Shih-Mo Information & Dog Breed Facts

If you choose to purchase the Shih-Mo, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shih-Mo for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shih-Mo gets to a happy place.

Very frequent: The Shih-Mo is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Shih-Mo obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Shih-Mo ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Shih-Mo dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.

Shih-Mo dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Shih-Mo dogs will alert you if they sense something different.

Shih-Mo dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Shih-Mo dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

High: Shih-Mo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.

Shih-Mo dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

Shih-Mo dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.

Shih-Mo dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Shih-Mo dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

A lot: Shih-Mo is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

The Shih-Mo is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.

Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Mo breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Shih-Mo dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.

Shih-Mo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

The Shih-Mo has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)

Shih-Mo dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shih-Mo dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Shih-Mo bite force: Weak. The Shih-Mo bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Shih-Mo measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Shih-Mo may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Shih-Mo being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Shih-Mo bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Shih-Mo puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Shih-Mo can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

The average lifespan of Shih-Mo: 13 years

Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

The Shih-Mo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.

The Shih-Mo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Shih-Mo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.

Shih-Mo dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.

Shih-Mo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Mo's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shih-Mo weight regularly.

Shih-Mo dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.

Advanced: The Shih-Mo requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Shih-Mo a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Shih-Mo, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

The Shih-Mo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Shih-Mo could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Shih-Mo.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

The Shih-Mo has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.

Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shih-Mo dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Shih-Mo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.

Shih-Mo dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.

Shih-Mo dogs are average friendly towards strangers.

Shih-Mo dogs are cat-friendly dogs.

Shih-Mo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Shih-Mo can be a great choice.

Shih-Mo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.

Shih-Mo is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Shih-Mos are commonly okay with elderly people.

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shih-Mo is not the best breed for service purposes.

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shih-Mo is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shih-Mo is not the best breed for detection purposes.

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Shih-Mo is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Shih-Mo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shih-Mo is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Reproductive cycle of the female Shih-Mo: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.