Schapso Basics

The Schapso is a little dog that has a friendly, loving, and loyal disposition. However, these dogs could require a bit of work when it comes to getting along with other animals, so even though you might fall in love with one of these pooches, you should consider all aspects of the breed’s personality first.

Check out the helpful information below to learn more about the Schapso hybrid breed and to find out if this dog could be the perfect addition to your family.

The Schapso is a cross between a purebred Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer.

Origin

The Schapso is a designer crossbreed whose origins aren’t entirely clear.

Pedigree

The Schapso is a cross between a purebred Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer.

Food / Diet

As a small dog, your Schapso will do well with about ½ cup to 1 cup daily of a high quality dry canine food. You can feed this amount over the course of two meals so that you don’t give it to your dog all at once. If you are also feeding your pooch a canned canine food, however, you should reduce the amount of dry food that you are providing in order to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Training

The Schapso is a breed that is moderately easy to train. These dogs are willing to please and smart, so you should find that, with consistent effort, your dog learns rather quickly. Beware, though, as these dogs can also be stubborn at times, so you will need to be firm yet positive and gentle in your approach. Use positive reinforcement with the incorporation of treats, rewards, and praise, and keep the training sessions engaging.

The Schapso is a little dog that has a friendly, loving, and loyal disposition.

Weight

Temperament / Behavior

When you bring a Schapso into your family, you will immediately realize what a friendly and loving dog this is. These smart canines are loyal, and they can be left alone at home while you are at work or running errands, as they don’t mind being solitary. However, don’t overdo it, as they can also become attached to you and clingy. You might find your dog following you all over the house just to be in your presence, so you don’t want to leave him alone for extended periods of time, especially if he is exhibiting this type of behavior.

These little canines are social and outgoing, and they really enjoy playing. However, they also like to break up their day between times of activity and times of rest, so you will often find your dog napping to re-energize himself.

Overall, Schapsos will adore their family, and they will also be charming towards new people they meet. If you have children, make sure that your dog is treated gently. And when it comes to other pets, be aware that the Schapso’s prey drive might kick in around smaller animals, and these dogs can also exhibit aggression towards other canines of the same gender, but socialization and supervision can help.

Common Health Problems

Like all other hybrid canine breeds, the Schapso might inherit some of the health problems that commonly affect its parent breeds. Nevertheless, there really is no way to determine what an individual dog’s long-term health will be, and some dogs never inherit any of these problems.

Knowing what diseases and conditions commonly affect the Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer, however, will help you catch signs sooner rather than later. These health problems include urinary stones, Von Willebrand’s disease, patellar luxation, eye ailments, myotonia congenita, allergies, kidney problems, sebaceous adenitis, and congenital megaesophagus.

Life Expectancy

The Schapso has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

This is considered a slightly active breed, so if you aren’t an active person, a Schapso could be a great fit. You can take your dog on walks each day, allow him to run around at the dog park or in your enclosed backyard, and give him toys to play with while he is indoors.

Schapsos are social and outgoing, and they really enjoy playing.

Recognized Clubs

The Schapso is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Because Schapsos feature a coat that can range from curly to wavy, and it can be wiry or soft, a moderate grooming routine will be required to keep the fur healthy and clean.

These dogs do shed a moderate amount as well, so brushing your dog regularly will help. If your dog’s coat is kept short, you can brush him two times a week, but if the coat is longer, you should brush it daily. Trimming the hair around the ears and eyes is also necessary.

Puppies

These little dogs will be tiny as puppies, so they should be handled with care, especially by children.

In addition to early training, early socialization will also benefit the Schapso. Expose your puppy to different people and animals so that he will grow up to be a happy, friendly, and confident adult.