — and is possibly fatal. It affects a number of different breeds, among them the Standard Poodle. This condition causes excessive bleeding, sometimes after surgery but also even after a relatively minor abrasion. Pet parents should be observant for typical warning signs, such as bleeding from the nose, mouth or bladder.

It’s a genetic disorder for which there’s no cure, but it can be managed.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease affects toy and other breeds, putting the Shih Poo at risk. Known as LCP, it’s a disorder of the hip joint and typically shows symptoms in Shih Poo puppies and younger dogs — aged between four months and one years old. It usually affects one hip, rather than both.

Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, in the most advanced of cases. You might notice your dog is reluctant to put any weight on its affected hind leg, being unable to walk, or limping. Your Shih Poo may experience stiffness and pain when walking, with movement limited. Rest may ease the condition, but surgery is sometimes needed.

What to feed a Shih Poo

While there’s a huge range of dog food on the market, it’s important to choose a type that’s right for your Shih Poo. Not all dogs like the same food, and not all dogs need the same type of food. You should always aim to select a food that suits your pup’s dietary needs, which usually means size and weight, and sometimes breed type.

Because of its smaller size, a Shih Poo isn’t going to need a lot of food — it certainly shouldn’t be overfed, as this runs the risk of it becoming overweight. If choosing dry dog food, smaller dogs may benefit from recipes that have smaller kibble, so it’s easier to digest. Some food also offers a form of dental protection, which is an added bonus as small breeds can suffer from poor dental health.

Read our recommendations for best dog food for small dogs here.

We have general advice on how to choose the best food for your dog here.