Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Shih poo dogs are a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. Shih poos are relatively new, yet shih tzus and toy poodles are well known dog breeds with regal and historical histories. They aren’t officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
These dogs are friendly and playful. They usually don’t shed much and might be good for people with allergies, although this can vary. Some Shih Poos have longer hair that might not be hypoallergenic.
They’re quiet dogs, which makes them great for living in apartments. Shih poo dogs make wonderful companions. They’re small and friendly, making them great pets for families and individuals. Shih Poos are smart and usually don’t cause allergies because of their coat.
Their fur can be curly or wavy and comes in many colors. They’re okay living in apartments or houses with yards. They like playing and cuddling, so they’re perfect for people who want a loving pet that doesn’t shed much. But it would help if you groomed them regularly to keep their fur healthy and tangle free.
Shih Poo Dogs Breed History
The Shih Poo is a newer type of dog that’s a mix of a Poodle from Germany and a Shih Tzu from China. Sometimes, they look more like the Shih Tzu, especially if they have a lot of genes from that side.
These cute dogs are loyal and attractive like Shih Tzus but also smart and fancy like Poodles. Shih Poos are great for people with allergies because they don’t shed much, making them perfect for anyone who wants a furry friend to love.
Sometimes, these lovely dogs end up in shelters because their owners can’t keep them anymore. If you want to adopt one, check out local shelters specializing in Shih Tzus or Poodles.
Shih-Poo Dog Breed Overview
Shih-Poo dogs are a lovable mix of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. They’re popular because they’re friendly and smart. Shih Poos are great for families or individuals who want a loving pet. They’re usually friendly like the Shih Tzu and smart like the Poodle, so they get along well with kids and other pets.
One cool thing about Shih-Poos is their hypoallergenic coat, which comes from the Poodle side. This indicates they suit individuals with allergies since they do not shed as much fur.
Their fur can be curly, wavy, or straight, depending on their genes. It would help if you groomed them regularly to keep their fur healthy and free of tangles.
Shih-Poos are usually small or medium-sized dogs, taking after both parent breeds. This means they can fit well in different homes, like apartments or houses with yards. Overall, Shih-Poo dogs are friendly and adaptable and make great companions for any kind of family.
Highlights
Charming Teddy Bear Appearance: With their fluffy, long coats and endearing big eyes, Shih-Poos boast an adorable teddy bear-like appearance.
Affectionate and Playful Nature: They thrive on cuddles and playful interactions, making them wonderful companions for all ages.
Intelligent and Easily Trainable: Shih-Poos excels in learning tricks and commands through positive reinforcement despite occasional stubbornness.
Adaptability to Various Environments: Their ability to thrive in apartments and small spaces makes them ideal for urban living.
Low to Minimal Shedding: Considered hypoallergenic by some, Shih-Poos shed minimally, reducing mess and potentially benefiting allergy sufferers.
Moderate Exercise Requirements: While they enjoy daily walks and play sessions, Shih-Poos do not demand extensive exercise routines.
Generally Robust Health: With a reputation for longevity and good health, Shih-Poos are typically resilient and thriving pets.
Shih Poo Dogs Breed Description
| Attribute | Details |
| Origin | United States |
| Height | 8-13 inches (20-33 cm) |
| Weight | 12-20 pounds (5-9 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Group | Non-Sporting |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, intelligent, adaptable |
| Coat | Long, fluffy, can be wavy or curly, and has a variety of colors |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate; requires daily walks and playtime |
| Training Needs | Clever and eager to please but may be stubborn; responds well to positive reinforcement. |
| Grooming | Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming |
| Health | Generally healthy, prone to conditions like ear infections and allergies |
Shih Poo Full Grown
Shih-Poo dogs are small dogs that are perfect for small homes. When they’re all grown up, Shih-Poos are usually between 8 and 18 inches tall and weigh about 8 to 18 pounds. If one of the parents is a Toy Poodle, the puppy might be a bit bigger than if one parent is a Miniature Poodle.
Shih Poo Dogs Breed Personality
Shih-Poo dogs inherit traits from both their Shih Tzu and Poodle parents. To understand them better, let’s look at their parents. Shih Tzus are friendly, attentive, and cute, but they can be a bit stubborn.
Poodles are smart, trainable, and active. Shih-Poos usually have a mix of these traits. They’re often described as friendly and playful. Most are small, like typical lap dogs, and enjoy lounging on your lap.
They’re not super eager to learn new tricks but love attention. They’re not as noisy as Poodles but might bark if something’s wrong, like if they miss a meal. Training and socializing them early on is important, as well as using positive methods to help them behave well.
