When you decide to adopt a Shih Poo puppy, you will need to prepare yourself in a variety of ways, from purchasing the proper food to understanding what to expect in terms of the dog's size.

Consulting a Shih Poo growth chart is one way to determine whether your puppy is developing normally, but it will also give you an indication of your dog's final size.

A growth chart, while based on averages, is a good approach to help you keep your puppy healthy.

Here's what else we've learned about Shih-Poo growth chart.

When Do Shih-Poo Stop Growing?

One of the first inquiries we've received is, “When will you know your Shih Poo puppy is completely grown?”

All dog breeds grow at different rates, so they will reach their full size at different times.

Shih Poos, being smaller canines, will achieve adulthood at an earlier age than large breed dogs.

A miniature or toy Shih Poo will reach maturity between the ages of 6 and 10 months. A typical Shih Poo can continue to develop until his first birthday.

However, there is a huge variance within the norm here, so your dog could be finished growing between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

What is the Standard Shih-Poo Size

Shih poos are little too tiny dogs, standing between eight to 18 inches at the withers and weighing between eight and 18 pounds. Their coat might be long, straight, and silky like a shih tzu's, short and curly like a poodle's, or anywhere in between.

Shih-Poo Weight Chart

here is the weight chart of a Shih-Poo:

Small Shih Poo	Standard Shih Poo
Weight	5 – 13 lbs	8 – 18 lbs
Height	6 – 10 inch	11 – 15 inch
Full Grown	6 – 10 months	8 – 12 months

Shih-Poo Growth Chart – What To Expect
Shih-Poo Weight Chart by Age

Shih-Poo Weight  1-2 weeks

Given the diminutive size of the Shih Poo breed, they are extremely petite when they are born, weighing only a few ounces. When they are born, they will have their eyes closed and will remain immobile.

By 2 weeks, they will be able to move around a little more but will still remain attached to their mothers. They will grow some weight in the first few weeks, but not a lot. They will remain little and dependent on their mothers' milk.

Shih-Poo Weight 3-12 weeks

Shih Poos grow rapidly between the ages of three and twelve weeks. To begin, they will typically wean off of their mother's milk around 6 weeks of age.

They will next go through a massive growth spurt between 10 and 12 weeks, during which they will gain a lot of weight. Their hunger will rise as well, but they acquire weight quickly, so don't overfeed them.

Shih-Poo Weight 4-9 months

Another significant growth change occurs between the ages of 4 and 9 months. They will not only attain sexual maturity but some puppies will be finished growing within this range.

Shih Poos are little dogs, thus they will reach their full height sooner than larger dogs.

However, your puppy may continue to grow after 9 months. Even if your puppy reaches his final height, he may still need to gain weight.

Shih-Poo Weight  10-12 months

You can be confident that Shih Poo puppies will be completely grown between the ages of 10 and 18 months.

They should have finished growing and been weaned off puppy food in favor of adult diets by now.

If you haven't already, you should have your puppy spayed or neutered at this age. They will be fully developed, and you will not have to wait any longer.

What is the Full GrownShih-Poo Weight?

Most weigh between eight and eighteen pounds and stand between eight and eighteen inches tall. The size of the Shih-Poo will vary in the same way as the size of the Poodle and Shih Tzu might vary between teacup, miniature, and standard.

How To Weigh Your Shih-Poo Puppy?

If you want to maintain track of your Shih-Poo's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.

To begin, you should be able to weigh your Shih-Poo at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.

To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weight represents your dog's weight.

If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.

Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Shih-Poo once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.

What Is A Shih-Poo’s Neck Size?

To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Shih-Poo's average neck circumference is between 23 and 27 inches.

How Big Do Shih-Poos Get?

When trying to figure out how big your Shih Poo puppy will grow, the first place to look is a Shih Poo size chart.

However, it is not the only method you may use to estimate how big your puppy will grow to be.

If you can have a peek at the puppy's parents, you'll have a better sense of how big your puppy will be, as your dog is likely to be a similar size.

Paws are another sign because dogs must grow into their paws, but Shih Poos are so little that this is not a good way to tell.

The final tip for determining your dog's size is to utilize a DNA test.

These are blood or saliva tests that hunt for signals in your dog's genetic history to establish his past.

Factors That Affect Shih-Poo Puppy Growth 

Genetics

Genetics and gender are both important variables in determining the final weight of your Shih Poo puppy. Female dogs are generally smaller than male dogs, but the difference in Shih Poos is quite modest.

