The Shih-Poo, also known as the Shoodle or Poo-Shi, is a popular designer dog breed that is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. These adorable little dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their small size, friendly personalities, and hypoallergenic coats. However, one of the main concerns for potential owners is the cost of owning a Shih-Poo. In this blog post, we will discuss the average cost of a Shih-Poo, including the cost of purchasing a puppy, ongoing expenses such as food and veterinary care, and any additional costs you may encounter.
The cost of purchasing a Shih-Poo puppy varies depending on the location, breeder, and quality of the puppy. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for a Shih-Poo puppy. However, it’s not uncommon to find puppies priced as high as $2,500 or more. You should be prepared to pay more if you’re looking for a high-quality puppy with excellent bloodlines, or if the puppy has been trained or socialized.
When purchasing a Shih-Poo puppy, it’s important to remember that the price is not the only factor to consider. It’s important to thoroughly research the breeder and the puppy’s parents to ensure that they have been well-cared for and have no health issues. You should also visit the breeder’s facility and meet the puppy’s parents to get a sense of their temperament and health.
Once you bring your Shih-Poo puppy home, there are ongoing expenses that you will need to consider. The most significant ongoing expense is food. Shih-Poos are small dogs, so they don’t eat very much, but you should still be prepared to spend around $30 to $50 per month on high-quality dog food.
Another important ongoing expense is veterinary care. Shih-Poos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, such as dental problems and ear infections. You should budget for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. On average, you can expect to spend around $400 to $600 per year on veterinary care for your Shih-Poo.
Additionally, you will need to budget for other expenses such as grooming, training, and toys. Grooming is especially important for Shih-Poos, as their long, fluffy coats can become matted and tangled if not properly cared for. You should expect to spend around $50 to $100 per month on grooming, depending on how often you take your dog to a professional groomer. Training is also important, as Shih-Poos can be stubborn and may require some extra patience and training to ensure they behave well and are well-trained. Training classes can cost around $100 to $200 per session. And toys, treats, and other accessories will be necessary to keep your Shih-Poo happy and entertained, which can run around $50 to $100 per month.
In summary, the Shih-Poo is a popular designer dog breed known for its small size, friendly personality, and hypoallergenic coat. However, owning one of these adorable dogs comes with a cost. The average cost of purchasing a Shih-Poo puppy ranges from $800 to $1,500, but can be as high as $2,500 or more for a high-quality puppy with excellent bloodlines. Ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, grooming, and training can add up to several hundred dollars per year. It’s important to thoroughly research the breeder and the puppy’s parents, budget accordingly and be prepared for the costs before bringing a Shih-Poo home.
