The Shih-Poo Is An Excellent Example Of Deliberate Crossbreeding
A
good example of the shih Tzu mix is the
Shih Tzu Poodle. The Shih-Poo is really a mixture of the
Shih-Tzu and also the Poodle and even though he is not a recognized
dog breed he is nevertheless the product of intentional cross
breeding. The aim of course was to create very cute mixed breeds and
in this in a large measure has been achieved, and in addition, this
shih Tzu mix has hypoallergenic qualities that along with high level
of intelligence and good amount of vigor makes them a very
attractive dog breed – albeit one that is mixed and not recognized.
Varying Results
Mostly, when two or more separate dog breeds are mixed the results
will vary and so you can’t expect such mixed breeds to have the same
appearance. The Shih-Poo too will vary in his appearance though at
the same time he will also exhibit many characteristics that are
derived from both parents.
Typically, the Shih-Poo is a wonderful shih Tzu mix that displays a
long coat in which his hair tends to be either straight or curly
like a poodle or even quite wavy. The body derives its shape and
structure from his parent and typically the build would be one that
is medium mix of both the Shih Tzu and a Poodle. Its weight would
normally not exceed ten pounds.
As
for color of the Shih-Poo there are many variations including many
combinations of different colors. Fortunately, this is a shih Tzu
mix that does not shed his coat excessively and you only need to
trim his coat once in a month in order to keep it in good shape and
it also helps to prevent the hair from matting up. You will of
course do well to regularly brush his hair since this ensures that
his hair remains clean and it also helps avoid allowing the hair to
get tangled up. Regular bathing of this shih Tzu mix is recommended
though you don’t need to bathe him too often since he is a breed
(mixed, really) that is quite clean – naturally.
Like most other hybrid varieties of mixed breed dogs, the shih Tzu
mix and more particularly the Shih-Poo enjoys a robust health and is
generally far healthier than the purebred version that tend to
generally suffer from a variety of genetic diseases. A healthy Shih-Poo
can even live for as long as fourteen years. His nature is also
suitable to keeping him as a house pet.
Typically, the Shih-Poo will be a happy pet that is also very
playful while at the same time exhibiting gentleness as well. The
shih Tzu mix also likes to be given attention and he also demands
that you show him a lot of affection. They are also well socialized
and will co-exist well with the other animals in the home and will
not mind the company of cats and also other dogs.
This shih Tzu mix is also good when around children though you may
have to supervise him as he can snap when teased or bothered.
Another attractive feature of the shih Tzu mix is that he responds
well to being trained, especially when given obedience training
lessons. If you want to teach him tricks he shows an ability to pick
up such lessons and will be able to perform simple tricks.
The shih Tzu mix and more particularly the Shih-Poo is an
intelligent creature that will respond well to potty training and
will generally turn out to be a completely housebroken pet. Just
like all other crossbred animals, the Shih-Poo has not been
recognized by the better kennel clubs. However, the good news is
that in the near term there is hope that he will eventually be
recognized since the shih Tzu mix and also the Shih-Poo is a very
popular dog that attracts a lot of interest and love from the
general dog lover. This can be seen in the fact that even though he
has not been recognized there are very many dog owners that prefer
to bring home shih Tzu mixes such as the Shih-Poo.
Given the fact that the shih Tzu mix and more particularly the Shih-Poo
is so gentle and intelligent and good with children he has become a
firm favorite with anyone that has brought him home.
The Shih Tzu over time has also been mixed with
a number of other small dog breeds. The other two more common mixes
are the
Bichon Shih Tzu, and the
Maltese Shih Tzu.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Shih Tzu,
get a copy of this Shih Tzu Guide
NOW!
