Poo-Shi

by Mary Simpson

Published: September 27th, 2017

About Poo-Shi

Weight

13-20 lb

Height

8-13 inches

Lifespan

12-15 years

Best Suited For

first time dog owners, those seeking a low shedding dog, families with kids and other pets, those wanting a moderately active dog

Temperament

affectionate, friendly, loyal, alert

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Shiba Inu

Group

not applicable

Poo-Shi Basics

The Poo-Shi is a great family dog who brings the low-shed qualities of a Miniature Poodle together with the confident spirit of the Shiba Inu to create an affectionate, easy-to-care for companion dog that will bond closely with his owner. His moderately active nature makes him a great choice for singles or seniors who may not have the time or energy for marathon walks while his alert nature makes him quick to bark at strangers – so while a great watchdog not necessarily a good fit for apartments.

The Poo-Shi brings the low-shed qualities of a Miniature Poodle together with the confident spirit of the Shiba Inu.

Origin

While the Poo-Shi likely originates from the 1980s when Designer dogs first became popular, his parent breeds go back much further. The Poodle dates back to the 1500’s and was used as a hunting dog in Germany while the Shiba Inu harkens from Japan where it was used for hunting small game and birds. Because many of these dogs died during the World War II bombings, breeding programs were set up to preserve the breed.

Pedigree

Your Poo-Shi is considered a cross-breed so doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC), though both parents were members. The Shiba Inu joined the “non-sporting” group back in 1992 and is described as “alert, active, and attentive” while the Poodle joined the “sporting group” back in 1887 and is pegged as being “very smart, proud and active”.

Food/Diet

Your Poo-Shi is considered a small- to medium-sized dog so requires a food that is specifically designed for his age, size and activity level. Because he may have a tendency to gain weight, is not known to be an overly active dog and may inherit a digestive disorder known as bloat from the Poodle side of the family, you should feed him 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day versus free feed. Food quality should be low in fillers that will cause him to over-eat and be geared to a less active dog.

The Poo-Shi thrives on human companionship and bonds quickly.

Training

Though Poo-Shi’s are highly intelligent and can be relatively easy to train, the Shiba Inu is known to have a stubborn streak and this trait may be passed along to your pooch. So patience will be required as well as a rewards-based approach with lots of praise and treats to keep him motivated and on track. Early socialization of this dog will help ensure he gets along well with kids, other animals and strangers right from the go-get.

Weight

Your Poo-Shi will weigh in at no more than 13 to 20 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

Your Poo-Shi is an affectionate cuddler who thrives on companionship and bonds quickly to his human pack. He can become destructive or barky if left for long periods and can be overly cautious around strangers. He gets along well with other pets when properly socialized but doesn’t always like to share toys so kids and other dogs need to be aware that grabbing is a no-no. His confident nature can make him a bit stubborn so while he is quick to learn commands, from time to time he may decide he doesn’t want to follow them.

Common Health Problems

Designer dogs will frequently side-step health issues that may plague their parent breeds however it’s important to know what your pooch could inherit. With the Poo-Shi, this could include Cushings, Addison’s disease, epilepsy, bloat and joint issues.

Life Expectancy

Your Poo-Shi has a lifespan of between 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Poo-Shi is not an overly active dog and because of his love of all things family, active playtime in the backyard or at a dog park might be the ideal way to get him moving. An above-average tendency to wander means an off-leash park may not be your best bet.

Your Poo-Shi is an affectionate cuddler who thrives on companionship and bonds quickly to his human pack.

Recognized Clubs

The Poo-Shi is also known as the Shiba-poo, Shibapoo and Shibadoodle. While not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), he is a member of the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Poo-Shi is a big dust-mop of a dog that is surprisingly low-maintenance. The hypo-allergenic properties of the Poodle make him a low shedding dog that requires his soft, curly coat be brushed 2-3 times per work and clipped or stripped from infrequently to keep him looking his best. Bathing can be done as needed however his face should be wiped daily to prevent tear staining. If you keep his hair longer it should be brushed daily to keep his coat tangle-and matt-free. Because he is a floppy eared dog, ear inspection and cleaning should be part of his weekly grooming ritual.

Puppies

Poo-Shi puppies come from two highly intelligent breeds and will be ready for training at a very young age. Because he comes from breeds that can experience joint issues, take it easy on walks and exercise that may over-exert his tiny bones and cause problems later in life. A tendency to become overweight means this little guy’s food intake needs to be monitored and doled out according to your vet’s instructions.

