How to Adopt a Shih-Poo in the United States | PetzLover

Where can you adopt a Shih-Poo?

Some breed rescues take crosses: Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota, for example, says it rehomes Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes. Many groups adopt only within their own region, so check where they place dogs before you apply. You can also browse Shih-Poos for adoption by location and save the search for alerts; owner-to-owner placements are covered in taking in a rehomed Shih-Poo.

Is an adopted Shih-Poo right for your home?

PetMD describes the Shih-Poo as smart, friendly and confident, a good choice for first-time owners and apartments, and friendly with family members of all ages and with other dogs and cats. It needs about 30 minutes of exercise a day and company; boredom can bring barking and chewing.

• Seniors often suit quiet homes and are usually house-trained, but budget for dental and eye care.
• Adults have a known size and coat, which matters with a cross that can weigh anywhere from about 9 to 16 pounds, according to MetLife.
• Young dogs may still need house training and practice at being handled for grooming.
• Hot homes without air conditioning need thought: VCA Animal Hospitals says short-nosed dogs with airway problems overheat easily, and a Shih-Poo may have the Shih Tzu's short face.

How does adopting a Shih-Poo work?

1. Search rescues, shelters and listings, and save searches for Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu mix and Poodle mix.
2. Message the rescue or poster about the dog's health, behavior and why it needs a home.
3. Fill in the application: household, landlord, work schedule, other pets, past dogs and your vet.
4. Expect a vet reference check and often a home visit, in person or by video.
5. Meet the dog with everyone in your household, and introduce your own dog on neutral ground.
6. Sign the adoption contract, which usually requires you to return the dog to the rescue if it does not work out, and pay the fee.

Some rescues add their own rules, for example no homes with very young children. The other side of the process is covered in how to list a Shih-Poo for adoption.

How much does it cost to adopt a Shih-Poo?

The American Kennel Club puts typical shelter adoption fees at $50 to $300, and MetLife Pet Insurance gives $50 to $200 for adopting a Shih-Poo from a shelter. Rescues set their own fees, sometimes higher for puppies and lower for seniors. Compare with buying a Shih-Poo puppy, where MetLife puts breeder prices at typically around $2,200 to $4,500 or more.

Ask what the fee covers. Paid separately, the AKC puts spay or neuter at $50 to $300 and a microchip at $25 to $50. Budget beyond the fee for a groomer every one to two months, which PetMD advises, and a dental cleaning if one is due.

What health checks does an adopted Shih-Poo need?

• Teeth. PetMD lists periodontal disease and recommends brushing at least three times a week; many rescued small dogs need a cleaning.
• Eyes. PetMD lists dry eye, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Animal Trust, a UK vet charity, notes that flat-faced dogs' shallow sockets make eye injuries more likely, so a red, squinting or bulging eye needs a vet the same day.
• Breathing. VCA says extra weight worsens short-nosed airway problems; ask your vet whether your dog's nostrils and palate are a concern.
• Kidneys. The AKC says Shih Tzu have an especially high incidence of renal dysplasia, so tell your vet if the dog drinks and urinates a lot.
• Knees and hips. PetMD lists slipping kneecaps, hip dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip problem of small dogs.
• Ears and coat. Long ear canals are prone to infection, and a matted coat may need a short clip to start fresh.

What should you expect in the first weeks after adopting a Shih-Poo?

Many shelters use a 3-3-3 guideline: about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn your routine and three months to feel at home.

• Use a harness and an ID tag from day one; VCA advises harnesses that do not tug at the neck for short-nosed dogs.
• Keep summer walks short and in cool hours, and never leave the dog in a parked car.
• Start short, gentle grooming sessions with treats, including wiping the eyes, where PetMD notes tear staining.
• Go back to house-training basics with praise and a regular schedule.
• See your vet in the first week or two and register the microchip in your name.

If problems continue, ask the rescue for help before anything else; most would rather advise than see a dog returned.