Crossbreed dogs such as the Shih Poo are created by breeding a purebred Shih Tzu with a purebred Poodle. Despite it being difficult to guess a crossbreed dog’s traits, the Shih Poo is likely to be playful and eager to please just like both of its parents.

It is considered a designer breed because of its small size. In spite of the fact that Shih Poos love to be pampered, a quiet life cuddled up next to you wouldn’t be that bad either.

Discover more about the Shih Poo in the following article and find out whether it’s the right dog for you.

History of the Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

This hybrid breed of dog is still relatively new. Shoodles and Pooshis can also be called Shih Poos, but don’t confuse them with the Poo-Shi, which is a mix of a Poodle and a Shiba Inu. Poodle crosses are one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds.

The Shih Poo was bred as a hypoallergenic lapdog, making it suitable for allergies. Despite their popularity, they are not yet recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club.

Shih Poo puppies can cost anywhere from $500 to upwards of $1,000 from a breeder. Make sure you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder or adopt one from a shelter.

Breed Origin of the Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Shih Poo breeds originate from North America, Shih Tzu breeds from China, and Poodle breeds from Germany.

A Shih Tzu was originally from Chinese royalty and served as a lap warmer and was pampered by Emperors. Their owners describe them as loyal and outgoing, but they are also as stubborn as they are outgoing. They love being at home, even though they are a sociable breed.

The Poodle came from Germany and was a popular dog among artists. As the 7th most popular dog breed, the poodle was recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club in 1887.

This fun, cuddly puppy dog is bred from the Shih Tzu and Poodle breeds to produce the Shih Poo. Since Shih Poodles are hybrids, it may not always be possible to identify their exact characteristics. However, some general characteristics are more prevalent in Shih Poodles. Check out below to learn more about them.

Characteristics of the Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

It can be hard to predict exactly what a Shih Poo will look like since they are a relatively new breed. We can look at their parents and guess many statistics and traits.

Temperament

Shih Poo temperaments may be more dominant in one parent than the other, but we can make assumptions about yours based on how you typically see this adorable dog.

It is normal for Shih Poos to be friendly and playful, and they are quite happy just to sit in your lap and sleep for a few hours if you allow them to. Although they are known to be easy to train, you shouldn’t expect them to learn tricks from you unless you give them lots of attention and interaction.

Even though they are not as vocal as their Poodle parents, they can still be quite vocal dogs. In order to prevent unwanted behaviors later in life, Shih Poos need to be trained at an early age so they don’t bark when they’re frustrated.

A Shih Poo can make a great family dog when given supportive and positive training (and lots of attention), but they are also adaptable and may be suited to quiet lives too. This means they can be an ideal pup for single individuals who are retired and want a cuddly companion dog to curl up with! They do well in different living environments, including spacious houses, small houses, and apartments.

profile of Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Lifespan	Shih Poos have a relatively long life expectancy. The average lifespan of these creatures is 13 years, but they can live for as long as 10-18 years. In spite of this, they do suffer from some health issues.
Color	Shih Poo coat color can also vary. They come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Different colors may be present in the coats of puppies born from the same litter.
Appearance	Due to the fact that both of their parents are small, it is easy to predict that the Shih Poo will be as well. As a general rule, a Shih Poo weighs between 8 and 18 pounds and ranges in height between 8 and 18 inches. The Shih Poo size will also vary depending on the Poodle and Shih Tzu size, which can range from teacup to miniature to standard. Although small in size, they have sturdy bodies. In addition to their round faces and wide-set eyes, these puppies have a cute appearance that you are sure to love!
Coat	Coats of Shih Poos can be long and silky or short and curly. A curly coat can be inherited from a Poodle parent, a straight coat from a Shih Tzu parent, or a combination of both. Their fur is hypoallergenic, which makes them popular hybrids. Shih Poos inherit their hypoallergenic fur from their Poodle parents, while Shih Tzus have a non-hypoallergenic coat. Because the Shih Poo has a hypoallergenic coat, it sheds very little, making it especially appealing to people with allergies – and people who don’t want dog fur all over their homes!

Known Health Issues of Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

It can be difficult to determine what health conditions Shih Tzu Poodle mixes may experience because they are crossbreeds. The parents can, however, give us an idea. Shih Tzus may not have breathing problems if they inherit the longer muzzle from their Poodle parent.

