Shih Apso (Lhasa Apso & Shih Tzu Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pics, Care & More!

Shih Apsos: The Ultimate Companion Dog

Are you looking for a loyal, loving canine companion that will stick by your side through thick and thin? Look no further than the adorable Shih Apso! This hybrid breed combines two ancient Tibetan lap dogs, the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso, into the ultimate package of fluff, affection, and personality.

I‘ve had the pleasure of working with many Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and of course, Shih Apsos in my veterinary practice over the years. Time and again, I‘m struck by the deep bond these little lion dogs form with their favorite humans. They may be small in stature, but Shih Apsos have huge hearts overflowing with love and devotion for their families.

If you‘re considering adding a Shih Apso to your life, here‘s everything you need to know about these charming, adaptable pups:

Breed History

Both the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso originated centuries ago in Tibet, where they served as companions to nobility and monks. Shih Tzus, whose name means "little lion," were prized by Chinese royalty as far back as the 7th century. Similarly, Lhasa Apsos, named for the holy city of Lhasa, were considered sacred talismans of good fortune.

Starting in the early 20th century, these two ancient breeds captured hearts in the West as well. Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are now popular companion dogs around the world. Inevitably, some intermixing of the two similar breeds has occurred over the years, leading to the emergence of the Shih Apso hybrid.

Appearance

Picture a miniature version of a Tibetan lion, and you‘ve got a pretty good idea what a Shih Apso looks like. Shih Apsos may lean more toward their Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso lineage in appearance, but in general, they are small, sturdy dogs with round heads, short muzzles, and big, expressive eyes.

Their most notable feature is no doubt that long, silky double coat, which often falls all the way to the ground. Shih Apsos come in a range of colors including black, white, gold, red, brown and combinations thereof. A full-grown Shih Apso typically stands 9-12 inches tall and weighs between 12-28 pounds.

Temperament

Shih Apsos are happy-go-lucky dogs that love nothing more than spending time with their favorite people. They form incredibly strong attachments to their owners and always want to be close by – there‘s a reason they‘ve earned the nickname "velcro dogs"!

While intensely devoted to family, Shih Apsos tend to be more aloof with strangers. That wariness combined with their innate watchdog instincts can make them rather barky when someone new comes around. Proper socialization from puppyhood can help them learn to greet guests graciously.

The Shih Apso‘s gentle, friendly nature makes them a good fit for households with older children who will handle them respectfully. They usually get along well with other dogs and cats too, especially if raised with them. These adaptable little dogs thrive equally in big homes with yards as they do in small city apartments.

Exercise

For such a small breed, Shih Apsos have a surprisingly high energy level and zest for life. While they don‘t require hours of vigorous exercise, they do need at least 30-60 minutes of moderate activity each day. A couple brisk walks around the neighborhood plus some indoor playtime is usually sufficient to keep a Shih Apso happy and healthy.

These playful pups enjoy romping with their canine pals, chasing balls, and going on adventures with their owners. Many Shih Apsos also excel at dog sports like rally, agility and even trick training. Puzzle toys and games are another great way to engage their bright minds.

Grooming

There‘s no getting around it: Shih Apsos require a lot of grooming to maintain those fabulous flowing locks. Daily brushing is a must to prevent painful mats and tangles. Many owners opt to keep their Shih Apso in a "puppy cut" which is a shorter all-over trim that‘s easier to manage.

Even with regular brushing at home, Shih Apsos need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. They also require frequent baths to keep that coat pristine. Nail trims, dental care and cleaning tear stains from around the eyes are other important grooming tasks.

If you can‘t commit to caring for a high-maintenance coat, the Shih Apso probably isn‘t the breed for you. But if you don‘t mind regular grooming sessions, it‘s a small price to pay for such a wonderful companion.

Health

Shih Apsos are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. However, like their parent breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues including:

• Brachycephalic syndrome: Many Shih Apsos inherit the flat faces of their Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso ancestors. While adorable, those smushed faces can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during exercise.

• Eye problems: Shih Apsos‘ bulging eyes are susceptible to issues like corneal ulcers, dry eye, and eyelash/eyelid disorders. Regular eye exams and daily cleaning can help prevent problems.

• Patellar luxation: Small breeds like Shih Apsos are prone to this condition where the kneecap slips out of place. Severe cases may require surgery.

• Allergies: Both Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos can suffer from allergies. If your Shih Apso is itchy or has recurrent ear or skin infections, talk to your vet.

• Dental disease: Shih Apsos‘ small mouths are notorious for crowding, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Brushing your dog‘s teeth daily and scheduling professional cleanings can keep that smile sparkling.

The best way to ensure your Shih Apso lives a long, healthy life is to purchase from a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs. Keep your pup at a healthy weight, stay up-to-date on preventative care, and see your vet at the first sign of a problem.

Training

Shih Apsos are smart cookies that pick up new commands quickly – when properly motivated, that is. Like their Lhasa Apso relatives, Shih Apsos can have an independent (some might say stubborn) streak. They respond best to positive reinforcement with plenty of yummy treats and praise.

Start training your Shih Apso puppy as soon as you bring them home. Socialization is key for this watchful breed, so introduce them to new people, places, and experiences. Potty training can be a challenge for toy breeds, but consistency and patience pay off.

Teaching your Shih Apso good leash manners from an early age is also important, as they can be pullers. If your Shih Apso‘s barking becomes excessive, "quiet" and "speak" commands can help bring the volume down. Just remember to never punish a Shih Apso for barking, as that can make them fearful.

With their people-pleasing personalities, Shih Apsos often excel at advanced training. Trick training, therapy dog work, and even scent work are great ways to harness their intelligence. Joining a fun group class can be a fantastic way to bond with your Shih Apso while building their confidence.

Feeding

Despite their small size, Shih Apsos have hearty appetites and can be prone to obesity if overfed. Offer a high-quality dry or wet food formulated for small breeds and follow the manufacturer‘s guidelines for serving sizes. Avoid foods with lots of fillers like corn and wheat which can trigger allergies in some dogs.

Most Shih Apsos do well with two meals a day. It can help to use puzzle feeders or snuffle mats to slow them down and engage their foraging instincts. Of course, treats can be a great motivator during training but should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

Some Shih Apsos can suffer from skin and coat issues related to food sensitivities. If your pup is itchy, gassy or has chronic diarrhea, it‘s worth talking to your vet about a diet trial. A grain-free, limited-ingredient, or novel protein food may resolve the problems.

Finding Your Shih Apso

So you‘ve decided a Shih Apso is the ideal companion for you – congratulations! Your next step is finding your new furry family member. You can look for a Shih Apso through a reputable breeder or rescue organization.

A good breeder will screen their dogs for genetic health conditions, provide health clearances, and allow you to meet the parent dogs. Expect to be screened yourself – ethical breeders want to ensure their pups are going to responsible forever homes. Prepare to be put on a waitlist and to pay $1000+ for a well-bred Shih Apso puppy.

If you‘d prefer to adopt, search for breed-specific Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Shih Apso rescue groups as well as all-breed rescues in your area. Let them know you‘re looking for a Shih Apso or similar small fluffy dog. Adoptable Shih Apsos may be owner surrenders or from puppy mills, so ensure any known health or behavior issues can be managed.

Once you find your perfect Shih Apso match, get ready for a lifetime of love and laughter with your new best friend. These special little dogs have a knack for worming their way into your heart with their clownish antics and unwavering devotion. For the lucky humans who share their lives with a Shih Apso, every day brings joy, comfort, and countless priceless memories.