posted 08-12-2003 07:25 AM         

This is the dog my hubby & are are planning on getting soon. I think I've done as much research I can on the internet..there's not a lot out there on them!

I'd love to here from Shih-poo owners.. anything you can tell me about them based on your own experience.

-Do they make (relatively) good watch dogs?
-Are they easy to train?
-What have you noticed in their temperament? (I realize this is largely specific to your dog..but, it will be nice to get an idea)

I'm still thinking of questions but those few will get me started.

posted 08-12-2003 09:48 AM         

they train very easily when you train your pup make sure you have treats on hand.they learn fast and they are very smart

temperment- shihpoo's are submissive. mine just recently got rid of an attitude prob. but the attitude he had was my fault because i let him think he was boss and i gave him everything he wanted but after 2 days of him being shown he's not boss anymore he straitened out.they're good with kids i have 3 and he's wonderfull with them.

i bought max from a pet shop but you could check petfinder.com they usually have some poo mixes there.

here's a couple shihpoo websites
for info. on the shihpoo http://www.garafraxakennels.com/hybrid.html#shihpoo
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihpoo.htm
http://www.andrewweiner.com/gizmo/

posted 08-12-2003 09:51 AM         

to answer your questions
1) good watch dog, he barks when a stranger knocks on the door or enters without being introduced, I think that is what is requested of a small dog

2)training, from my experience if only one person trains them they are easily trained, but you must start them immediately....pottie training was simple, my dog did not want and will not do his business indoors (illness excluded).
3)temperment, my dog is as sweet as pie, curious as a mouse, quiet as a kitten, a true lap dog who loves people of all ages and kisses everyone.

I got my dog from a private owner whose dogs mated mistakenly . But I saw the pictures on some of the breeders website and he looks similar.

Enjoy them, if I ever get another dog I would stick with this type, I have had only the best experience. People think he is still a puppy and comment that he looks like a puppy and he is eight years old. he is starting to behave like an eight year old..ignoring puppies and not letting other dogs sniff his rear by dropping his butt, however, he is not and has never snapped at anyone for any other reason than them removing a half eaten bone from HIS kennel. He has never biten anyone or anything...and he was raised with an agressive cat and a hyper youth.