Shih-Poms are true companion dogs that thrive on attention and affection from their favorite people. Because they are so small and can be easily injured by young children who are still mastering motor control and coordination, they tend to be a better fit for single owners or families with older children.

As long as they are well-socialized and children know how to play gently with them, they do tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to be relatively open and friendly with strangers. They can be prone to barking, which can become a nuisance behavior if you do not start to train your dog to stop barking early on.

Shiranians are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes with space to run. They are very sensitive to heat and also to the cold, so you may need to bundle them up in some winter dog products when out on walks when the temperatures drop.

Because they are affectionate and love nothing more than to be with their favorite people, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Shih-Poms can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on to prevent it.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier? Although they can be sometimes, it’s not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds. At the same time, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them.

For the Shih-Pom potential health concerns to be aware of include hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and cataracts. These small dogs can also be prone to having allergies and, as a small dog, are prone to developing dental disease later in life.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, it’s important for you to ask the breeder about the health and genetic history for both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

Shiranians are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly. Although they can be stubborn at times and they will use their cute face to get their way, they are also eager to please.

As long as training is kept consistent and undesirable behavior is not rewarded, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Even if you don’t feel like you need them, puppy training classes are a great resource. In addition to strengthening your bond and reinforcing training, there are also opportunities to socialize a puppy.

Coat colors will vary in a Shiranian, but you can bet on a longer, fluffy coat that doesn’t shed much, if at all. But, this low-shedding coat requires a lot of maintenance. You will need to brush your Shih-Pom daily to remove tangles and prevent mats and get them groomed on a monthly basis.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Shih-Pom’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Your groomer can help with some trims. But, if your dog’s nails grow quickly, you may need to trim them at home in between visits.

Weekly ear checks and careful ear cleanings when needed can help prevent ear infections. Ears should be clean, dry, and free of debris or pests. If you see redness, irritation, discolored or smelly discharge, or pests, then you know you need to visit the vet.

Because the Shih-Pom is prone to dental disease as a small dog, practicing good dental care is even more important. Daily tooth brushing or daily use of an enzyme toothpaste plus regular cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. Starting early and maintaining good dental care throughout your dog’s life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Although this dog is small, they tend to sit in a low to moderate activity range. They will have bursts of energy when they play, but will tend to tire out quickly. Daily walks plus plenty of playtime are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Since they love being around you, they will likely be up for more activity if it means spending time with you. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overexerting themselves too much or overheating in trying to keep up with you.