Health Problems
Like numerous other dog breeds, Shih-Poos may have a predisposition to certain health conditions that are influenced by genetic factors inherited from their Shih Tzu and Poodle lineage. Common health problems for Shih-Poos include:
Dental problems: Shih-Poos may experience tartar accumulation, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular dental care, including brushing, dental treats, and veterinary check-ups, is crucial to prevent and manage these conditions.
Patellar luxation (knee joint dislocation): Patellar luxation, where the kneecap dislocates, concerns small breeds like Shih-Poos. Symptoms may include limping or lameness; severe cases may require surgical correction.
Ear infections:Â Due to their floppy ears, Shih-Poos are susceptible to ear infections caused by limited airflow and moisture retention. Routine ear cleaning, drying, and monitoring for signs of infection like redness or discharge are essential. Veterinary attention is necessary if infection is suspected.
Respiratory issues:Â Shih-Poos may inherit brachycephalic features from breeds like the Shih Tzu, leading to respiratory problems such as snorting and breathing difficulties, particularly in hot or humid weather.
Preventive measures include avoiding overheating, monitoring activity levels, and seeking veterinary care for respiratory distress.
Behavior Problems
Stubbornness: They may resist training or following commands because of their independent and strong-willed nature.
Excessive barking: Shih Tzus may bark persistently due to boredom, anxiety, or a need for attention.
Food guarding: They may protect food, treats, or other valuable resources aggressively.
Separation anxiety: Shih Tzus may experience distress and exhibit destructive behaviors or excessive vocalization when separated from their owners.
Housebreaking challenges: Shih Tzus may struggle to learn and maintain proper potty habits, leading to accidents indoors.
Shih Poo Dogs Breed Care
Like any dog, taking your Shih-Poo to the vet regularly is important to catch any health problems early. Your vet can help you figure out how to keep your dog healthy. It’s best to stick to a regular eating schedule for Shih-Poos.
Don’t let them eat whenever they want because they might eat too much and get too heavy. They need to go outside to use the bathroom regularly, and having one or two short walks each day is good for them. Keeping their teeth clean is important, too.
Your vet can help you determine how often to clean your teeth and what treats are best for your dental health. Keep your Shih-Poo’s ears clean and dry, especially after bathing them.
If their ears start to smell bad, they might have an infection. A special ear-cleaning solution can help prevent diseases and save you from going to the vet too often.
Shih Poo Dog Lifespan
Shih-Poo dogs are small and usually quite healthy. The Shih poo dog’s lifespan is about 10 to 15 years. Common health issues for them include skin tumors, Cushing’s disease, and bladder stones. Regular vet check-ups help catch these problems early, extending the Shih-Poo’s lifespan.
Shih Poo Dogs Food
Shih poo dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Their food should include meat, bones, organs, and some plants. These ingredients provide vitamins and minerals that are good for them. If you feed them raw food, it’s usually 70% water, which keeps them hydrated.
Coat Color and Grooming
Shih Poo dogs have coats that can be curly like Poodles, straight like Shih-Tzus, or a mix of both. They come in different colors like black, white, brown, and brindle, or a mix of these colors.
To keep your Shih Poo looking good and feeling healthy, it’s important to brush them every day and take them for grooming every month. Giving those baths sometimes is good, but don’t bathe them too often, as it can make their skin and fur dry and itchy.
Shih Poo Dogs for Adoption
Adoption fees for Shih-Poo dogs can range from $0 to hundreds of dollars. Shih poo dog price depends on factors like the dog’s age, where you’re adopting from, whether it’s a city shelter or a private rescue group.
When you adopt from a shelter or rescue, you’re getting a dog that’s been cared for beyond just basic needs like food. The care they receive at the shelter is often worth more than the adoption fee.
Shih-Poo Children and Other Pets
Shih Poo dogs are small, so they can easily get hurt if children play too roughly. They like being with grown-ups or older kids who know how to be gentle. But if kids learn to approach and play nicely with small dogs, Shih-Poos can be great friends.
Shih-Poos can be friends with other pets if they meet them calmly and slowly. It’s good to introduce them to other pets early so they get used to each other.
Shih-Poos can be by themselves for a bit, but having another dog around, especially when they’re older, can be nice.
Shih Poo Dog Breed Groups
Finding a good dog breeder is important when getting a new furry friend. Good breeders care a lot about ensuring their puppies are healthy and friendly.
They check the health of the parent dogs, make sure the puppies learn to be around people, and offer help for their whole lives.
But there are also backyard breeders just in it for the money. They don’t care as much about the puppies’ health or how they act. They might not check if the parent dogs have health issues, and the puppies might not learn how to behave well. That means puppies from backyard breeders might have health or behavior problems.
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