Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Shih-Poo is a hybrid dog that results from crossing a Shih Tzu with a Poodle. As a relatively new hybrid, kennel clubs and associations do not recognize them as an official breed. Shih Poos exhibit the best qualities of their parents. They are loyal and affectionate like the Shih Tzu and maintain the low-shedding, hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle.

Since they are small dogs, the Shih Poo can adapt to almost any living situation and don’t require much space. They are family-friendly and usually affectionate with strangers. They make fantastic companion dogs for seniors and require little maintenance besides regular grooming. As a hypoallergenic breed, the Shih Poo is a good choice for individuals with allergies. They love to play but are equally happy to curl up on your lap for a snuggle.

Since the Shih Poo is a hybrid, the puppies can display various colors and coat lengths, depending on which genes they inherit from their parents. Their coats can be curly or straight and any combination of black, brown, brindle, or white.

Shih Poo Characteristics

Shih Poo Puppies

Your level of interest in your puppy’s pedigree will depend on your reason for buying a Shih Poo. Their lineage isn't important if you are looking for a family pet or a companion animal. However, it is still important to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who can provide you with information about their parents, including temperament, personality, and health history. While there is no guarantee that your Shih Poo puppy will inherit all these traits, it gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Shih Poos can inherit some common health problems, but with regular grooming and dental cleaning, you can prevent some of the issues. These playful pups are easily trainable and will enjoy the company of their owners during play sessions.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Shih Poo 🧠

With hybrid dogs, there can be many personality differences. Just like there is no guarantee of what type of coat a puppy will have, there is also no guarantee they'll act like the parents. However, both the Poodle and the Shih Tzu have a long, well-established history, so we can get a relatively good idea of what Shih Poo puppies are like.

Poodles and Shih Tzus are outgoing, friendly dogs, so it’s a sure bet that their puppies will be too. They don’t tend to get shy or nervous and aren’t prone to aggressiveness. Shih Poos get along well with people of all ages, particularly if they show them attention. They love to be petted and cuddled, which is enhanced by plenty of handling and socialization at a young age. They often don’t like other dogs outside of the family but get along well as companion dogs for pets within the house.

While small dogs are known for being noisy, the Shih Poo doesn’t have that reputation. Most of them have a quiet nature, reminiscent of the Poodle parent. While they may bark to alert you that they are hungry or need to be let out outside, it’s not likely to be ongoing or continuous. This feature makes Shih Poos fantastic apartment dwellers because they are unlikely to annoy your neighbors with excessive barking.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Shih Poos are famous for their friendliness and loyalty to their family members. They are good dogs for families with older children because they love to play. They are not good dogs for babies and toddlers because they can get nippy when young children are rough and pull at them. Since they are small pups, they can be easily hurt if people are too rough with them.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Shih Poo is a friendly dog that gets along well with most pets. If you have other pets in the home, your Shih Poo should be introduced to them at a young age so they consider other animals as part of the family.

Since Shih Poos doesn’t cope well with being alone for long periods, it can be helpful to have a companion dog to alleviate boredom and loneliness.

Things to Know When Owning a Shih Poo

While the Shih Poo is an adaptable dog that fits into various living situations, it doesn’t mean they are a good fit for everyone. There are certain factors that prospective owners should be aware of before bringing one of these adorable creatures into their home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Shih Poo is considered a medium-energy dog. They should be fed a high-quality dog kibble that meets their nutritional needs. Like many other dogs, the Shih Poo shouldn’t be free-feed, as they tend to overeat and gain weight. Excessive weight gain will lead to health problems and joint issues. Although the portioning of their food depends on their age, weight, and health, most Shi Poos don't need more than a cup of food a day.

Exercise 🐕

While the Shi Poo is energetic, they require a relatively low amount of exercise. This is, in part, due to their small size. Two short walks each day are ideal, but this can be supplemented with play at varying intervals. Playtime doesn’t have to be reserved for the outdoors. Since the Shih Poo is tiny, they are more than capable of burning off their energy by playing with toys indoors.

They are not suitable for owners who want to take their dogs on long hikes or walks unless they want to carry them. However, they perform well in dog sports, like agility, which can be a great way to work their mind and body simultaneously.

Training 🎾

Shih Poos are intelligent dogs that can learn easily, but don’t let this fool you into thinking they’re always easy to train. Their high intelligence means they can learn the wrong habits just as easily as the right ones. If left to their own devices, they can become anxious and destructive.

As is the case with most intelligent dogs, they can also be stubborn during training. They require sufficient motivation to perform, so it’s crucial to find the proper reward when training your Shih Poo. The short attention spans of puppies mean that brief, frequent training sessions are best. Patience and positive reinforcement, combined with consistency, will be required to get the desired results.

Due to their stubborn nature, house training can be especially hard, sometimes taking months. However, with patience, you can train your Shi Poo to become a well-behaved adult.

Grooming ✂️

Regardless of what type of coat your Shih Poo has, it will need to be brushed at least twice per week to avoid tangling and mats. Their coats should be trimmed once or twice a year, including around their eyes, as hair can block their field of vision and make it difficult for them to see.

Small dogs are particularly prone to dental problems, so it’s recommended that you brush their teeth several times a week. Shih Poos should be bathed every month to prevent skin problems, as is recommended for Shih Tzus and Poodles.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Small dogs are prone to having dental problems. Brushing your Shih Poo’s teeth, providing dental chews, and making sure they regularly receive dental checkups will help prevent these issues. Rashes and skin sensitivities are also common, but they can be prevented by ensuring that they receive thorough grooming.

Male vs. Female

Male and female Shih Poos grow to be a similar size. Without proper socialization as puppies, males tend to be more nervous and aggressive toward strangers than females. However, males are more food-motivated than females, which makes training them easier.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Shih Poo

1. The Shih Poo Is a Designer Dog Breed.

Designer dogs are bred from purebred parents. When Shih Tzus and Poodles are bred to produce Shi Poos, toy Poodles are usually used.

2. Shih Poos Have Multiple Names.

Shih Poos are sometimes referred to as Pooshis or Shoogles. They should not be confused with Poo-Shi dogs, which refer to a cross between the Shiba Inu and the Poodle.

3. The Shih Poo Breed Was Initially Developed in North America.

While Poodles originated in Germany and Shih Tzus came from China, the Shih Poo was first bred in North America to create a lovable, friendly, hypoallergenic dog.

Final Thoughts

The Shih Tzu Poodle mix is an affectionate and loyal breed. They are small, medium-energy pups that are quite adaptable, making great family pets or companions for seniors or people living alone. While they are intelligent dogs, the Shih Poo can be hard to train due to their occasionally stubborn nature, and house training is especially difficult. As mentioned, the Shih Poo price can range from $500-$2000.

Although the Shih Poo can be prone to a few health issues, they have a long life expectancy and will be part of your family for many years.

Related Article:

• Why Does My Shih Tzu Cry? Vet Approved Reasons

• Shih Tzu Vs. Shih Poo: Which Should I Choose?

• Brindle Shih Tzu: Facts, Origin, & History (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Lim Tiaw Leong, Shutterstock