Shih Poo: A Wonderful Shih Tzu Poodle Mix Breed

Out of all the Doodles that exist in the world, one cross you don’t want to miss out on is the Shih-Poo. This stunning petite little fluffball is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle. You might have also heard of it under the name of the Shoodle or Shi-Poo.

Unlike some designer breeds, this is a stunning hybrid that combines each parent’s best characteristics and qualities. They’re fantastic lapdogs, are highly intelligent, and are a breed suited for any living space, whether that’s an apartment, mansion, farm, or a family-filled home.

Just looking at these few qualities alone is enough to spark interest in the Shti Tzu Poodle mix. But, this charming crossbreed deserves more than just a few sentences about them.

Therefore today, I will cover everything you need to know about this dog in this article. If you’re interested in the Shih-Poo mix, keep on reading.

Little-Known Facts About the shih poo 📌

If you’re interested in buying a Doodle, there are some cool and quirky facts about them that might help influence your buying:

1. On average, Shih Poos can run around 6-10 miles/9.7-16km per hour. That’s pretty fast!
2. Even though their Shih Tzu parent drools a lot, the Shi Poo hardly ever drools.
3. The Shih Tzu is a crossbreed that can cost the same price as purebreds!

What’s the shih poo Price? 💲

When it comes to Shih Poo puppies, they’re not that cheap. On average, their cost can range from $500-$1000.

If the puppy comes from a reputable breeder or has a strong lineage of purebred parents, it could cost around $2000 upwards.

Most of the time, a male Shih Poo puppy will cost about $1000, and a female will cost $900. But, take note that’s just their buying cost; you’ll have to set aside finances for their food, veterinary bills, supplies, and more.

Are Shih Poos considered a designer dog breed?

Yes, Shih Poos are considered a designer dog breed. They are a crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Designer dogs are intentionally bred hybrids, created by crossing two different purebred dogs to combine desirable traits and create a unique mix.

Shih Poos are bred with the goal of combining the Shih Tzu’s affectionate and friendly nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat.

Are shih poo hypoallergenic? 🤧

Like their Poodle parent, a Shih Tzu can be classed as being close to hypoallergenic. This means they’re an ideal hybrid for people who suffer from typical allergies to dander from dogs. But, if you do suffer from allergies and plan on owning a Shih Poo, it’s important to know there is a risk of them getting dander; therefore, it’s up to you to keep on top of its grooming.

Temperament & Intelligence of the shih poo ✨

Most of the time personalities of a Shih Poo can vary based on what they inherit from each parent. Many Shih Poo’s, though, tend to have a personality that lies at the midpoint. You can expect this crossbreed to be playful and incredibly friendly, a great companion dog for after a long day at work. You can expect this dog to climb into your lap and nap there while you watch the tv.

Speaking of which, they absolutely love their sleep and are often prone to having a midday siesta. Don’t be deceived by its fascination with sleep; this is a crossbreed that also enjoys walks and play. They may not be as intelligent as their Poodle parent and eager to learn new tricks, but they love to seek attention.

They slightly differ from the Poodle as they don’t bark that frequently. Instead, they will notify you when they’re hungry, wanting attention, or need the bathroom with a single bark. However, they do get their intelligence from the Poodle and love to learn. Because of this, you must provide them with a lot of puzzles for mental stimulation.

Are shih poos Good for Families?👪

The Shih Poo is a perfect dog for any family; therefore, whether your family has elderly relatives or young children, they will love them. They’re also versatile canines, meaning they can live in any home and even with one person. But, irrespective of who they live with, it’s crucial that they are cared for with lots of love, affection, and attention for them to be happy.

Does The shih poo Get Along With Other Pets? 🐈

Most of the time, the Shih-Poo can get along well with other animals in the home, as long as they’re slowly introduced. But, you should also be aware not to expect things to go smooth sailing at first, as sometimes the Shi Poo can be a little bit stubborn.

