Shih Apso

also known as Lhasa-Tzu, Lhasa Tzu, Shih-Apso, Lhasatzu, Shihapso

Breed Information


Type

Is Shih Apso a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Shih Apsos originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Shih Apsos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Shih Apso? How long can Shih Apsos live?

10-16 years

The average Shih Apso lifespan is somewhere between 10-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Shih Apso Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Shih Apso?

What is the average height of a Shih Apso? How big is a Cross Breed Shih Apso height? Shih Apso dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-12 inches (22.9 - 30.5 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Female 9-11 inches (22.9 - 27.9 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Shih Apso? How much should Shih Apsos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 15-18 pounds (7 - 8 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg)
Female 12-16 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Shih Apsos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Shih Apso is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Shih Apso personality? What are Shih Apso dogs best known for?

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Obedient
Devoted
Lively
Gentle
Steady
Spirited
Assertive

Shedding Level

Are Shih Apsos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Shih Apso Shed?

Shih Apso dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Shih Apso. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Shih Apso dog?

The Shih Apso breed is one of the worst choice if you want a good watchdog.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Shih Apsos descended from?

Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Shih Apso breed?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Shih Apsos first bred? How old is the Shih Apso breed?

Unknown

Shih Apso Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Shih Apso eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Shih Apso nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Length

How long is a Shih Apsos coat?

The coat of a Shih Apso dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Shih Apso Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Shih Apso?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Shih Apso have in a litter? How many puppies can a Shih Apso have in her first litter?

4-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Shih Apso can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Shih Apsos are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Shih Apso Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Shih Apsos have a lot of health problems?

The Shih Apso is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Shih Apso?

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Kidney Problems
Liver Problems
Bladder Stones and Infections

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Shih Apsos?

Ear Infections
Allergies
Eye Disease
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Shih Apso breed?

Wellness Check
Chest X-rays
Dental and Oral Examinations
Clinical Exam
Eye and Ear Examination

Shih Apso Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Shih Apsos have a lot of energy?

Shih Apsos may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Shih Apsos need socialization? How social are Shih Apsos?

Shih Apso have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Shih Apsos get?

The Shih Apsos a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Shih Apso have? Do Shih Apsos sleep a lot?

The Shih Apso breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Shih Apso dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Mouthiness

Are Shih Apsos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Shih Apso running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Shih Apso dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Shih Apsos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Shih Apso busy?

Walking, Tracking, Nose work, Freestyle, Fetch, Long walks, Loves swimming, Playing Ball, Holidays, Sleeping, Eating Snacks, Toys, Walk, Brushing, Chase, Shake, Walks, family, W, Walks, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Play, Running, Cuddles, Family play, Hiking, Playdate, Shake hands, Discipline, Stay

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Shih Apso? How much energy does a Shih Apso have?

Low

Shih Apsos are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Shih Apso dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Shih Apso walk each week? How many miles should a Shih Apso walk every week?

4 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih Apso, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Shih Apso should exercise a day? How much activity does a Shih Apso need?

30 minutes

In general most Shih Apsos usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Shih Apso?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Shih Apso?

Daily

Ideally, Shih Apso should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Shih Apsos?

Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Shih Apso eat?

1 cups

For an average 15-18 pound (7 - 8 kg) Shih Apso feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Shih Apso Cost Daily?

$1.30 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Shih Apso is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Shih Apso Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Shih Apso is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Shih Apso Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Shih Apso?

The Shih Apso have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Shih Apsos lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Shih Apso dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Shih Apso dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Shih Apso do well in apartments? Are Shih Apsos good indoor dogs?

Shih Apsos are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Shih Apsos good with kids? Are Shih Apsos good around children?

Shih Apsos are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Shih Apsos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Shih Apsos good with cats? How friendly Shih Apsos are toward cats?

Shih Apsos are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Shih Apso dogs get along with other dogs? Are Shih Apsos OK with other dogs?

Shih Apsos are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Shih Apso dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Shih Apsos friendly with strangers?

Shih Apsos are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Shih Apsos like to play? Are Shih Apsos playful?

Shih Apsos have an average level of playfulness. The Shih Apsos, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Shih Apso easily trained?

Shih Apso dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.