Longevity
Life expectancy
It lives on average from 13 to 16 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Small but sturdy, it is not very fragile when it comes from tested parents and has a muzzle that is not too short.
Watch points
What to watch for
You need to monitor the eyes, often irritated by hair, dental hygiene, the knees and breathing in hot weather.
Patellar dislocation : Common in small dogs.
Corneal irritation and ulcers : Prominent eyes and facial hair can contribute to them.
Tartar : Small jaws promote periodontal disease.
Breathing difficulties : Possible in individuals with very short muzzles.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
It tolerates moderate cold. Heat is more difficult for it, especially if it has inherited the Shih Tzu's short muzzle.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
He gains weight easily; the ration must be weighed and treats limited.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Clear the hair away from the eyes.
- Brush the teeth several times a week.
- Avoid exertion in hot weather.
Vaccination
Shih-poo vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Shih-poo? Like all dogs, the Shih-poo receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Shih-poo is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Shih-poo vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Shih-poo?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Shih-poo
A patella check, an eye examination and the progressive retinal atrophy DNA test in the parent Poodle are recommended.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
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