The Shih Poo is still a very new breed. Poodle crosses are a constant popular among designer dogs, and the Shih-Poo is a relative newcomer to the mix.
The Shih Poo originated in the United States, where it debuted as a small breed with the prospect of being a hypoallergenic dog.
How often should you groom a Shih Poo?
To maintain the beauty and health of your Shih Poo, it is recommended that you visit a professional groomer every four to six weeks. At home, between thorough brushings, a Shih Poo should receive a daily coat and teeth brushing. Shih Poos also benefit from nail trimming along with gentle cleansing baths at home every two to three weeks among professional groomers.
Let’s take a closer look at the frequency of home care for a Shih Poo.
Time Required for a Shihpoo Bath
Speaking of time, you’ll need to set aside at least an hour to trim your pup the first time. The first time I tried to give my pup a haircut, it turned into a three-hour affair (absolutely not the love kind). I didn’t have a decent set of razors or incentives on hand. And my assistant didn’t make it halfway.
Subsequent haircuts have taken anywhere from 45 minutes to just over an hour.
Of course, these are not show-worthy styles. We like our Shihpoos cropped. Otherwise, long curly hair tends to get matted without daily brushing.
History and Origins of the Designer Mixed-Breed Shih Poo (Poodle Shih Tzu)
Despite their less-than-intimidating size and nature, shih-tzus they really have been around a long time. Although many believe that the shih-tzus originated with the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi in the late 1860s, shih-tzu bones and other types of evidence have been found to show that shih-tzus date back to ancient times. There are even tapestries and artwork of them dating back to 2000. In fact, they are one of the fourteen oldest dog breeds. They have quite an impressive history.
How to Tell the Difference Between the Inherited Tail of a Shih Tzu or a Poodle
In addition to the obvious differences between curly and straight tails between Shih Poo tail types, another way to To tell the difference is to look at the way your Shih Poo wags its tail. A Shih Tzu tailed Shih Poo will never move much, even when excited. His tail will always remain curled on his back. Alternatively, a heritage Poodle tail will sway from side to side when your Shih Poo is excited.
Also read: Find out what color collar you should buy for your dog here!