WAGZ N WIGGLEZ

Shih-poo Characteristics

Shih-poo Description & Appearance:

Shih-poos are a hybrid dog crossed from Shih-Tzu and a Poodle. This cross gives a smooth silky wavy coat with a well-balanced and proportioned dog.

Shih-poo Temperament:

The Shih-poo is a happy and fun-loving playful breed. They have a charming character, are attentive and love human affection. They are personable and bright. They get along great with other pets, cats or dogs.

Shih-poos are gentle natured and can be a little mischievous. They are good with obedience training and learn tricks easily too. They are generally good with children, but may be snappy if teased. This hybrid�s intelligence makes housebreaking an easy chore.

Shih-poo Health:

Shih-poos are quite healthy benefiting from gene mixing and avoiding many of the hereditary health problems Shih-Tzu and Poodles are known to have. Shih-poos will live up to 14 years with good health.

Shih-poo Care & Grooming:

Shih-poos thrive well indoors and require only moderate exercise. They are very active yet and do enjoy the occasional walks and trips to the dog park.

Shih-poo shed very little, making them a great hypoallergenic breed. They have a full coat of hair that should trimmed monthly by a professional groomer to keep the hair from matting. Regular brushing will keep the coat clean and tangle free. This mix breed is naturally clean and only needs to be bathed as necessary.

Shih-poo History:

As a hybrid breed, their history is short. Generally, Shih-poo breeders aim to breed one generation of Shih-poo from purebred Shih-Tzu and Poodle parents. This is to take advantage of �hybrid vigor� and the Heterosis effect which results in a healthier, more vigorous dog with a reduced chance of genetic disease. Pure breeds and inbreeds often carry genetic disease. Heterosis is the phenomenon where crossing two inbred lines can yeild a progeny with superior genetic constitution. This increased health and vigor does not create a superior breed, but the advantages obtained from it are what produce hybrid vigor. This goal in this scenario is not to create a new breed, but to create a happy and healthy pet