6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My Shih Poo
Thinking about bringing a Shih Poo into your life? I get it — those teddy-bear faces are hard to resist.
When I got Max, my Shih Poo, I thought I was ready. Spoiler: I wasn't.
But I learned fast. And in the next few minutes, I'll walk you through the six things I genuinely wish someone had told me before bringing him home — so you can skip the rookie mistakes I made.
“They'll zoom around the apartment chasing a squeaky toy, then curl up next to you like nothing happened.”
1. They're More Than Lap Dogs
Yes, Shih Poos love to snuggle. Max is a world-class cuddler.
But don't let the cute face fool you. These pups have real energy tucked inside that tiny body.
Here's the thing: they're wonderfully adaptable. Up for a walk when you are, and down to Netflix when you're not.
Cute is easy. Training is where the real work begins.
2. Training Requires Patience (and Chicken)
Shih Poos are smart — thank the Poodle side for that.
But they're also independent thinkers, which can look a whole lot like stubbornness.
What worked best for Max? Short, focused sessions with lots of praise and high-value treats. He's a total sucker for tiny bits of cooked chicken.
My training formula that actually worked
- Keep it short5-minute sessions, a few times a day beats one long slog.
- Stay consistentUse the same clear command every single time.
- Reward bigHigh-value treats (hello, chicken) get faster results.
- Be patientSeriously. Progress comes in tiny steps.
Quick poll
What's your biggest small-dog training struggle?
3. Apartment-Friendly, But Still Need Space
At around 12 pounds, Max is the perfect size for city living.
But here's what surprised me: even small dogs need a spot that's all theirs.
I set up a cozy crate with a bed and a couple of his favorite chew toys. It became his "safe zone" whenever things got noisy or overwhelming.
- Create a dog-friendly corner or crate space
- Use a carrier for longer errands — Max tires after 30 minutes
- Hide anything fragile within tail-level reach
- Assume a small dog needs zero space of its own
Now for the part that quietly eats up your time (and money).
4. Grooming Is a Must (Not a Maybe)
Shih Poo coats can be gorgeous. Max's is soft and wavy.
But there's a catch: they tangle fast. Skip a few days and you'll be fighting mats.
So daily brushing became part of my morning routine — right after coffee. I also take him for a professional groom once a month.
Daily brushing
Just 5 minutes keeps tangles from turning into mats.
Weekly upkeep
Ear cleaning and nail trims once a week.
Monthly pro groom
A trim and full clean-up keeps the coat healthy.
DIY tools
A good brush and nail clippers saved me a bunch on basic upkeep.
5. Be Aware of Health Quirks
Like many small breeds, Shih Poos come with a few things to watch for.
Dental issues, breathing trouble in the heat, and the occasional eye problem all top the list.
Regular vet visits help — but so does the at-home care you do between them.
- Brush teeth twice a week
- Walk only in the cooler parts of the day
- Set aside a monthly buffer for vet surprises
Can you guess?
How much do I budget for surprise vet costs?
And the biggest surprise of all…
6. They Need You Around
The biggest surprise? Just how much Max needs company.
He's not a fan of being left alone for long. When I was working long hours, he started showing signs of separation anxiety.
So I had to adjust. Here's what actually helped us both.
Doggy daycare
A lifesaver on my longer workdays.
Predictable routines
Consistent walks, meals, and playtime kept him calm.
Background sound
Leaving the TV or soft music on helped — Max loves nature shows!
“They do best with people who can spend real time with them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They're sweet, adaptable, and eager to bond, which makes them forgiving of beginner mistakes. Just be ready for the grooming and companionship they need.
Not long, honestly. They're prone to separation anxiety, so a few hours is fine but full workdays alone can be tough. Doggy daycare, routines, and background sound help a lot.
They're medium-energy. Short walks plus indoor play usually do the trick — Max tends to tire out after about 30 minutes of active time.
Daily brushing at home and a professional groom about once a month. Their wavy coats tangle fast if you skip too many days.
Very. At around 12 pounds they fit small spaces easily — just give them a crate or corner that's all theirs.
For most owners, it's the combo of daily grooming and their need for company. If you can commit to both, the rest is pure joy.
Got a Shih Poo of your own? I'd love to hear your story — what's worked for you, and what hasn't. Let's help each other out.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.