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Dog owners looking for a furry friend that’s as sweet as it is loyal, then the Shih Apso is a wonderful companion with a big personality that comes in a small package! This small dog comes with a fluffy coat and a playful demeanor that makes it such a beloved part of any family that welcomes them. In this article, we share all you need to know about their appearance, temperament, nutrition, grooming, health, and more so you can give the love and care your Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu mix deserves.
What is the Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix?
Also known as the Shih Apso, this designer breed is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso breed. These small dogs come with many of the characteristics of their parent breeds, which makes them the ideal lap dog and companion for all kinds of homes. While the Shih Apso are generally healthy dogs, they can inherit certain health issues from their parents and they can live longer than many larger breeds.
History of the Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix
The Lhasa Apso originates from Tibet and is believed to have first existed since 800 B.C. where they were used to guard Buddhist monasteries inside the Himalayan Mountains. The Lhasa Apso dog was named after the most sacred city in Tibet, which makes it such a treasure to people living in Tibet. These dogs were first taken to the United States by Thubten Gyatso, the 13th Dalai Lama, who then gifted two Lhasa Apsos to Charles Suydam Cutting, who was the first Westerner to enter Tibet’s Forbidden City.
The Shih Tzu comes from the palace of the Chinese emperor and was bred using Tibetan breeding stock; they are likely the product of the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. Because of their beauty, Shih Tzus lived a pampered life as lap dogs to royalty and their families where the breed remained hidden inside the palace walls and were unknown outside of their homes. It wasn’t until the 1930s that these ‘lion dogs’ saw life outside the palace and breed clubs in England later refined the breed — in 1969, they were recognized as purebred dogs by the American Kennel Club.
Both parent breeds of the Shih Apso come with a rich history that can be traced back to Asian breeds. They are highly prized in Chinese and Tibetan culture for their companionship qualities and beauty. As such, dog owners all around the world cherish these breeds and the offspring they produce as some of the most stunning canines around.
Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix Appearance
Staying true to their heritage, the Shih Apso is the perfect blend of their parents but like with any crossbreed, their characteristics and appearance can vary. However, you can usually expect to get a small and stock dog with short legs and a long body; they also tend to come with a flat face. They will come with floppy ears and a short tail, reaching heights between 10 to 12 inches tall, and will weigh between 12 to 18 pounds.
Females will often be smaller compared to males — this hybrid will have long hair with a thick double coat that can be straight or wavy. However, some dogs can come with hair that’s more coarse rather than their typical silky texture. Common colors that these dogs come in include tan, white, fawn, gray, and black; these dogs also tend to have plenty of hair on their head, which gives them a lion-like appearance.
Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
This intelligent breed comes with an affectionate personality that makes them such great companions. Their friendly temperament and outgoing demeanor means that they will thrive being the center of attention and will enjoy human companionship. This mixed breed will be happy to play in the backyard or snuggle on the couch; they always want to make their owner smile and are always eager to please.
Their small size doesn’t stop them from displaying their confident and brave personality. It will often come with a fearless attitude; while this may not help it become a guard dog, their adventurous spirit allows them to socialize with other dogs and even small children. Because of their devotion and loyalty to their family, they can become great service dogs when given proper training.
Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix Care
Giving proper care to these dogs should be your priority; you can use this guide to help you give the right nutrition, grooming, exercise, and training for this breed.
Nutrition
One of the most important parts of keeping your Shih Apso happy and healthy is giving it proper nutrition; look for high-quality dog food formulated specifically for small breeds that will meet their nutritional needs. Give them a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, lean protein, vitamins, and minerals that will support your pup’s well-being and overall health. Be sure to limit treats and avoid overfeeding to protect your pooch from weight gain and to maintain their healthy bodies.
If you’re unsure what to feed your puppy or how much their portion control should be, you can always speak to your vet to get the right answers to your questions.
Grooming
Just like their parents, the most distinctive feature of the Shih Apso is its luxurious long coat, which needs daily brushing to keep it looking gorgeous at all times. Frequent brushing is also essential to help prevent tangles and mats from forming while also distributing natural oils around the body to promote a healthy coat and skin. Giving your dog a bath once a month using dog shampoo will ensure that your Shih Apso stays clean and fresh.
Apart from bathing and brushing, your Shih Apso will also benefit from regular nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning to maintain your pup’s hygiene and overall health. If you don’t have enough time to dedicate to these cleaning sessions, you can always enlist the help of professional groomers.
Exercise
Don’t let their size fool you; these little dogs come with moderate energy levels and are very playful, so they will need regular exercise to keep them healthy and fit. Going on regular walks around the block or having playtime in the backyard should keep them content and happy. They will also enjoy playing with puzzle toys that will stimulate their minds and entertain them for hours.
By giving your pup the right amount of exercise and balanced food portions, you should be able to maintain a healthy weight in these dogs.
Training
Training your Shih Apso can be rewarding for both your furry friend and you, its owner. Thanks to their intelligent and affectionate nature, they can learn quickly and are eager to please. They’re also responsive to positive reinforcement and consistent training will help them get a hold of basic commands well.
Be sure to start training sessions while they’re young to ensure that they learn proper training; making sure that they’re not alone for long periods of time will also help if they suffer from separation anxiety. Using praise, treats, and playtime to reward your dog will keep your Shih Apso motivated and engaged with training.
Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix Health Problems
Thanks to a healthy cross between the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso parent, these hybrid dogs can live a long lifespan of up to 15 years. While they are a relatively healthy breed, they can still suffer from a few conditions that can be passed down from their parents. These health conditions include the following:
- Dental problems
- Food allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Liver Problems such as liver disease, liver failure, and liver inflammation
- Kidney Problems
- Infections
- Eye problems such as cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy
- Bladder Stones
- Kidney Problems such as kidney disease and hereditary kidney dysfunction
- Bladder stones and infections
If you suspect that your dog has any of the problems above, be sure to speak to your vet as soon as possible since some conditions can be life-threatening. Giving your pooch the proper medical care it needs is another important aspect of being a responsible pet owner. It’s up to us to keep our pooch safe and comfortable, whether we purchased it from a dog breeder or adopted it from your local shelter.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about getting one of these dogs for your home, you can expect to purchase one of these puppies for around $1,675 from a reputable breeder but the price can increase if you’re looking for a show-quality canine. But if you’re simply looking for a delightful dog that you can welcome into your home to share a happy life with, the Shih Apso is a popular choice that’s loving and devoted to its family. With proper care and training, they can be excellent pets that will share many adventures with you and your family, thriving in your attention and love.
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