Shihpoo Lifespan: How Long They Typically Live + 6 Common Health Problems

For us, our pets are only a small chapter of our lives, but for them, we’re their whole world. It’s our duty to give them the best life possible for as long as they’re with us! Although no one likes to think about their pet’s mortality, it’s important to know the average life expectancy of your shihpoo and educate yourself on potential medical problems they may be vulnerable to. Today, we discuss how long shipoos typically live and explore common health issues this breed can face.

Shihpoo: A Brief Introduction to the Breed

Also sometimes called a “shoodle,” the shihpoo is a mix of a shih tzu and a poodle. Much like the two dogs they’re bred from, these gentle-natured dogs make excellent companions. Shihpoos are relaxed, friendly, curious, loving, and smart. Despite all of these wonderful qualities, training them may be a little more difficult than other breeds. However, their resistance is not because they’re lacking intellectually. This breed is bursting with life and energy, and they would prefer to play all day rather than settle down and learn commands. To remedy this, use food and positive reinforcement to encourage them to stay on task.

The shihpoo meshes well in homes with other pets and young children. They are adaptable and low maintenance which gives them the ability to blend in well with many household dynamics. Those who have allergies may want to consider this breed, as their short fur coats don’t tend to shed much. Even though they may be a little more anxious and need a little extra attention than other dogs, the shihpoo is an excellent, loyal breed. Although their personalities may differ slightly based on their gender, all shihpoos will generally have these qualities.

Average Life Expectancy of a Shihpoo

Shihpoos are a relatively hardy breed who often get to enjoy a full life. The average lifespan of a shihpoo is between 10 and 16 years on average, which is quite a long time compared to other dog breeds. Several factors will influence where your dog lands within this range. The first step in ensuring your shihpoo has a long and healthy life is to purchase them from a reputable breeder. Puppy mills don’t conduct genetic testing on the animals they’re breeding. As a result, many of their puppies are plagued by congenital diseases. This will greatly decrease their chances of survival beyond a few years and result in a poor quality of life. Purchasing a shihpoo from an ethical breeder will cost more, but you will save yourself a mountain of veterinary bills and emotional stress, which is priceless.

Ultimately, as long as your dog stays physically active, eats a healthy diet, and is taken in for their annual health check-ups, you can expect that they will live a long life. If you want to be extra careful, pet insurance is one way to ensure that your shihpoo has access to the highest quality medical care. Even if your puppy is bought from a reputable breeder, emergencies can still happen. Veterinary bills can be cripplingly expensive, so having pet insurance as a safety net will help relieve financial stress. On average, covering your shihpoo will cost between $20 and $50 per month. If you can afford to factor this expense into your budget, it will bring you a lot of peace of mind.

Health Problems Common in Shihpoos

Although shihpoos are very healthy in general, there are some medical problems that they may be predisposed to. One of the most common is luxating patella, which occurs when the kneecap of the dog becomes dislocated. According to Pet MD, “While in some dogs a luxating patella doesn’t cause problems, severe cases may require surgery.” The severity of luxating patella is ranked on a scale of one to four, with four being the most serious. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, or BAS, is another common issue. This disease is characterized by a deformation of the airway which makes breathing difficult for the dog. Common warning signs will be panting while playing and heavy breathing under stress. Problems with eyesight also aren’t uncommon for shihpoos. Cataracts and Radical Retinal Atrophy both cause a loss of vision in the dogs they affect. Depending on the cause and the degeneration, vision loss may be permanent.

In addition, these small dogs are also at risk of obesity. Overfeeding and under-exercising are two of the leading causes of weight gain in shihpoos. Luckily, this is typically easily reversible with simple lifestyle changes. Toy breeds are also at a higher risk of bladder stones and dental issues. Many of these are preventable and warning signs that something is amiss often show early on. Generally speaking, most shihpoo owners won’t have to worry about their puppy being in poor health. This breed is healthier than the Shih Tzu and the Poodle, so try not to worry yourself sick over the potential that your puppy will become ill. There is little chance that young shihpoos will face these health concerns. As they grow older, careful monitoring will help mitigate risk.

How Your Shihpoo Can Live a Long and Healthy Life

If you’re a proud shihpoo parent, there are a few ways you can ensure that your dog lives the longest life they possibly can. One of the simplest ways to guarantee their health is to make sure you’re feeding them a high-quality diet. Many common dry food brands are made with fillers and aren’t as nutritious as they can be. If you’ve just brought your shihpoo home, try to switch over their diet as soon as possible to make the transition smooth. Shihpoos that have been eating a certain brand of food for many years may become picky if it’s changed abruptly. If that happens, there are some strategies you can use to make this process less stressful for them. Exercising is also important, and the activity level of your shihpoo can impact their overall health greatly. Although these dogs aren’t highly athletic, daily walking and playing are important.

In addition to making sure they’re eating healthy and exercising, it’s always important to take them in for an annual visit to the vet. Even if nothing is out of the ordinary, taking your shihpoo to a wellness check is paramount in early detection. For some health conditions, symptoms don’t start showing until it’s already too late. To prevent this, schedule a routine check-up around your shihpoos birthday to make it easier to remember. It’s important to remember that the shihpoo is a healthy breed and worrying needlessly will do you no good. As long as you take the precautionary steps to ensure your dog is living a healthy lifestyle, your shihpoo will likely live to a ripe old age.

Final Thoughts

Shihpoos are generally healthy dogs who don’t face a wide range of health concerns. This makes them excellent choices for both first-time dog owners and experienced ones. Despite this, educating yourself on the potential medical issues that they face will greatly benefit you. Feeding them a healthy diet and providing regular exercise, along with careful monitoring of your shihpoo, will ensure they live a long and healthy life. If you notice any changes in their behavior or personality, be sure to schedule a vet visit quickly to catch any health issues early on.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Фадеев Олег/iStock via Getty Images