However, genetics play a larger role. Dogs tend to mirror their breeding, so if your puppy's parents are smaller, your puppy will most likely be smaller as well.

Because Shih Poos are a mixed breed, the mixture of the dogs will also influence the size.

Diet & Nutrition

All puppies require appropriate nourishment to grow healthily, but the question is whether nutrition influences growth. The solution is not so straightforward.

On the one hand, regardless of nutrition, puppies will normally develop to their predetermined size.

They can become obese or underweight if they are not adequately fed, which can lead to chronic health problems that affect their bones and longevity, as well as their ability to stand upright.

Physical Activity & Health

It is critical to keep your dog physically active in order to improve their quality of life and prolong their longevity, but it should not have an effect on their growth.

Overweight, under-exercised dogs, on the other hand, will have too much weight placed on their joints, which can lead to growth difficulties. It is critical to keep up with your dog's vet checkups and vaccines. This will promote healthy growth in your dog.

Will neutering/spaying my Shih Poo have an impact on his growth?

When it comes to puppies, the typical procedure is to spay or neuter them as they approach maturity, preventing them from reaching full development.

However, in recent years, it has been found that waiting to have your dog repaired may be a good option.

The argument behind doing it early is that you will avoid unwanted dog pregnancy, and some types of cancer, and your dog will not run away.

When a dog strays, especially one as small as a Shih Poo, it runs the risk of being attacked by predators or being hit by a car.

It was discovered that delaying having your dog repaired can help prevent joint problems in large breed dogs.

Shih Poos are not huge breeds and mature at a young age, thus this rule does not apply to them.

Common Questions about Shih-Poo

At What Age Is A Shih-Poo Fully Grown?

If you got your Shih Poo puppy when he or she was 8 weeks old, this small 3-pound fur ball of sweetness seemed so frail that you wondered if he or she would ever grow into a solid, powerful adult. Keep your dog's bones handy since the growth surge is about to begin.

While large dogs may not reach full maturity until they are nearly two years old, toy dogs (like your Shih Poo) are usually finished maturing by their first birthday. They grow especially swiftly between the ages of two and six months (the Puppy Stage). This Shihpoo puppy growth chart will help you estimate where your puppy will finish in terms of weight. Expect him or her to weigh less as an adult if he or she starts off smaller (say, 5 pounds at 4 months).

How Long Are Shih-Poos Pregnant?

The typical Shih Tzu gestation duration is 63 days. This holds true for dogs of all sizes, from puppies to enormous breeds. It is conceivable for a dam to have a premature delivery, just like humans, or for labor to be induced if it does not occur spontaneously; however, this is uncommon.

How Many Puppies Do Shih-Poos Have?

They usually attain adulthood in less than a year. The price of a Shih Poo puppy varies depending on litter size and breeder; a typical Shih-Poo puppy might cost between $600 and $1,000 USD. Shih Tzus typically have 5 puppies every litter, whereas Miniature Poodles have three puppies per litter.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Shih-Poos?

While many designer cross breeds have improved their overall health, they may inherit health concerns from their parents. Having said that, Shih-Poos can live for an average of 16 years in relatively good condition.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Shih-Poo?

Shih-Poo puppies are typically valued between $500 and $1,000 by breeders, with higher prices conceivably dependent on parentage or other considerations. Other early expenses, like initial vet appointments and basic supplies, will cost an additional $500. You should budget $100 – $150 a month for continuing costs such as grooming, feeding, treats, and so on.

There will be an element of flexible supply spending, as with any dog or pet.

In other words, continuous costs are always present, but they may change, and there may be ways or periods when you can save money.

How To Help Your Shih-Poo Lose Weight If He Is Overweight 

As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash. 

Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.

Distinguish Begging from Hunger

Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal. 

If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. In this manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.

Restriction on treats and table scraps

Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small. 

As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement… and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact on the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.

Customize Your Dog's Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.

Conclusion on Shih-Poo Growth Chart

When adopting a dog of any breed, Shih Poos included, it is always critical to know what to expect.

A Shih Poo weight chart will help you understand how big your dog should be, how healthy his weight is, and how to see your dog's growth curve and whether he is remaining on it.

Shih Poos are a wonderful breed to adopt. They make ideal companions due to their compact and easily portable nature.

You will have a long and happy life together if you know what to expect from the breed before adopting.

Frequently Asked Questions: