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Shih-Poo is an adorable little designer dog and his zest for life is invigorating.
This crossbreed of the decorous, gifted Poodle and the vivacious, Fabio-haired Shih Tzu exhibits the finest traits of his parent breeds.
Since the debut of the first poodle crossbreeds ‘ cockapoo’ and ‘Labradoodle’, the poodle has been crossed with nearly all other popular breeds due to its lovable personality, irresistible cuteness, and low-shedding coat.
Shih-Poos have become a very trendy hybrid in the last two decades, in part because of the poodle’s reputation for being hypoallergenic. This designer dog seemingly has it all – the looks of a canine supermodel and the spirit of an Olympian!
Although Shihpoo doesn’t need loads of exercise, it is spunky when he wants to play. This crossbreed is quite adaptable to a variety of living situations and a great companion for families who live in apartments and for those who have large backyards in the countryside.
Simply put: MIX a dash of a lion, a couple of ounces of derpy cat, several teaspoons of rabbit, one part of a ballerina, a pinch of elder statesman, a tablespoon of drifters, a bit of rugrat, one part baby seal, the rest is of a teddy bear- you will get a Shihpoo.
Shih Poo Characteristics At A Glance
- Size: Small
- Dog Breed Group: Hybrid
- Purebred: No
- Lifespan: 12-15 Years
- Height: 23–28 Cm (9–11 In)
- Weight: 4 -8 Kg (9–18 Lb)
- Coat Appearance: Long to very long and from straight to wavy, but either way it’s thick silky and fluffy
- Coat Colors: Apricot, Black, Black And Tan, Brown, Cream, Red, Sable, White, Parti-Color
- Temperament: Affectionate, Adorable, Courageous, Devoted, Easygoing, Friendly, Laidback, Intelligent, Keen, Outgoing, Playful, Pleasant, Responsive, Social, Spirited
- Good With Children: Yes
- Intelligence Level: High
- Good With Pets: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Grooming: High
- Shedding: Minimal
- Barking: Barks When Necessary
- Suitable For Apartments: Yes
- Need For Exercise: Average
- Easy To Train: Yes
- Good For First-Time Owners: Yes
- Health Issues: Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Luxating Patella, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Sebaceous Adenitis
- Litter Size: 2-5 Puppies
- Average Price: $500 – $3000
Shih Poo History
The poodle-Shih Tzu mix was developed for the first time in the 1990s when breeders wanted to create a small, hypoallergenic dog (much like that of a poodle).
Breeders also wanted a highly adaptable being just as happy living in an apartment in town as they would be living in the country.
Breeders decided to use either a Toy Poodle which they crossed with the Shih Tzu and since they appeared on the scene, the Shihpoo has become a popular choice both as a companion and family pet thanks to their loving, loyal nature and endearing looks.
Over the last two decades, breeders have continued to produce multigenerational Shihpoos in an attempt to develop this comparatively new crossbreed – crossed the Shih Poo back to a pure Shih Tzu or Poodle to enhance specific characteristics.
Nowadays, the Shihpoo is fast becoming one of the more popular cross-breeds to arrive on the scene and although not yet recognized by the Kennel Club, local breed clubs have been created throughout the world to make sure dependable breeding practices are maintained.
Is Shih Poo, The Right Dog For You?
If you want a dog who…
- Is small, yet light, graceful on his feet, and athletic
- Is friendly with humans and good with other pets
- Is virtually non-shedding
- Is easy to train and doesn’t need much outdoor exercise
- Is lively, playful, and Is one of the most attentive of all breeds
A Shoodle may be right for you.
If you don’t want to deal with…
- Small dog syndrome
- A stubborn mood
- Separation anxiety when left alone
- Destructive difficulties and emotional sensitivity
- High maintenance on the grooming part
A Shoodle may not be right for you.
Shih Poo Rules
- Shih poo is not permissible inside the house.
- Okay, Shipoo is allowable in the house but only in certain rooms.
- Fine, the Shipoo is allowed in all the rooms but is not allowed to sleep on the bed.
- Okay, the Shipoo is allowed to sleep on the bed, but only by invitation.
- Shih poo can nap on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.
- Fine, Shipoo can sleep under the covers every night.
- We (humans) must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the Shih poo.
