The Shih Poo breed is gaining popularity due to its playful and loving personality. These little pups are adaptable and can thrive in a big house or a small apartment. But Shih Poo price may concern many potential pet parents.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Shih Poo, including what you can expect to pay if you’re going to add one to your family. Keep reading to find out more!
Before scrolling down this guide, “Shih Poo Price Guide: What To Expect From a Breeder,” check out: Best Dog Food for a Shih Poo – Top Picks and When Is a Shih Poo Full-Grown?.
How Much Do Shih Poos Cost?
The typical price range for a Shih Poo puppy from a competent breeder is between $1000 to $4500. However, the price can vary depending on the breeder.
Getting a Shih Poo also involves upfront costs, such as the initial veterinarian appointment and supplies. The total price tag for these extras should be around $500, depending on your area’s cost of living.
Here are some additional things that could have an impact on your Shih Poo puppy’s price.
Breeding Expenses
A puppy breeder’s goal is to generate a profit. A reputable dog breeder will meticulously keep tabs on how much they’ve spent on every dog, from food and medical visits to supplies.
If need be, a breeder should be able to produce a copy of the relevant paperwork listing all their costs. To keep the cost of their puppies down, some breeders may choose to provide vaccines and perform other routine veterinary care in their own homes without the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Sometimes breeders will offer additional services, such as screening for common diseases, provision of specific diets, and other obligations that are traditionally a breeder’s role. Breeders will factor in all of these additions when setting a price for their pups.
Breeder’s Competence
As can be expected, a popular or highly-demanded breeder known for producing beautiful dogs may ask for a premium price. Reputable breeders usually have happy, satisfied customers willing to provide recommendations. They’re also more knowledgeable in giving accurate predictions of how your pup will grow into an adult dog throughout its lifetime.
Whereas a Shih Poo price from a seasoned breeder might be higher, it’s frequently worthwhile to spend a little more to ensure that you obtain a pup from a person with credibility and expertise in raising healthy dogs.
You should also avoid buying a puppy from a breeder charging more than $1,000 if they can’t provide referrals or documentation regarding a dog’s health and lineage. If you have any doubts regarding the price of a dog, it’s in your best interest to ask detailed questions before committing.
A responsible breeder will be more than willing to tell you about their dogs and discuss the factors that determine their prices.
A Puppy’s Lineage
Since Shih Poos are a cross between two different breeds, they lack the breed registries and documented ancestry of purebred dogs. Because of this, having healthy parents will impact your puppy’s life expectancy and overall price tag. A Shih Poo puppy with registered breeder parents will cost more than one without.
Although having registered parentage is not necessary to have a healthy puppy, it does provide valuable background information that can inform health decisions throughout the puppy’s life. Similarly, you should anticipate paying more for a puppy whose parents have special recognition or training.
If a Shih Poo doesn’t have a documented parentage, you should ask about its parents’ health and the health of any previous litters.
Location
Shih Poo price varies from place to place, and you should expect the price to naturally increase if you live somewhere where the costs of veterinary care and pet food are higher. Furthermore, it will cost you more to own a dog in areas with a high demand for Shih Poos but few breeders.
If you live close to one or more breeders, you might get your puppy for a lower price because of the potential for competition between the breeders. It’s also less expensive because you can pick your dog up in person.
If a breeder doesn’t have to spend above-average to raise their puppies, the price they charge is more likely to be in line with the market standard.
If your breeder needs to travel to deliver a dog, they may charge up to $350 for a maximum of 300 miles away meet-up. That’s especially important to consider if there are no Shih Poo breeders where you live or if you want to work with a breeder who’s far away.
You shouldn’t feel you have to get a dog from the first breeder you contact. Instead, establish contact with other breeders in your region, ask questions, and be honest about how much you can afford to spend upfront.
Are Shih Poos Expensive?
The Shih Poo can be expensive because it’s a designer breed. They’re also high in demand because of how popular they are among families.
If you’re looking to bring in a Shih Poo puppy when it’s only eight weeks old, you can anticipate spending more. In contrast, you could save hundreds if you’re willing to adopt a Shih Poo from a rescue or purchase one between one to two years old.
