About Mari-May Shih-poos (pronounced she-poos)
Visit our HOME PAGE to see listings of available aups.
The following pictures are examples of our past Shihpoo pups, they are not for sale.
What is a Shihpoo?
The Shihpoo is a mixed breed dog, generally a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Shih-tzu.
The Shihpoo coat is always delightfully soft and can be either straight or a bit curly
(though never quite as curly as a Toy Poodle).
Shihpoos can be any color, including black, black and white, gold and white, gold and black, brindle.
Temperament
Mari May Shihpoo dogs are very intelligent, warm natured, extremely loving, affectionate and easy to train. Their parents are non-terrier types which gives the Shihpoo a gentle, self-content, non nervous personality. They love people (especially children!)
and are happy and easy going.
Mari May Shihpoos make excellent lap dogs. Delightful, very amusing and extremely clever, our Shihpoos are energetic, affectionate, playful and alert.
Shihpoos make great companions and family pets.
A Shihpoo dog is usually a
cross between a Shihtzu
and a Toy Poodle.
The best way to determine the temperament of a Shihpoo is to look up both breeds and know that you can have a mix
of any of the characteristics or traits.
Height and Weight
This widely depends on the size of the parents, and even grandparents.
Mari-May
Shih-poos are the result of the careful
selection of both parents after a complete evaluation of health and temperament.
Our Shih-poo parents are always small usually between 6 and 8 pounds.
Our pups can range anywhere between 6 and 13 pounds and we do occasionally have very tiny
tea-cup and Imperial sizes, under 6 pounds.
Health Concerns
Unknown as no research as been preformed on this mix, however mix breeds tend to be healthier than pure
breeds,
as the breeding lines are wider spread and there is limited opportunity for inbreeding. At Mari-May Kennels, there
are no inbreeding practices. Our extensive experience indicates that
Shih-poos (in our breeding lines) are vigorous in health and long lived.
Exercise
Shih-poos enjoy a daily walk, and love play sessions off the leash.
Life Expectancy
About 15 years or more. A natural, whole foods diet greatly extends the life of a Shih-poo.
Grooming
Shih-poos should be brushed weekly and clipped every 6 to 12 weeks.
Keep theiur nails trimmed. Trim hair around bottom and eyes as needed.
Shih-poos do not shed and they make a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Group
Companion
The Mari-May Difference
Mari-May Shih-poo puppies are the result of a very careful breeding program
that considers not only the
outstanding
health of both parents but their exceptional personalities as well. This helps ensure that our Shih-poo pups are gentle,
extremely social, sound minded and non agressive - wonderful family dogs in every way!
Mari-May puppies are raised in an educationally enriching
environment.
Our
weaning process
is carefully planned to minimize separation anxiety.
We firmly believe in the positive benefits
of constant association between mothers and pups and wean much later than most dog breeders.
All pups are weaned onto an exceptionally
excellent diet of
natural whole foods to give them the most healthy start possible.
We believe in the careful socialization
of each Shih-poo pup.
Our special environmentally controled nursery features
many extras including classical music!
Mari-May Shih-poo pups are started in our special early Puppy-Kindergarten program before they
leave for their new homes. Early training includes collar and leash conditioning, crate training, introduction to other types
of animals including cats and much, much more.
The Mari-May Code of Ethics is a very high standard which encompasses our entire breeding program and the dogs and puppies we sell. We believe in the integrity of
the work we do and know that our ethical commitment is important to our customers, our dogs and our pups.
Telephone interview and
Puppy Application Information
Mari-May Kennels Home Page