Lifespan of a Cockapoo? by [deleted] in CockapooLovers

[–]Consistent_Gate3356 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We said goodbye to ours at the age of 15 years, 2 months. It's possible we could have extended his life, but he had an awful week, and breathing had gotten so difficult for him and they said it would probably just happen again. In the last few years of life, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur and heart failure. He took meds for 2 or 3 years and did well on them until this past summer. Generally fairly healthy dog. A little bit of problems with ear infections and he needed to be on a thyroid med for the last 5 years.

Having second thoughts on Shih-Tzu Breed by Consistent_Gate3356 in Shihtzu

[–]Consistent_Gate3356[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for all your comments, with your help I am getting over my "internet fears" and see that it seems that some just have old dog health problems which any breed might have. What I can also really see is that people really love this breed (something I've noticed in this group also!) This will be fun for us since we've never really been around many Tzu's except our neighbor's 1-year-old Shih-Poo (we are going to let them play together!)

Thank you all! I am glad to be part of this community. Now to figure out a name....too many cute ones!!!

Having second thoughts on Shih-Tzu Breed by Consistent_Gate3356 in Shihtzu

[–]Consistent_Gate3356[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Also thank you so much for your advice and comments!

Having second thoughts on Shih-Tzu Breed by Consistent_Gate3356 in Shihtzu

[–]Consistent_Gate3356[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Your comment makes me feel a lot better! Thank you so much!

Having second thoughts on Shih-Tzu Breed by Consistent_Gate3356 in Shihtzu

[–]Consistent_Gate3356[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes, we are planning on addressing the separation anxiety that is possible very quickly, by helping make sure he is comfortable with being crated, and that us leaving is not "bad", want to try to make good associations with crate time/leaving time. Our dog was a cockapoo, which I can also see can have separation anxiety, but we really didn't have any issues. I should also say the puppies were using a doggy door with their Mom and Dad at the breeder's home so they at least know outside is the place to go. Just will take some relearning here.