Shih Poo Full Grown
Shih Poo Size
- Height – 23–28 cm (9–11 in)
- Weight – 4 -8 kg (9–18 lb)
Shih Poo Lifespan
A Shih poo dog’s average life expectancy is between 12 – 15 years when given good care and healthy food. On average Shipoo dogs live around 13 years of age. However, the health genealogy of the parent breeds matters. With good care and food, your Shipoo can enjoy a long healthy life.
Shih Poo Puppies
Shih Poos have lovely large, round dark eyes and alert, keen albeit mischievous expressions. Floppy, feathered ears that these dogs carry droop down and the hair on them blends in with the dog’s coat at the shoulder.
Shih Poo Coat Color
- Apricot
- Black
- Black and tan
- Brown
- Cream
- Red
- Sable
- White
- Parti-color
Shih Poo Appearance
The Shipoo dog doesn’t usually have the bulging eyes and snappy noses of a Shih Tzu but they can look a little bit like Cavoodles. Shipoos are usually small dogs with a height of around 12 to 18 inches and weigh between 15 to 18 pounds.
They may have a long, wavy coat like their poodle parent or straight fur from their Shih Tzu parent, or may fall somewhere in between.
Other charming traits include their whiskers which stand well off their faces and their cute beards. Some Shih poos may inherit the “chrysanthemum face” of their parent breed.
Shih Poo Temperament
This live wire is pleasant and plucky, and he loves people of any age group.
The fluffy pom-poms and diva-ish poodles –with beauty, brains, and versatility are crossed with the warm, loving, devoted, and loyal Shih Tzu, you will get an intelligent, pleasant, and friendly dog that’s a people pleaser.
However, like any dog, this designer dog needs to be socialized in its puppyhood.
Loyal to their family, Shipoos can be slightly difficult to housetrain, but not impossible.
Curious and Comical, this diligent and devoted dog loves to spend time with his people, whether it’s going for walks, playing with the kids, or running errands.
For the smart and sweet-natured Shih poo, the perfect day consists of nothing more than being with his person, whether it’s lying at their feet while they work, following them from room to room — not even the bathroom is sacred, or going for a ride to KFC.
Beneath that soft-looking exterior, however, is a big, brave spirit. He’s a real people pleaser and will fit into most households.
People unfamiliar with his parent breed will be often surprised to see the small Silky deter the trespassers, keep up with their owners on a hike or romp with large dogs. Feisty and fiery, the ShiPoo inherits the Shih Tzu’s instinct to safeguard and is a vigilant and raucous watchdog.
Shih poo shines his gregarious personality on everyone, including blow-ins, kids, other dogs, and even cats. But his family will get the lion’s share of his love; given the choice, he’ll be obliged to patrol the area where his keeper is present.
The potential flip side to all this fidelity is that, when left alone, the Shipoo can become restless. This is definitely a housedog, and a Shipoo who’s left in the backyard alone or anywhere away from his family – is not a happy dog.
And, because of its small size, it’s better to leave it around older children with more responsibility and knowledge of how a dog should be handled.
Shih Tzu Poodle mix is a wonderful pick for first-time dog owners. These dogs are very friendly, very affectionate, easy to train, easy to maintain, and with a ready-to-please attitude. because they are so devoted and ‘ready to please’ with an added bonus being that they are tremendously gregarious.
Adaptability
- Apartment Living – Yes
- Good For First-Time Owners – Yes
- Sensitivity Level – High
- Loneliness – Hates To Be Left Alone
- Cold Weather – Good
- Hot Weather – Good
Friendliness
- With Family – High
- With Kids – High
- With Other Dogs – High
- With Cats – Good, If Raised Together
- Other Pets – Good, If Raised Together
- Strangers – Suspicious
General Behavior
- Independence – Low
- Dominance – Average
- Combativeness – Low
- Indoors – Active
- Outdoor – Active
- Territorial – Average
- Easy Of Transportation – High
Shih Poo Training
- Trainability – Easy
- Intelligence – High
- Memory – High
- Mouthiness – Average
- Prey Drive – Average
- Wanderlust Potential – Average
Shih-Poos must be trained right from an early age to get the best out of their personality. Only mild exercises are recommended and no strenuous outdoor exercises are advised for this dog.
You still need to infuse a strong training regimen from an early age to get the best out of them. Start socialization training right from his puppyhood.
