
The Shihmo is a unique and lovable breed, resulting from the cross between a Shih Tzu and an American Eskimo Dog. They're a relatively new hybrid breed, making them a great option for those who want a loyal and affectionate companion.
One of the standout features of the Shihmo is their small size, typically weighing between 9-18 pounds and standing between 8-12 inches tall. This makes them a perfect fit for apartment living or for families with small children.
The Shihmo's coat is another defining characteristic, with a thick double layer that sheds minimally and requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gray, and tan.
As a hybrid breed, the Shihmo can inherit the best traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a friendly, outgoing, and intelligent companion.
Shihmo Breed
The Shihmo breed is a delightful companion, obtained from a cross between an American Eskimo and a Shih Tzu. It's been a popular mix for the last 20 years.
The Shihmo is relatively small, standing 12 to 18 inches tall and weighing 12 to 20 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller than males.
This hybrid has long, silky fur that comes in shades of cream and tan. He loves to be cuddled and having ample amounts of attention lavished on him.
The Shihmo is an excellent combination of its two parent breeds, inheriting the laid-back nature of the Shih Tzu and the playful energy of the American Eskimo. He loves to be cuddled on a warm lap but is always ready for a fun walk and a bit of playtime.
The Shihmo excels as a child's companion due to his desire to play and his adaptability to indoor play. He will benefit from a daily hour-long walk but is happy to play indoors if his owner doesn't feel like walking.
The Shihmo bonds closely with his owner, making an exceptionally loving companion. He is ideal for anyone with other pets because he gets along well with dogs or cats.
The Shihmo is a very happy dog who is always willing to please his owner, but he can be protective and may bark when a stranger approaches. He is not an excessive barker like some small dogs.
Core Characteristics
The Shih Tzu American Eskimo mix, affectionately known as the Shih-Mo, is a wonderful companion dog. This breed is a good fit for families, couples, or individuals due to its friendly and playful nature.
One of the standout characteristics of the Shih-Mo is its adaptability. It can thrive in both apartments and houses as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation.
The Shih-Mo is likely to exhibit some positive character traits of both parent breeds. These traits include:
- Friendliness and kindness
- Adaptability and playfulness
- Loyalty and devotion
- Intelligence and willingness to learn
With its friendly and playful nature, the Shih-Mo makes a great companion for children and other pets. It's a loyal and devoted companion that will bring joy and love into your life.
Care and Maintenance
The Shih Tzu American Eskimo mix is a low-shedding breed, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
This breed needs daily brushing to keep their coat in top condition, with a focus on the areas where matting is most likely to occur.

Their small size means they don't require a lot of space, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
A daily walk and playtime should be enough to keep them entertained and exercised, but they may need more activity if they're not getting enough mental stimulation.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions, but they can be wary of strangers and may need time to warm up to new people.
Socialization from an early age is key to helping them become confident and calm in new situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crossbreed for Shih Tzu?
There is no single "best" crossbreed for Shih Tzu, as the suitability of a crossbreed depends on individual preferences and needs, but popular options include the Shih-Poo and ShiChi. Consider researching each crossbreed to find the one that best fits your lifestyle and expectations.
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