How Much Does a Shih Poo Cost? 2024 Price Update

Pet ownership is not only about warmth, companionship, and general cuteness overload. It’s also a financial commitment. This article provides a comprehensive view of the costs of owning a Shih Poo, a loveable crossbreed of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle.

We’ll cover the one-time costs, monthly expenditures, and potential additional costs to help you make a well-informed decision. In general, you can pay as little as $50 or as much as $4,500 for a Shih Poo, depending on the source and pedigree, with monthly costs between $85 and $710.

Initial Costs to Bring Home a Shih Poo for the First Time

The initial costs of bringing a Shih Poo home can vary depending on factors like adoption, buying from a breeder, and initial setup and supplies.

Free

It’s rare, but occasionally, you might come across a Shih Poo that needs a new home due to various circumstances. In this case, the dog may be free. However, ensure the dog is healthy and doesn’t require immediate expensive medical care.

Adoption

Consider adopting your Shih Poo from a rescue group or shelter. Doing so is not only cost-effective but also a noble act. Adoption fees can range between $50 and $300, depending on the organization. This fee often includes initial veterinary care, such as vaccinations and neutering.

Breeder

If you want a puppy with a known health and behavioral history, you might opt to buy from a reputable breeder. Breeder costs for Shih Poos are typically higher, ranging from $2,200 to $4,500.

Initial Setup and Supplies

Setting up your home for your new furry friend comes with its own costs. From beddings, collars, food, and water bowls to microchips and vaccinations, the list can be extensive.

List of Supplies and Costs for Shih Poo Care

Monthly Shih Poo Cost: Item-by-Item Breakdown

Estimates suggest that Shih Poo’s monthly expenses can range from $85 to $710. These costs are associated with a variety of factors, from food and grooming to health care and entertainment. It’s also crucial to remember that maintenance costs can add up.

Health Care

Like all pets, Shih Poos require ongoing health care. Regular vet check-ups, vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, and dental care are all essential components of a pet’s health regimen.

Depending on the pet’s overall health and age, these costs can vary significantly. Additionally, costs might increase if your Shih Poo has specific health issues that require additional attention or medication.

Food

Your Shih Poo’s size, age, and activity level will determine its dietary needs. As a breed, Shih Poos generally require high-quality dog food for optimal health. It’s always best to consult your vet for diet recommendations that cater to your pet’s unique requirements.

Grooming

Shih Poos are known for their beautiful, fluffy, and curly coats, which require regular grooming. Monthly grooming routines may include bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Professional grooming services might be needed, especially if the coat grows long and thick, thereby increasing the cost.

Medications and Vet Visits

Shih Poo’s health status significantly impacts this cost category. Routine vet check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive medications are all part of the typical healthcare regimen. Depending on your Shih Poo’s health, additional treatments or medications may be necessary, which will add to the cost.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance offers a safety net against unexpected medical expenses. Depending on the coverage level, pet insurance costs can vary. However, in cases of emergencies or severe health issues, having pet insurance can greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Environment Maintenance

Creating and maintaining a healthy environment for your Shih Poo is crucial. Regular bedding cleaning, toy replacements, and poop bag purchases are part of this process. Here are some monthly estimates for these items:

Entertainment

Shih Poos are known for being playful and energetic. They need a variety of toys and activities for mental and physical stimulation. Depending on your choices, these costs can range from a few dollars for simple toys to a monthly subscription for a pet entertainment box.

Total Monthly Cost of Shih Poo Ownership

The total monthly cost of owning a Shih Poo can fluctuate based on the dog’s health, lifestyle, and any unexpected situations. This cost is the estimated total of the individual costs described above. It’s always best to plan for the higher end of the range to ensure you’re financially prepared for your Shih Poo’s needs.

Additional Costs to Factor In

When calculating the cost of owning a Shih Poo, it’s important to consider additional expenses that may not be part of the regular monthly budget but can still impact your finances.

Vacation Care

If you plan to travel without your pet, arranging care for your Shih Poo during your vacation is a necessity. Depending on the length of your trip and the care options available in your area, you might choose a pet sitter, a dog boarding facility, or even a pet-friendly hotel.

Costs for these services can range from $25 to $85 per day, making it an important factor to consider when planning your vacation budget.

Emergency Care

Unexpected health issues can arise, resulting in emergency vet visits or treatments. These can significantly inflate your pet care costs.

An emergency vet visit can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000, and surgeries or treatments can add hundreds or thousands more to that cost. This is where having pet insurance can help manage these unexpected expenses.

Behavioral Training

Like all dogs, Shih Poos can benefit from behavioral training, especially as puppies or when adapting to a new home. While some training can be done at home, professional dog training classes can provide more structured and effective training. Depending on the length and type of training, costs can range from $30 to $120 per session.

Household Damage

Shih Poos are playful and energetic, and like any dog, they might cause some household damage. This can include chewed furniture or shoes, scratched floors, or accidents on carpets.

It’s difficult to estimate these costs, as they greatly depend on the specific situation and the dog’s behavior. However, it’s something to keep in mind as a potential additional cost of pet ownership.

Adding up all these potential costs makes it clear that owning a Shih Poo, like any pet, is a significant financial commitment. However, with proper planning and budgeting, these costs can be managed, allowing you to fully enjoy the companionship and joy that a Shih Poo can bring to your home.

How to Own a Shih Poo on a Budget

Owning a Shih Poo can be managed even on a tight budget. Adoption is a less expensive option to bring one home. Prioritizing essential needs over luxury items, buying in bulk, and keeping up with preventive care to avoid hefty medical bills can also help reduce costs.

How to Save Money on Shih Poo Care

Opt for DIY grooming, make homemade toys, and consider pet insurance to mitigate expensive emergency vet costs. Shop around for the best prices on food and supplies and look out for discounts and sales.

Also, consider walks and park visits to offset the toy expense. Not only will these activities save you money, but they will also provide the physical and mental stimulation your Shih Poo needs. It can even help dissuade destructive behavior, further reducing your monthly pet care expenses.

Conclusion

Owning a Shih Poo comes with its financial commitments. Initial costs can range from $50 to $4,500, while the average monthly cost is likely to be between $85 and $710. Remember, these costs can vary based on many factors, including location, general health of the dog, and individual lifestyle.

The most important thing is to provide a loving and safe home for your Shih Poo, where it can lead a healthy, happy life. With proper planning and budgeting, the costs will be well worth the joy of having a Shih Poo as part of your family.

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Featured Image Credit: Joshua J. Cotten, Unsplash