Schapso

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: October 15th, 2016

About Schapso

Weight

12-15 lb

Lifespan

12-15 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles, seniors, and families with children, living in a house or apartment, with or without a yard

Temperament

Friendly, loyal, affectionate, smart, social

Comparable Breeds

Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer

Height

10-14 inches

Schapso Basics

The Schapso is a little dog that has a friendly, loving, and loyal disposition. However, these dogs could require a bit of work when it comes to getting along with other animals, so even though you might fall in love with one of these pooches, you should consider all aspects of the breed’s personality first.

Check out the helpful information below to learn more about the Schapso hybrid breed and to find out if this dog could be the perfect addition to your family.

The Schapso is a cross between a purebred Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer.

Origin

The Schapso is a designer crossbreed whose origins aren’t entirely clear.

Pedigree

The Schapso is a cross between a purebred Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer.

Food / Diet

As a small dog, your Schapso will do well with about ½ cup to 1 cup daily of a high quality dry canine food. You can feed this amount over the course of two meals so that you don’t give it to your dog all at once. If you are also feeding your pooch a canned canine food, however, you should reduce the amount of dry food that you are providing in order to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Training

The Schapso is a breed that is moderately easy to train. These dogs are willing to please and smart, so you should find that, with consistent effort, your dog learns rather quickly. Beware, though, as these dogs can also be stubborn at times, so you will need to be firm yet positive and gentle in your approach. Use positive reinforcement with the incorporation of treats, rewards, and praise, and keep the training sessions engaging.

The Schapso is a little dog that has a friendly, loving, and loyal disposition.

Weight

A small-sized breed, the Schapso weighs between 12 and 15 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

When you bring a Schapso into your family, you will immediately realize what a friendly and loving dog this is. These smart canines are loyal, and they can be left alone at home while you are at work or running errands, as they don’t mind being solitary. However, don’t overdo it, as they can also become attached to you and clingy. You might find your dog following you all over the house just to be in your presence, so you don’t want to leave him alone for extended periods of time, especially if he is exhibiting this type of behavior.

These little canines are social and outgoing, and they really enjoy playing. However, they also like to break up their day between times of activity and times of rest, so you will often find your dog napping to re-energize himself.

Overall, Schapsos will adore their family, and they will also be charming towards new people they meet. If you have children, make sure that your dog is treated gently. And when it comes to other pets, be aware that the Schapso’s prey drive might kick in around smaller animals, and these dogs can also exhibit aggression towards other canines of the same gender, but socialization and supervision can help.

Common Health Problems

Like all other hybrid canine breeds, the Schapso might inherit some of the health problems that commonly affect its parent breeds. Nevertheless, there really is no way to determine what an individual dog’s long-term health will be, and some dogs never inherit any of these problems.

Knowing what diseases and conditions commonly affect the Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer, however, will help you catch signs sooner rather than later. These health problems include urinary stones, Von Willebrand’s disease, patellar luxation, eye ailments, myotonia congenita, allergies, kidney problems, sebaceous adenitis, and congenital megaesophagus.

Life Expectancy

The Schapso has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

This is considered a slightly active breed, so if you aren’t an active person, a Schapso could be a great fit. You can take your dog on walks each day, allow him to run around at the dog park or in your enclosed backyard, and give him toys to play with while he is indoors.

Schapsos are social and outgoing, and they really enjoy playing.

Recognized Clubs

The Schapso is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Because Schapsos feature a coat that can range from curly to wavy, and it can be wiry or soft, a moderate grooming routine will be required to keep the fur healthy and clean.

These dogs do shed a moderate amount as well, so brushing your dog regularly will help. If your dog’s coat is kept short, you can brush him two times a week, but if the coat is longer, you should brush it daily. Trimming the hair around the ears and eyes is also necessary.

Puppies

These little dogs will be tiny as puppies, so they should be handled with care, especially by children.

In addition to early training, early socialization will also benefit the Schapso. Expose your puppy to different people and animals so that he will grow up to be a happy, friendly, and confident adult.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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How Do I Make a DIY Nail Board for My Dog?

Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

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.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

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