Shih-Mo Breed Information & Characteristics
Hypoallergenic
Are Shih-Mos Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the Shih-Mo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
Temperament
What is a Shih-Mo personality? What are Shih-Mo dogs best known for?
Active
Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Shedding Level
Are Shih-Mos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Shih-Mo Shed?
Shih-Mo dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Shih-Mo. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.
Watchdog Ability
What is the watchdog ability of a Shih-Mo dog?
Shih-Mos are not the best watchdogs. If you want a guard dog, the Shih-Mo is not the breed for you. They will 'watch' everything - but that's usually as far as they go.
Ancestry
What are Shih-Mos descended from?
American Eskimo, Shih Tzu
Breed recognition
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Shih-Mo breed?
ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®
Date of Birth
When were Shih-Mos first bred? How old is the Shih-Mo breed?
Unknown
Eye Color Possibilites
What color are Shih-Mo eyes?
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What color can Shih-Mo nose be naturally?
Black
Coat Length
How long is a Shih-Mos coat?
The coat of a Shih-Mo dog is generally known for its length.
Coat Density
How Dense Is The Shih-Mo Coat?
Coat Texture
What is the texture of the hair of a Shih-Mo?
Straight
Litter Size
How many puppies can a Shih-Mo have in a litter? How many puppies can a Shih-Mo have in her first litter?
A Shih-Mo can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
The adaptability of Shih-Mo dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.
Health Issues
Do Shih-Mos have a lot of health problems?
The Shih-Mo is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Shih-Mo?
Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Kidney Problems
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Pateller Luxation
Bladder Stones and Infections
Minor Concerns
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Shih-Mos?
Ear Infections
Allergies
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems
Occasional Tests
What are the occasional tests recommended for Shih-Mo breed?
Dental Examination
Eye examination
Chest X-rays
Clinical Exam
Energy
Do Shih-Mos have a lot of energy?
For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Shih-Mos may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.
Social Needs
Do Shih-Mos need socialization? How social are Shih-Mos?
Shih-Mo have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
How much exercise should Shih-Mos get?
The Shih-Mo dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep should a Shih-Mo have? Do Shih-Mos sleep a lot?
The Shih-Mo breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.
Tendency to Bark
How much does it bark?
Shih-Mos tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
Mouthiness
Are Shih-Mos mouthy?
Roaming urge
What is the likelihood of a Shih-Mo running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Prey Drive
Do Shih-Mo dogs have a high prey drive?
Past times
What do Shih-Mos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Shih-Mo busy?
Going for walks, Going to petco
Activity Level
What is the energy level of a Shih-Mo? How much energy does a Shih-Mo have?
Shih-Mos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How far should a Shih-Mo walk each week? How many miles should a Shih-Mo walk every week?
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih-Mo, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
How much a Shih-Mo should exercise a day? How much activity does a Shih-Mo need?
In general most Shih-Mos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
What level of grooming should be provided for a Shih-Mo?
The Shih-Mo is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.
Brushing Frequency
How often should you brush a Shih-Mo?
Ideally, Shih-Mo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
Brushing Tools
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Shih-Mos?
Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Cups
How many cups of food does a Shih-Mo eat?
For an average 18-25 pound (8 - 11 kg) Shih-Mo feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
How Much Does a Shih-Mo Cost Daily?
The average cost of a Shih-Mo is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.
Monthly Cost
How Much Does a Shih-Mo Cost Per Month?
The average per month expenses of a Shih-Mo is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Intelligence
How intelligent is a Shih-Mo?
Shih-Mos has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Shih-Mo is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive is a Shih-Mo dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Affection Dependance
Are Shih-Mo dogs affectionate?
Apartment Friendly
Do Shih-Mo do well in apartments? Are Shih-Mos good indoor dogs?
Shih-Mos are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Child Friendly
Are Shih-Mos good with kids? Are Shih-Mos good around children?
Shih-Mos are average friendly dogs towards children.
Senior-friendly
Are Shih-Mos good for elderly?
Cat Friendly
Are Shih-Mos good with cats? How friendly Shih-Mos are toward cats?
Shih-Mos are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on
Dog Friendly
Do Shih-Mo dogs get along with other dogs? Are Shih-Mos OK with other dogs?
Shih-Mos are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.
Pet friendly
How do Shih-Mo dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Stranger Friendly
Are Shih-Mos friendly with strangers?
Shih-Mos are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.
Playfulness
Do Shih-Mos like to play? Are Shih-Mos playful?
The Shih-Mo is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Shih-Mo is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Trainability
Are Shih-Mo easily trained?
Shih-Mo dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
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