Health Guide
Shih-Poo Health Problems & Prevention
Common health issues, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your Shih-Poo healthy.
Life Expectancy
10-17 years
Common health problems in the Shih-Poo
Condition % of breed affected
Hip Dysplasia21.7% in parent breed Shih Tzu (OFA) and 12.2% across Poodles (OFA)
Patellar Luxation6.0% in parent breed Poodle and 2.1% in parent breed Shih Tzu (OFA)
Distichiasis12.2% in parent breed Shih Tzu (OFA)
Periodontal Disease9.5% in parent breed Shih Tzu (VetCompass)
Risk profile
- Cruciate ligament tear
- Vet costs over a lifetime
- High
- Cancer
- Heart
- Medium
- Neurological
Protruding eyes are vulnerable to corneal lacerations and abrasions. Jumping from furniture causes patellar and disc strain.
Health tests to ask a breeder for
A responsible Shih-Poo breeder can show results for these tests for both parents.
- OFA Patella Evaluation
- OFA / PennHIP Hip Evaluation
- OFA / CERF Eye Examination (Annual)
- DNA Testing for PRCD-PRA (Poodle marker)
- Von Willebrand Disease Type I DNA Panel
- Periodic Cardiac Auscultation
- Bi-annual Professional Dental Exams
A Shih-Poo getting older
Senior from about 10 years. Average lifespan: 10-17 years.
- Lenticular nuclear sclerosis progressing to senile cataracts
- Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD)
- Osteoarthritis secondary to chronic patellar luxation
- Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (pacing, night-waking, house-soiling)
- Loss of teeth
Provide heated orthopedic memory foam beds, raised water stations, and palliative pain management for arthritic joints.