If you are a first-time dog owner and are naive about training, it is always recommended to register your stubborn dog for obedience classes.
However, regular walking and everyday play times are a must for your sweet Shih poos.
Shih Poo Care
Shih-Poos will sprint around the yard or dart around the house and will happily pursue a ball tossed or kicked around the house for hours; it doesn’t matter much to him… voilà tout…
- Exercise Needs – Average
- Intensity – High
- Activity Level – Medium
- Exercise Requirements – >60 Minutes/Day
- Walk Mileage/ Week – 5 Miles
- Playfulness – High
- Grooming Needs – Average
- Tendency To Drool – No
- Tendency To Snore – No
- Tendency To Bark – Yes
- Tendency To Dig – Low
- Social/Attention Needs – High
Shih Poo Food
Shih Tzu-poodle mix dogs are small-sized dogs and they need an average of 40 calories per pound. Shih poo puppies require more calorie food than adult dogs as puppies are always
Irrespective of the brand and type, an adult Shipoo needs an average of half a cup ½ a cup of nutritious food twice a day.
The best option is to select food specially formulated for toy dog breeds, especially dry small kibbles. The food formula should contain meat protein, vitamins, fiber(from vegetables and fruits)
Dry kibble will keep your pup’s teeth good than wet foods. Check out for foods that feature chicken, beef, lamb, or salmon with protein as the first listed item.
Avoid foods missing a whole protein at the start of the ingredient list. Purchase only foods that contain explicitly identified meat meals and by-products. Avoid foods that contain artificial additives such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Nylabone Strong Chew Rubber Camo Bone Duck Flavor Wolf
- Price: $15.30
- Nylabone Pro Action Dental Chew Toy
- Price: $15.10
- Nylabone Healthy Edibles Wild Chew Treats Bison Small
- Price: $14.20
- Frozen Whole Smelt for Dogs & Cats, 1 lb
- Price: $9.99
- Meaty Lamb Bones for Dogs, 2 lbs
- Price: $27.99
- Duck Frames for Dogs, 15 lbs
- Price: $109.99
- Beef Marrow Bones for Dogs, 2-inch (Bundle Deal)
- Price: $83.99
Shih Poo Grooming
Generally, designer dogs or hybrid dogs differ in size, color, coat type, and personality from their parent breeds.
- Coat Density – Normal
- Coat Length – Long
- Coat Texture – Straight
- Brushing Frequency – Daily
- Trimming/Stripping – Yes
- Hypoallergenic – Yes
- Shedding – Minimal
Coats of Shih poo vary from long and straight to shorter and curled. However, the texture will be thick, silky, and smooth.
Their coat can come in a variety of colors and may range anywhere from apricot, white, black, red, sable, brown, or multicolored. Characteristically, Shipoos often don’t have an undercoat.
Does Shih Poo Shed?
Shih poos are developed mainly as hypoallergenic dogs. They are a boon for people with allergenic problems.
They shed less in general but they do shed during season changes. To keep their coats and skin healthy, brush their coat regularly to prevent matting.
You can professionally trim or clip their hair every six months to make them look even and uniform.
We’ve jotted down a quick cheat sheet- just to make your life a little easier!
- Brushing daily
- Trimming/Clipping Every 2 months
- Clean Ears Every two to four weeks
- Brush Teeth weekly twice
- Nail trimming Weekly
- Tear Stain Cleaning – when required
Shih Poo Health Problems
Major concerns
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Minor concerns
- Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Sebaceous adenitis
Shih Poo Puppies Names
The Poodle + Shih Tzu hybrid is a dog of many names; you may hear them referred to as Shoodle, Shih-Poo, Shipoo, Shihpooh, Shipooh, and Shitzpoo.
This petite powerhouse makes everyone in the family on their toes. Here are a few cute names for your adorable live-wire.
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Alfie | Chloe |
| Brody | Daisy |
| Buddy | Gigi |
| Charlie | Hazel |
| Cooper | Lola |
| Ernie | Maggie |
| Finn | Mittens |
| Milo | Mia |
| Max | Piper |
| Spud | Rosie |
Shih Poo Price
The price of Shih poo puppies will cost you anywhere from $1000 – $3000 from a reputable breeder. The current median price for all Shih poos sold is $1500.
For dog breeders in your area, click here.
