Premier Pups > Dog Breeds > Shih Poo
Shih Poo Breed Information
Shih Poos are gentle, sweet, family-oriented dogs that thrive on attention and love deeply. Cute and cuddly, clever and attentive, these adorable pups make wonderful family companion pets. Shih Poo puppies are adorable, joyful little teddy bears who love to play and cuddle.
A highly sought-after designer Doodle dog, the Shih Poo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Mini or Toy Poodle. Precious, fluffy and small, Shih Poos have an average weight between 8 and 18 pounds with an average height between 8 to 17 inches.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Doodle Hybrid / Poodle crossed with a Shih Tzu
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Clever, Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal, Loving
ADULT WEIGHT
8-18 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
8-17 in
LIFE SPAN
10-15 yrs
Characteristics
- The Shih Poo sheds very little and is considered hypoallergenic
- Incredibly sweet and loving, the Shih Poo is a magnificent emotional support dog
- Shih Poo dogs are highly adaptable - they are more than happy to live in both small city apartments and large countryside homes
- Not overly vocal, yet vigilant and alert, the Shih Poos are efficient watchdogs
- Shih Poo puppies are playful and highly social. They are friendly with children, other pets, and strangers
- Small dogs, easygoing, and non-aggressive, the Shih Poos are wonderful travel companions
- The Shih Poo adapts well to both active and laid-back lifestyles
- Cheerful and attentive, the Shih Poo is best suited for families with or without children, singles, and seniors
- The Shih Tzu Poodle mix dogs live longer healthier lives due to hybrid vigor
- Although the American Kennel Club recognizes the parent breeds of the Shih Poo, the designer hybrid is yet to be recognized by the Club. There are several Kennel clubs that do recognize the breed. Among them are the Designer Dog Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the American Canine Hybrid Club
For a deeper understanding of designer breeds, especially those like the Shih Poo, delve into our Ultimate Guide to Teddy Bear Dogs.
Appearance
The Shih Poos, or as some like to call them the Shih Tzu Poo, are beautiful little dogs that sport features from the royal Shih Tzus and the fancy Poodle. Small in stature, the Shih Poo size can reach a height of 8 to 17 inches. Depending on which of their parents they take after, these cute dogs can weigh anywhere between 8 and 18 or 20 pounds for a full-grown Shih Poo.
Their coats can also vary between straight, wavy, and curly. The Shih Poos can inherit the stunning curly coat of their Poodle parent, the beautiful long straight coat of their Shih Tzu parent or they may have a unique combination of both. Although they can sport different looks and sizes, the Shih Poos do have some common features between them. They have a well-proportioned, sturdy-built body, a medium length muzzle, dark round eyes, and a button nose. T
heir ears are slightly rounded and floppy, and their tails are fanned. Because they are a crossbreed, these fashionable dogs might appear with patterns and markings that are common with their Shih Tzu parent. Their coats can come in combinations of two or more colors, or have a solid coloring. Shih Poo colors include white, black, brown, apricot, brindle, and gray. Hypoallergenic Shih Poo qualities are excellent as these dogs shed very little and don’t produce much dander.
Photos
Temperament
Affectionate, fun, cuddly, and sweet, the Shih Poo (also known as Shi-poo, Shoodle and Shih Doodle) dogs are ideal family companion pets.
The gorgeous Shih Poo puppies are happy, cheerful little dogs with an infectious good mood. They love to be pampered and spoiled and are known to repay their family in return with lots of kisses and cuddles. Social, outgoing, and friendly, Shih Poo dogs very much enjoy playtime in dog parks where they can interact and make friends with other dogs.
Shih Poo puppies are bright and energetic little fluffs with a mind of their own. They love to run around, bounce, and play just as much as they love to crash on a lap and cuddle for hours on end. The Shih Poo puppies are also known to be a bit on the stubborn side and will respond best to yummy rewards and praise-based training (perhaps a cheerleader or two to help with the process).
The lovely Shih Poo is a non-aggressive, loyal, and devoted dog, with a calm temperament and a lot of love to give. Their greatest quality is their remarkable ability to sense their family’s needs. They are known to thrive as emotional support dogs and have a great reputation for cheering up everyone they meet. Their eager-to-please nature is one of their most adored features.