Locating a Shih Poo in need of rescue, be it a puppy or an older dog, will be the most challenging task you face. There are numerous benefits to welcoming an adult Shih Poo into your home.
If you’re lucky, you may find a Shih Poo that doesn’t require too much training. Training classes for a puppy can range from a hundred bucks to a thousand! Furthermore, most adult animals in shelters undergo spaying and neutering, saving you hundreds of dollars in veterinary costs.
Shih Poo Costs
Once you cover the initial costs of a Shih Poo, you’ll still have ongoing maintenance that can range from $100 to $200 each month.
It’s also a good idea to put away $25 to $50 per month for unforeseen expenses. That savings will help in the case of emergency medical care or veterinary treatment should your dog ever require it. You can also get pet insurance if you’re concerned about high veterinary costs for your pup.
How Much Does Shih Poo Pet Insurance Cost?
Most Shih Poo owners pay around $40 monthly for pet insurance. However, your dog’s insurance may cost less depending on the state you live in and the plan you choose. It’s advisable to select an insurance plan that allows emergency treatments from reputable specialists.
Are Shih Poos Rare?
Shih Poos are somewhat rare, as they are second-generation dogs. It’s easier to find white Shih Poos than black ones.
Can I Afford To Care for a Shih Poo?
It’s not difficult to care for a Shih Poo. They eat less compared to other types of dogs and require relatively less exercise. Still, Shih Poos do need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and clean.
You should also consult a veterinarian for advice on your dog’s dietary requirements. Shih Poo puppies typically require protein-rich diets and treatment to regulate blood sugar.
Other expenses you must consider before purchasing a Shih Poo dog include:
- Hair cuts
- Buying toys
- Veterinary care
- Food
Where Can I Buy a Shih Poo Puppy?
There are a few different places where one can buy a Shih Poo puppy, and each option has its advantages and considerations.
Breeders
One of the best places to find a Shih Poo pup is at a professional breeder. Before committing to a breeder, inquire about the puppy’s history, request testimonials from satisfied clients, and meet the parents or breeder in person. Don’t allow an impatient breeder to rush you as you conduct your due diligence.
Sadly, some breeders tend to go overboard to maximize profits and end up with an excess of what they can comfortably manage. Other Shih Poo breeders will compromise the quality of their breeding to increase productivity.
Remember that a reputable breeder will be eager to show off their puppies, transparent about their processes, and willing to answer any and all of your questions.
Adoption Centers
As with other types of dogs, Shih Poos end up at rescue facilities when their owners can no longer take care of them.
If you would be happier with a more experienced dog and you don’t live near a breeder, a rescue organization is a fantastic place to start looking. Keep in mind that it might be difficult to find a Shih Poo at a rescue since they are typically a highly popular designer breed.
Pet Stores
You might find a Shih Poo puppy at one of the local pet stores in your area. However, it’s crucial to note that most stores are expensive and might not be very knowledgeable about the breeding or their pups’ lineage.
It’s also important to be cautious when purchasing a puppy from a pet store. Pet stores offer little assurance regarding their health or help should they get unwell after the acquisition. They also often source their puppies from unethical puppy mills.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average Shih Poo from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere between $1000 and $4500.
The Shih Poo requires regular grooming maintenance to keep its coat healthy and knot-free. Shih Poos also require regular exercise, such as a daily walk, and a healthy diet.
Shih Poos are fantastic family dogs that can live for an entire generation! A healthy Shih Poo will live anywhere between 13 and 17 years.
Shih Poo Price Guide: Decide When to Buy
Shih Poos are hypoallergenic and make great companion dogs. They’re friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. While it’s true that buying and caring for a Shih Poo may cost you a lot upfront, any dog lover will tell you that the joy their four-legged companion brings them transcends money.
When you save up for a new Shih Poo and make a well-thought-out plan, you and your canine friend will have a long and happy life together. We hope our guide on Shih Poo price helps you decide when to get your new pet!
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Before you decide to purchase a Shih Poo puppy, you can learn more by watching “Shih Poo | Poodle – Shih Tzu Mix” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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