Photo credit: Sophie Scharnberg/Flickr; TobiT./FLickr

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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We answer the question: what are designer dogs? You’ve probably heard the term designer dog thrown around. Also known as hybrid dog breeds, these dogs are bred intentionally for certain desirable traits. These traits could be lifestyle, health or size related, but sometimes these crossings can be purely accidental. But there’s much more to this doggy phenomenon. So what are designer dogs and what makes them so desirable? For that answer, we’re going to have to dig a little big deeper. What Are Designer Dogs? Making their debut in the late 20th century, designer dogs are a first-generation cross of two different types of purebred dogs. Different hybrids take its name by combining elements of its two contributing breeds (that’s why you’ll see lots of poo and doodle names). The idea behind this type of breeding is to create a dog that would inherit desirable attributes from each of the parents. As well, breeders believe it helps reduce certain hereditary problems found in the purebred breeds, all while keeping the traits that makes them popular. It’s not uncommon for a litter of hybrid puppies to look totally different from one another, even though they will inherit characteristics from both of the parents. Even though their parents are purebred, these hybrids aren’t recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club. There are other clubs that recognize these new breeds, including the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR). Designer Dog Downfalls But even though these dogs aren’t purebred, it doesn’t mean they come cheap. Some people are willing to pay big bucks for these designer dogs. There is controversy surrounding these dogs – some people say they are just mutts, so you’re better off getting a dog from the shelter. And puppy mills have jumped on the trend, breeding hybrid dogs in poor conditions without regard for their welfare. If you’ve got your heart set on a designer dog, do your research. Just because a breeder has a website, it doesn’t necessarily make them a reputable breeder. Ask owners of designer dogs where they got their pups and get referrals. Go online and research these breeders. Don’t just take the breeder’s word that they are reputable – go to the breeder, meet the puppy’s parents, inspect the dogs’ living conditions and ask for referrals from owners who have purchased dogs from them in the past. Check with the clubs that recognize these hybrid dogs (listed above), as they often have a list of approved breeders. And never buy your designer dog from a dog store – many pet stores buy hybrid dogs from puppy mills. Why Choose a Designer Dog Fans and owners of designer dogs choose them for many reasons. Some claim that since they are a mix of purebred dogs, they are healthier and don’t inherit many of the problems associated with the breed. A popular aspect of many of these crossbred dogs is that they are hypoallergenic (especially those crossed with a poodle). Many designer dog breeds are crossed to reduce their size or correct other appearance characteristics that are believed to be unwelcome or unhealthy for the dog (like a squished snout). And some say that these dogs are extra friendly and make better family pets and therapy dogs. Popular Designer Dogs Here are just a few of popular designer dog breeds available: Puggle (Pictured above) Labradoodle Yorkie-Poo Cockapoo Maltipoo Shih-Poo Morkie Golden Doodle Pom-Chi Shorkie Zuchon Schnoodle Mal-Shi Peekapoo Are you a fan of designer dog breeds? Do you have a designer dog? Please share your comments, opinions and stories in the comment section below. We want to know why you agree or disagree on the topic of designer dogs.

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Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

New Study Reveals More About How Cats Purr

Pet parents love hearing their cats purr while in a relaxed and blissful state, and it’s believed that a kitty’s purr could be healing, too. But, no matter how long you’ve shared your home with felines, you might still wonder how your furry friend is able to make such a unique sound. New research now sheds some more light on how cats purr, so people can learn even more about their feline companions.

Scientists May Have Found a Better Way To Trim a Cat’s Nails

Trimming a cat’s nails is often a daunting affair for everyone involved. Most cats should have their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Failing to do so leaves you and your furniture at the mercy of your kitty’s sharp claws.Specially designed to be smaller, cat nail clippers or scissors are commonly used to trim a cat’s nails, but they can be difficult to handle, especially if your cat doesn’t want to cooperate or is anxious. Additionally, there’s always a risk that you’ll end up scratched, bitten, and bleeding.This is where science can come in handy! Researchers from the University of California, Davis, are working with Sacramento SPCA to make nail trimming less stressful for cats and their owners. Jennifer Link, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Davis, Animal Welfare Epi Lab, is working on a multistep protocol designed to desensitize the cats to handling and nail clipping. In mid-July, Link started to visit the Sacramento shelter five days a week for two hours to work on socializing rescued and surrendered cats to help them adjust to new people, situations, and environments. By the end of September, she had worked with more than 70 cats. “When people hear that I study cats, many ask if I can help them with nail trims,” said Link. According to Dan Marple, the animal welfare manager at the Sacramento Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this research is vital to staff, donors, and volunteers because it can reduce the stress caused by nail trimming.“Any new protocols that increase the comfort and safe handling of the cats in our care will also improve their overall well-being and adoptability,” he added. Link’s research is promising because it incorporates cooperative care. This means that cats are allowed to decide how much they want to interact with the handler during the training process. Depending on their willingness to participate, the cats go through one of three scenarios with Link: a handling-only training protocol, a handling and nail-trimming protocol, or a control with no training and only a nail trim. Each interaction is recorded to be analyzed later. On the days when Link visits the shelter, the cats are removed from their cages and brought to a quiet room where Link is waiting, with a mat laid out before her. If a cat puts their front paws on the mat, they are given treats and cuddles. The idea is for cats to learn that Link interacts with them only when they put their paws on the mat. Once the cat leans this, Link proceeds with training protocols. Slowly, Link touches the cat’s legs, then the paws, and then the paws are gently squeezed. If the cat doesn’t resist, one nail is trimmed. The protocol builds on past steps and works up. When a cat goes through all the steps, they get a nail trim. If a cat doesn’t place their paws on the mat or rejects any step, Link stops the handling.“I think with cooperative care, it does seem to almost improve their trust in me,” Link explained. “They are more comfortable if we let them decide.”This research could make nail trimming at home much more comfortable for the cats and their owners. It can also decrease the number of visits to veterinary hospitals and clinics, where owners often seek help trimming their cats’ nails. The researchers still need to analyze the video sessions to finalize the protocol. And if the protocol is deemed helpful, they will share it with other shelters for more data.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Signs a Dog Is in Pain

Don’t you wish your dog could talk to tell you how he feels? After all, it can be tough to figure out if your pet is experiencing discomfort. But if you learn more about your canine companion’s body language, you’ll be able to pick up on the signs your dog is in pain. Below are some of the things to watch out for.

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

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