Curious in nature and explorers at heart, Shih Poos like to be aware of their surroundings and will inspect every inch of the house twice over just to be sure nothing is missed. They love to meet new people; explore new places and they are small enough to travel everywhere.
The Shih Poo pups are affectionate and crave attention, but they are not overly dependent. A squeaky chew toy (their favorite) is a great way to keep them busy and content when they are alone.
Training these intelligent dogs can be a joy. For more insights on training dogs effectively, check out our blog Easiest Dogs to Train - Top 5 Pups for Effortless Training
Insights
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Care
Grooming Requirements
The Shih Poos have moderate grooming needs. Shih Poos with longer coats require a daily brushing to keep them tangle free and avoid matting, whereas Shih Poos with shorter coats require one weekly brushing. It is recommended to bathe the Shih Poos twice every month. Their nails should be trimmed regularly and ears and eyes cleaned as needed.
Understanding your puppy's dental health is crucial. Learn more about it with our Brushing Puppy Teeth Guide
Read more essential grooming steps for Home Grooming your Dog.
Exercise Needs
Shih Poos are moderately active dogs. They enjoy long walks, games of chase and fetch, cuddles, and fun activities they can do with their human family. Two brisk walks every day and some indoor games are enough to keep the Shih Poo a happy and healthy dog.
Wondering when it's safe for your puppy to go outside and play? Check out our guide on When Can Puppies Go Outside
Health
Although they are generally healthy as a breed, there are certain health problems Shih Poo dogs can develop. Some of these include hip dysplasia, cataracts, dental issues, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Some Shih Poos can also be prone to excessive weight gain, which is why it is recommended to keep them on a strict diet.
Lifespan
The Shih Poo lifespan is an average of 10 to 16 years. A nourishing environment, high-quality dog food, and a proper exercise routine will help to increase the Shih Poo life expectancy.
Training
Shih Poos are very bright dogs but they can sometimes be stubborn when it comes to training. The best way to train a Shih Poo is to keep training sessions short and fun and include lots of delicious treats. Proper motivation and patience are always required when training a puppy. Some tend to be eager and attentive learners while others get bored or distracted easily. Reward based training and positive reinforcement methods will help when training a Shih Poo puppy.
Socializing and leash training Shih Poos is best done when they are puppies. Although they are friendly and social by nature, it is beneficial for them to meet new people and get used to exploring new places early on. Introducing them to new experiences and other pets will help them grow into well-behaved dogs later on.
For more insights on early training and key puppy behaviors, explore our Early Training: Key Cavapoo Puppy Behaviors article
Learn more about raising a new puppy with help from our New Puppy Owner Guide.
History
The Shih Poo is a new and highly sought-after designer Doodle Breed. Also referred to as the Shi-poo, Shoodle and Shih Doodle, this hybrid puppy is a cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Miniature or Toy Poodle.
By combining the sweet affectionate nature of the Shih Tzu with the agile mindset and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle, professional breeders aimed to gift the world with a new and amazing breed. In the year 2000, in the United States, Shih Poo breeders achieved their goal and created the sweet mixed breed dogs that would go on to steal the hearts of many.
The Shih Poo is the fur baby of two ancient and highly popular breeds. Although the Shih Poo breed is new and doesn’t have much history yet, we can take a look back at the history of the Shih Tzu and Poodle parent breeds to better understand the designer Doodle breed.
The Shih Tzu is one of the most ancient breeds in dog history. A dog of royalty, the Shih Tzu has been raised among emperors and kings and has been a favorite companion pet at royal courts around the world. The Shih Tzu has been represented in Chinese culture through paintings and drawings, dating as far back as the 6th century. Also referred to as “lion dogs” in Chinese history, the Shih Tzu dogs are as athletic and agile as they are cuddly and cute. The Shih Tzu is known to excel at canine agility sports and is a most adored companion pet worldwide.
The Poodle, a dog of many talents, is a member of the world canine aristocracy. Sophisticated, versatile and exceedingly bright, the Poodle has gathered a great number of achievements throughout its breed history. Having originated in Germany as a working dog used in hunting, the Poodle moved on to perform in the travelling circus across Europe. The Poodles impressed with their extraordinary performance and stunning looks wherever they traveled and soon found favor among the aristocrats and nobility of Europe and the United States. Poodles are champions at a wide variety of canine sports, famous cinematic stars, and greatly loved companion pets.