What is a Shih-Poo?
A Shih Poo is a designer crossbreed developed from the ‘Shih Tzu’ and the ‘Miniature or Toy Poodle’. Also known as “Shoodle” or “Pooshih”, they can be a perfect choice for an apartment lifestyle, where one looks for a companion who can spend a good time with other family members and kids.
The appearance of a Shih-Poo may vary, from curly and dense coat type of a poodle or the elegant look of a Shih-Tzu. However, they are cute, full of life and have a close resemblance to teddy bears. However, it’s difficult to predict what a full-grown Shih Poo may look like. Shih Poss look adorable with their round face, soft furry coat, button-like eyes, a long nose, hanging ears and a triangular muzzle. Owing to their small size, litter size, and affectionate nature, they make amazing family and companion dogs.
Pictures of Shih Poo and Shih Poo Puppies
Quick Information ~ Shih Poo ( Shih-Tzu and Poodle Mix)
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Shih-Poo |
| Other Names | ShiPoo, Shi Poo, Shi Pooh, Shoodle, Shitzpoo, Pooshi |
| Color | Black, White, apricot, sable, cream, black and tan, chocolate, red, and other combinations. |
| Coat | Soft, Curly, medium- long. |
| Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Breed Group | Lap Dog, Companion Dog. |
| Size | Small |
| Hieght | 8-13 inches |
| Weight | 9-20 Pounds |
| Life Span/Life Expentancy | 10-15 Years |
| Temperament | Loving, Playful, Intelligent, Active and Friendly. |
| Shedding | Low |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Barking Level | Occassional |
| Energy Level | Medium-HIgh |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Good with Other Dogs | Yes |
| Litter Size | 4-6 Puppies |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information | ACHC, DDKC, DRA, IDCR, DBR |
Temperament & Personality ~ Shih Poo (Shih-Tzu and Poodle Mix)
Small, sturdy and zesty, Shih Tzu Poos are affectionate, fun-loving, and full of joy. They tend to make you smile with their charming clown-like antics. Their temperament is a combination of the Shih Tzu and poodle mix, but even the most successful breeders cannot predict the temperament and personality that will get emerged in the resulting crossbreed. Owing to their tiny size the Shih Poos are generally quiet, shy and obedient dogs by nature. However, they can bark louder their parent breed of Shih Tzu at times!
These little pooches know how to socialize with children and other pets of the house. They are loyal, loving and affectionate, and enjoy the attention of their owners and love spending time caressed, sitting on the laps of their family members. This makes them a great lap dog for families with kids and elderly people.
Care ~ Shih Poo (Shih-Tzu and Poodle Mix)
Exercise: Shihpoos are quite energetic and playful but they don’t require rigorous and long exercise schedules. Moderate and short brisk walks in the morning and evening will suffice this little furry friend. They enjoy and shed calories playing around your home with balls, toys and keeps happy. Playing in the open backyard or fenced grassy lawn without the leash will be appreciated by this playful dog breed.
Grooming: A Shih Pooh is a low shedding, a hypoallergenic dog which needs a regular brushing of its curly coat to keep off the tangles, debris, and dirt. This keeps them tidy and avoids their long hair to be matted. You can seek professional help in 3-4 months for this. Regular grooming like trimming the nails, checking and cleaning ears and wiping eyes with soft cloth regularly is recommended. Bathing is needed in about 2-3 weeks depending on dog’s activities.
Health Problems: The average life span of a Shih Poo is between 10-15 years. Proper care and quality diet should be fed to suit their health and age. Shihpoos may inherit health disorders of their parent breeds. The breed is susceptible to dental problems, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, renal dysplasia, and lung disorders. It’s recommended to go for regular check-ups with the veteran to help you keep an update on your pet’s health condition.
Training
Shih Poos are smart and intelligent and they are easy to train. They may have a stubborn streak and thus they need a firm and authoritative master. However, they are sensitive and do not respond to harsh training techniques. So try and use positive methods for training and reward him with treats in his training sessions. Try socializing them from their puppy-days and train them to get used to strangers and be tolerant and adjustable of other pets and situations. Crate training is also easy with them since this dog loves to poop and pee in such places that are away from their sleeping place.
Shih Poo Puppies & Haircuts
Shih-Poo pups are as cute and cuddly as any tiny canine, but they can also be a handful, especially if they inherit the Shih Tzu’s affinity for blazing his own trail. Shih Poos usually have different types of hair varying from curly to straight depending on how the parent genes are scattered. Most are likely to have a wavy or curlier coat than a purebred Shih Tzu.
Diet/ Feeding ~ Shih Poo ( Shih-Tzu and Poodle Mix)
Shih-Poos are quite energetic and thus need a high-quality diet of dry dog food. Dry kibble is essential as this crossbreed tends to have dental problems, including premature tooth loss. Dry food can help to prevent this as well as caries, gum disease, and bad breath. This dog breed has the tendency to overeat at times, so be careful of the Shih-Poo’s caloric intake is important to his overall health development.
Interesting Facts ~ Shih Poo ( Shih-Tzu and Poodle Mix)
Despite their popularity, Shih Poos, like other hybrids, are not currently recognized by well-known kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club.