Shih Apso Dog Breed Information – All You Need To Know

The Shih Apso is a cross between two Asian dogs, the Shiba Inu and the Lhasa Apso. Both of these dogs are exceptional in their own right. However, when you combine the two, you get an even better dog. The Shih Apso possesses a remarkable store of determination, love and loyalty. It is also very easy to train, in addition to being affectionate.

The Shih Apso is a gift from unknown forces for small families and individuals.

Shih Apso History

There isn’t a lot of data or information available about the Shih Apso. Forget about historical records; there aren’t even rumors about this dog. The only information we have on this dog is its ancestry. The Shih-Tzu is a companion dog with deep roots in Chinese history. It was a sacred dog that would frequently accompany royalty, particularly Emperors and Monks. Experts believe it has Tibetan Mastiff genes coursing through its blood.

Lhasa Apsos are a mysterious Chinese breed. These canines are presumably older than the Pug and Shar-Pei. Some claim that they were the first dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso was known as a Sentinel Dog and was frequently found in temples. The breed was a venerable dog in China, and getting your mitts on one was nothing short of monumental. It only came to the United States as a gift from the Dalai Lama. The AKC first registered the Lhasa Apso in 1935.

Shih Apso Characteristics

The Shih Apso is a small dog with a bulky or slightly stocky body. These canines will have a medium-length or longer coat. The coat of the Shih Apso is also dense and maybe water-resistant. These canines will have a well-proportioned body, with manes like those of a lion. The mane and coat of this canine make grooming it a major pain. The Shih Apso will generally have a small head with beady eyes. The ears of the Shih Apso will usually be floppy.

How Big do Shih Apso Get

The Shih Apso is a small canine that you can easily carry around in your loving arms. The Shih Apso will usually be taller than 9 inches and shorter than 12 inches. Since both of the parents are small, there isn’t a lot of variation in this range. Weight, on the other hand, is a reflection of its lifestyle. The weight of an average Shih Apso should remain between 13 and 18 lbs.  

How Long Does Shih Apso Live

The lifespan of the Shih Apso will vary based on the lifestyle it gets. With the right care, the Shih Apso will live between 12 and 14 years of age. We wouldn’t keep our hopes high about the 14-year limit because it requires strenuous care and determination.

How Much Does a Shih Apso Cost

The cost of a typical Shih Apso will remain between $300 and $800. This is the initial cost, which varies depending on the breeder and your location. There are other costs related to diet and utensils as well. On average, the Shih Apso will cost you $1200 to $1300 annually.

Shih Apso Temperament/Personality

With two human-oriented canines as parents, they won’t have any problems getting along with you. These dogs are lovable, cuddly and friendly. They will have a protective streak, which may lead to conflict with some of the other animals. If someone tries to harm, they’d best be prepared for a whole lot of aggression. On the flip side, this also makes it wary of other animals.

In the end, it all boils down to how you socialize and train your dog. If the Shih Apso is properly trained, other pets will get along with it as well. Other than that, you should know that the Shih Apso has a slightly stubborn outlook, occasionally. If you find the Shih Apso hard to train, then use some Dog Training Treats. These will make it dance in the palm of your hand.

Caring for Shih Apso

The following section will explain the technical aspect of dog keeping. What good will learning that do for you? Learning all of the technical aspects will allow you to make better choices for your canine.

Shih Apso Nutrition

Small canines, such as the Shih Apso, do not require a lot of food. When they reach full size, the Shih Apso will typically require no more than one cup of food. You can find the right food for your canine in the Food for Small Dogs section.

How to Groom a Shih Apso

Some people take the Shih Apso to a professional groomer for its nails and coat trims. You can take care of those at home and save yourself a lot of extra money. You can cut the nails quite easily with a Nail Clipper for Dogs. The coat can be trimmed with some safe Dog Grooming Clippers and a well-designer Dog Grooming Table. If you don’t want hair in every corner of your house, then you will have to brush the Shih Apso’s coat every day.

Shih Apso Activity Levels

The Shih Apso is a fairly laid-back canine. Both of the parents would rather snuggle and play than go around doing following intensive exercise regimes. Their small and fragile bodies are meant to withstand intensive activity either. Giving them 30 minutes of activity daily is more than enough.

Caring for Shih Apso

There are numerous things that you can do for your canine. However, one of the most basic things that a lot of dog owners end up ignoring is the deworming process. It is a simple process that requires the owner to feed their canine something with a deworming solution. The solution eradicates different parasites that may have latched onto your canine’s system.

The eradication of these parasites allows your canine to grow and be healthier. Now, you can get your canine dewormed at home without any messy or complex medicine. You only need to get a Dewormer for Dogs and follow the simple instructions.

Shih Apso Health

Small mixed breeds, such as the Shih Apso, are prone to a variety of diseases. There are different variables that will affect the health of your canine. All of these things will spiral out of control if you don’t take care of your dog’s health, resulting in disastrous results for your dog. There are numerous conditions that could affect your dog, but would knowing their names help you?

Why would you try to become an impromptu vet when there are already numerous certified and experienced vets scattered throughout the country. So, rather than wasting time learning names and symptoms, go to a vet. Normally, you should be taking your doggie to a vet every month. The more you take care of your doggie, the better it will be.

Breeds Similar to Shih Apso

• Scotti-Apso
• Shar-Tzu
• Cavestie
• Westie-Loo
• Pughasa

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Sources:

• Wag-Walking
• Pet-Keen