Independent
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured

Active
Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle

Choose a Rotterman if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Shih-Mos aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler

American Eskimo, Shih Tzu

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

Rottermans have short coats.

Shih-Mos are known for their coat length.

A Rotterman can have a litter of 8-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Shih-Mo can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Rottermans typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Shih-Mo breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Joint Dysplasia

Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Kidney Problems
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Pateller Luxation
Bladder Stones and Infections

Skin Allergies
Eye Infections

Ear Infections
Allergies
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

Electrocardiogram
Buccal Mucosal Screening
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Coagulation Assay
Blood Glucose Tests
Complete Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests
Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies
Urinalysis and Urine Culture

Dental Examination
Eye examination
Chest X-rays
Clinical Exam

Rottermans' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Shih-Mos are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Rotterman has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Shih-Mo has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Rottermans require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Shih-Mos need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

The Rotterman is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Shih-Mos bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Walk, Chasing around, Walking, Playing Ball, Dog Parks, Jogging, Dawn trotting, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Sleeping, Guard dog, Hide & Seek, Road trip, Cuddle, Run, Car rides, Beach, Fishing, Camping, Walks, Tug of war, Ball, Lots of pats, Training, Swimming, Hike, Frisbee

Going for walks, Going to petco

Rottermans are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Shih-Mos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rotterman, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih-Mo, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Rottermans usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Shih-Mos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Rotterman has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Shih-Mos require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Rotterman should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Shih-Mo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 70-130 pound (32 - 59 kg) Rotterman feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 18-25 pound (8 - 11 kg) Shih-Mo feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Rotterman is somewhere $2.70 - $2.80 per day.

The average cost of a Shih-Mo is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Rotterman is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Shih-Mo is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Rotterman is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Shih-Mos are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

The Rotterman is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Shih-Mos make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Rottermans are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Shih-Mos are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Rottermans are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Shih-Mos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Rottermans are not very stranger friendly.

Shih-Mos are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Rottermans have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Shih-Mos are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.