Active
Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle

Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

Shih-Mos aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

American Eskimo, Shih Tzu

nordic spitz

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

Unknown

874 - 930 AD

Brown

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Shih-Mos are known for their coat length.

Icelandic Sheepdogs have medium-length coats.

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.

An Icelandic Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-15 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.

Shih-Mos are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

While the Shih-Mo breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Kidney Problems
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Pateller Luxation
Bladder Stones and Infections

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

Ear Infections
Allergies
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Dental Examination
Eye examination
Chest X-rays
Clinical Exam

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Shih-Mos are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Icelandic Sheepdogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Shih-Mos have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Icelandic Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Shih-Mos bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Going for walks, Going to petco

Sleeping, Kissing, Barking, Chasing runners, Cuddling, Eating

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Icelandic Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Shih-Mos require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Icelandic Sheepdog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Ideally, Shih-Mo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Icelandic Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 20-30 pound (9 - 14 kg) Icelandic Sheepdog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Shih-Mo is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of an Icelandic Sheepdog is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 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.

Shih-Mos are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Icelandic Sheepdog has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Icelandic Sheepdogs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Shih-Mos make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Icelandic Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Shih-Mos have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Icelandic Sheepdogs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Shih-Mos are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Shih-Mos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Shih-Mos are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Shih-Mos are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Shih-Mos are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.