The Shih Tzu parent can pass on eye problems, brachycephalic syndrome, and hip and kidney issues to your Shih Poo. In contrast, the Poodle parent can pass on Cushing’s disease, bladder stones, and skin tumors to your Shih Poo. When a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, it has Cushing’s disease.

Below we discuss Shih Poo’s dental issues.

There is no certainty that any of these health problems will occur, but they are all possible. Regular vet checkups, feeding them the right food, and providing them with the right amount of exercise should keep your doggie healthy and happy.

Daily Life of a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

It’s time to see what everyday life with a Shih Poo dog is like now that you know all about their characteristics and temperament.

Food and Diet of Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Your Shih Poo should always have a healthy and balanced diet, just like any other dog. The Shih Poo breed loves food, so free-feeding is not recommended if you don’t want an overweight dog!

Dog food for Shih-Poos should be formulated for small breeds with medium energy levels. Treats shouldn’t be given too often, and the food should be high-quality.

When they grow up into adults and then into their senior years, you should change their diet. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what food you should be feeding your Shih Poo.

Exercise

Shih poos are small dogs that will happily sit on your lap for hours on end. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise. Shih Poos should be exercised every day, with one or two 15-minute walks recommended per day. Their small bodies and small bladders also require them to go to the bathroom outside regularly.

Family Compatibility

Due to their love of attention, Shih Poos make great family dogs. Although they require regular grooming and exercise, they are friendly and playful. Due to their adaptability, they can thrive in a variety of situations, whether you live in a large house or a small apartment. A retired individual who wants a furry companion might find them perfect as they love to cuddle up with you and are the perfect lapdog!

Unless children have been taught to be gentle with Shih Poos, Shih Poos may not do well in environments with small children. A family with older children might be a better fit for your Shih Poo since children are often rough with animals.

You will be able to get along with other dogs in the home if you socialize your Shih Poo properly. It may be beneficial for them to have a furry playmate in the home, especially as they get older.

Training

It has been reported by many Shih Poo owners that their puppies are energetic and playful, which means they are not difficult to train. With verbal praise and treats as rewards, they respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. You should never use punishment to train your Shih Poo.

If your Shih Poo takes after one parent more than the other, he or she may be more inclined to learn tricks. It is likely that they will have a very high IQ if they inherit their Poodle parent’s traits. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are much less likely to impress you.

When you first get your Shih Poo, you should start training them right away. A Shih Poo puppy can be challenging to housetrain, but if you stay on top of their training, they will be much happier. If your Shih Poo puppy is potty training, you must be patient and not show anger towards him.

Socializing With Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

The importance of socializing your Poodle mix puppy at an early age cannot be overstated. In the case of young children or pets, this is of particular importance. It shouldn’t be difficult to introduce Shih Poos to various people and animals since they are generally easy to socialize with. Be careful not to overwhelm them by doing this quickly.

Grooming

It is unfortunate that Shih Poos require so much grooming. Shih Poos have a hypoallergenic coat and are very low-shedding, compared to neither of their parent breeds.

If they take after more of one parent or the other, Shih Poo’s fur may be long and silky or short and curly, but it is likely to be a mix. To keep their fur healthy and mat and tangle-free, they should be brushed daily and trimmed monthly. Although they may require a bath from time to time, regular bathing is not necessary since they are very clean dogs. Furthermore, a bath can help prevent any inherited skin conditions.

Grooming of Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Shih Poo owners often get haircuts. They will need a different type of cut depending on what kind of fur they have, such as a lamb clip or puppy clip if they have curly fur. Check their ears for any signs of infection and trim their nails occasionally. Infection may occur if they are not allowed to dry their ears after bathing.

Shih Tzus and Poodles both suffer from tear stains, so expect your Shih Poo to have them as well. One day a week, gently wipe around the eyes with a soft cloth.

Shih Poos can have many dental issues, as we mentioned above. In order to avoid this becoming a big issue, you will need to ensure their teeth are cleaned daily. In case chewable dental sticks are needed, you can use them. Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy is also possible with dry kibble. Setting up a routine can be helped by your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Shih Poos are cute, mixed-breed dogs created by breeding Shih Tzus and Poodles. Due to their hybrid nature, you can never know what characteristics your Shih Poo will inherit. However, you can expect them to be energetic, playful, and loving. As much as they enjoy exercising outside, they also love to curl up on the couch with you. Families and individuals can both enjoy them due to their adaptability, and they can thrive in both big and small homes. Shih Poo puppies: are they right for you?

FAQs