Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Shih-Poo puppies
What is a Shih-Poo?
A Shih-Poo is a crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. They are known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats, making them excellent family companions.
How big do Shih-Poos get?
Shih-Poos typically weigh between 8-18 pounds and stand 8-15 inches tall, depending on whether they're bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Are Shih-Poos hypoallergenic?
Yes, Shih-Poos are considered hypoallergenic due to their Poodle heritage. They have hair instead of fur and shed very little, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
What is their temperament like?
Shih-Poos are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and playful. They're great with children and other pets, and they adapt well to various living situations.
How much exercise do they need?
Shih-Poos require moderate exercise. Daily walks and playtime are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They're adaptable to both apartment living and homes with yards.
What is your adoption process?
Our process includes an application, phone interview, and deposit to reserve your puppy. We'll guide you through each step and answer any questions you have along the way.
Do you offer health guarantees?
Yes, all our puppies come with a comprehensive health guarantee. They receive thorough veterinary checks, vaccinations, and deworming before going to their new homes.
What is included with my puppy?
Each puppy comes with registration papers, vaccination records, deworming history, microchip information, a starter bag of food, and a health guarantee.
How do you socialize your puppies?
Our puppies are raised in our home with daily interaction with adults, children, and other pets. We expose them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences to ensure they're well-adjusted.
Do you ship puppies?
Yes, we offer safe and comfortable shipping options across the United States through USDA-certified pet transport services. We ensure your puppy travels in climate-controlled comfort.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping typically costs between $400-$650, depending on your location. This includes the flight, health certificate, travel crate, and all transport fees.
Can I visit your facility?
We welcome scheduled visits for serious adopters. This allows you to meet our dogs and see how we raise our puppies in a clean, loving home environment.
What is the average lifespan of a Shih-Poo?
With proper care, Shih-Poos typically live between 12-15 years. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and exercise contribute to their longevity.
Are Shih-Poos easy to train?
Yes, Shih-Poos are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed.
How often do they need grooming?
Shih-Poos require regular grooming every 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting, and regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are also important.
Do you offer breeding rights?
Breeding rights are available for an additional fee and only to qualified homes. We carefully screen applicants to ensure our puppies go to responsible breeders.
What health testing do you perform?
Our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing for common breed-specific issues. Puppies receive veterinary exams, vaccinations, and deworming before adoption.
What food do you recommend?
We provide a starter bag of high-quality puppy food and detailed feeding instructions. We're happy to recommend brands that have worked well for our dogs.
Are Shih-Poos good with children?
Yes, Shih-Poos are generally excellent with children. Their friendly and patient nature makes them wonderful family pets. As with any dog, supervision with young children is recommended.
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, we maintain a waiting list for upcoming litters. A deposit secures your spot on the list and gives you priority when selecting your puppy.
What is your deposit policy?
We require a $500 deposit to reserve a puppy. This deposit is non-refundable but applicable toward the total purchase price. It secures your place in our waiting list.
Can I choose my specific puppy?
Yes, adopters on our waiting list get to choose their puppy in the order their deposit was received once the puppies are 5-6 weeks old.
How old are puppies when they go home?
Our puppies go to their new homes at 8-9 weeks of age, after they've been weaned, started basic training, and received appropriate vaccinations.
Do you offer support after adoption?
Absolutely! We provide lifetime support for all our puppies. We're always available to answer questions about training, health, or any concerns you may have.
What if I can no longer care for my puppy?
We have a lifetime return policy. If for any reason you can no longer care for your Shih-Poo, we require that you return them to us so we can find them a suitable new home.
Do Shih-Poos bark a lot?
Shih-Poos can be vocal but aren't excessive barkers. Proper training and socialization from a young age can help manage their barking behavior.
Are they prone to separation anxiety?
Like many companion breeds, Shih-Poos can develop separation anxiety if not properly trained. We recommend gradual alone-time training from puppyhood.
What colors do Shih-Poos come in?
Shih-Poos come in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, cream, silver, and combinations of these colors. Each puppy's coat is unique.
How often do you have litters available?
We typically have 3-4 litters per year. We recommend joining our waiting list or checking our website regularly for updates on upcoming litters.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, cashier's checks, and bank transfers. A deposit is required to reserve your puppy, with the balance due before pickup or shipping.
Still have questions?
We're here to help! Contact us for more information about our Shih-Poo puppies.
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