Temperament/Behavior
Always a clown, the Shih-Poo seems to have a way of cheering people up and making even the saddest person smile. He has a magnetic personality and people of all ages are drawn to him. The Shih-Poos are playful and energetic dogs. They love to chase after balls, play with squeaky toys or drag stuffed animals around the house with them. Generally, the Shih-Poo makes a great playmate for older, respectful children but won’t tolerate harsh handling or hair pulling. Because the Shih-Poo is a crossbreed, some are accepting and affectionate toward strangers while others are reserved or shy around them. They love to cuddle with their owners and expect to sleep in bed with them at night.
Life Expectancy
Because this is a relatively new crossbreed, the data is limited regarding life expectancy. Breeders believe that the average lifespan for the Shih-Poo is between 10 and 15 years
Exercise Requirements
Although energetic, the Shih-Poo doesn’t require a lot of vigorous exercise. Short but brisk walks in the morning and evening is all that is necessary to keep this spunky little guy fit. He will happily run around the home playing with a ball or other toys. Romping and playing in a grassy backyard with children or racing around a dog park with his canine pals is also appreciated by the Shih-Poo. This is not a hybrid breed that will enjoy jogging or hiking with his owners. Playing is great but too much exertion is counterproductive to the Shih-Poo’s health
