Grooming
Shih Poms have moderate grooming requirements. They are easily groomed and don't shed much hair at all. They have a long coat that requires regular brushing and combing to avoid matting. They need their ears cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections.
They need their nails to be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper, but they are typically not as high maintenance as some other breeds. Their nails can get caught on things like carpeting and furniture and will scratch the surface, which can lead to damage. Nails that are too long will also make it difficult for them to walk or climb stairs.
Bathing should be performed once a month or when needed to remove dirt from the coat. Bathing too often can dry out the skin and make it more susceptible to irritation from environmental factors such as pollen or dust.
Dental care is part of basic Shih Pom grooming. Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. Use a soft-bristled brush designed for dogs and never use human toothbrushes on dogs because they're too hard for their mouths.
Exercise Needs
Shih Poms are moderately active dogs that don't need vigorous exercise every day but do require regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being. They're ideal for people who live in apartments or small homes because they don't require lots of space.
They need only 20 to 30 minutes of walking each day, or even more if you have an apartment or small home where the dog can't get enough exercise indoors. If you have a yard where your Shih Pom can run around freely, that's even better.
Health
Because Shih Poms were developed by crossing different breeds, they can inherit the best traits from each parent breed without inheriting any of their health problems. This is called hybrid vigor or heterosis. This means that when two different species mate, the offspring will be healthier than either parent species because they do not carry as many genetic defects as their parent breeds do.
Shih Poms are a very popular breed of dog and for good reason. They are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and loyal. They don't shed much, they don't bark much, and they are easy to train. However, there are some common health issues that all small breeds have, that you should be aware of if you are thinking about bringing home one of these adorable little dogs.
Cataracts can develop at any age but seem more common in older dogs. Cataracts are clouding of the lens inside the eye that causes vision loss when they get worse.
Shih Poms can be allergic to fleas, grasses, or pollen. Symptoms include itching and scratching, redness around the eyes and ears, ear infections, excessive shedding, hot spots, or skin infections. Dogs with allergies may benefit from daily doses of diphenhydramine. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best treatment plan for your pet's allergies based on their history and symptoms.
A typical adult Shih Pom will weigh between 4 and 15 pounds, so it is important to keep their weight in check. Obesity can cause health problems such as diabetes or joint problems, so owners should make sure that their dog is not getting any extra pounds.
Lifespan
Shih Poms have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. The average is 14 years. With proper nutrition, exercise, and love, their life expectancy can be greatly increased.
Training
Shih Poms training is not difficult. They are an intelligent breed and they are very obedient. They will learn quickly if they are properly trained. They have the ability to pick up commands within a few repetitions and they enjoy being trained. They will also listen well when they have been properly socialized and have been given lots of positive reinforcement during the training process.
They can be leash trained, but you should make sure you start this at an early stage so that it becomes a routine part of their life. This can be done by attaching a leash to their collar at an early age and using it for walks around the house so that they get used to wearing one before you venture outside with them.
When you begin leash training with them, start off slowly, and don’t try walking them on a busy street or sidewalk until they know how to walk calmly beside you without pulling on their leash or running off in another direction.
You should start with small steps when teaching them new commands. For example, if you're teaching them how to sit, don't expect them to do it immediately on command after just one try. It may take several sessions before they get it right. Make sure you give plenty of praise when they do get things right so that they don't get discouraged.