Because of this, when it’s in the company of other pets who get more affection, they might be a little bit jealous. This crossbreed can easily suffer from separation anxiety, too, if left on their own for long periods. Thus, having another pet in your home might be beneficial and help them cope easily when you’re gone.

Food & Diet Requirements of the shih poo 🦴

To know exactly what to feed a Shih Poo, you must take it to the vet, who will be able to guide you based on their age, weight, and health requirements. Most of the time, a Shih Poo should be given dry kibble of high quality.

You can also vary their meals by providing them meat and plant-based food. Regardless of the food source you choose, it must contain high amounts of protein fiber and be dense in calories. Moreover, it’s best if you split their kibble across two small meals a day and restrain from free feeding. If you free-feed a Shih Poo, you may increase the risk of overeating, contributing to more severe issues like joint pain and diabetes.

Full-grown sizes 📏

As the Shih Poo is a relatively new Doodle, you can’t always accurately predict its size. Most of the time, they’re a small breed weighing between 8-18lbs/3.6-9kg and growing up to 8-18inches/21-46cm. However, its measurements can vary based on the Poodle parent the Shi Tzu is bred with.

Life expectancy of the shih poo 📈

On average, a Shih Poo can live a healthy life of 12-15 years if looked after well with the proper care, diet, and exercise.

shih poo Exercise & Training 🏃

Even though the Shih Poo is a small breed prone to energy spurts, they have low exercise requirements. At the most, they will require a short brisk walk in the morning and evening of around 30-60 minutes at a time.

If you can’t manage a walk, you can always play with them with a ball, small toy, or frisbee in your yard, as this will be sufficient enough. Plus, due to their small size, you don’t have to limit playtime to the outdoors; it can be done inside too. Note that this is not a breed appropriate for long walks or hikes, as they will get tired easily and prefer to be carried.

While Shi-Poos might inherit the Poodle’s intelligence, they can often have a stubborn streak inherited from their Shih Tzu parent. Because of this, house training and socialization can be difficult and should be conducted as young as possible.

Plus, they have a short attention span, so they should be provided training in quick and simple intervals. To train this breed it’s going to require a lot of patience and determination to see results.

shih poo Grooming ✂️

The Shih-Poo can inherit either the coat of their Poodle parent or the Shih-Tzu. Regardless of the coat it has, you must brush them twice a week to free it of any mats and tangles. It’s often a good idea to buy a high-quality dog brush and a de-matting comb to do this.

Further to this, you should bathe your Shi Poo every three weeks to make sure their coat stays clean. You’ll want to do this with dog shampoo and conditioner that’s been approved by your vet.

Moreover, their ears should be checked once a week for any dirt or bacteria to reduce the risk of infection. It would help if you also brushed their teeth 2-3 times a week to reduce the likelihood of a gum infection occurring.

Do they shed?

The Shih Poo tends to take after its Poodle parent and tends to be very low shedding. While this may be the case for this hybrid, it’s essential you still take time to brush its coat a few times a week.

shih poo Health Problems and Conditions 🩺

Most of the conditions a Shih Poo might face are often inherited from either the Poodle or Shih Tzu parent. For instance, if they inherit the short snout from the Shih Tzu, they may have breathing difficulties.

Sometimes they can become teary-eyed, making it difficult for them to see properly, which could cause excessive scratching and rubbing. Alongside this, this cross can sometimes experience specific skin and coat complaints.

They also might experience the following illnesses:

• Hypothyroidism
• Intervertebral disk disease
• Von Willebrands disease

Again, it’s not always guaranteed that a Shih Poo will experience these problems, but they must visit a veterinarian for frequent checkups to rule them out.

Male vs. Female ⚥

There’s a slight difference when it comes to the genders of these hybrids. Male Shih Poo’s are often more affectionate and alert around others. They’re more likely to be aggressive than females if not trained well. They also have a stronger focus on food than females, which can make training easier.

On the contrary, females tend to be more aloof, stubborn, and less affectionate. If you decide not to get a female Shih Poo spayed, they’re more than likely to experience mood fluctuation every six months.

How Can I Get a Shih Poo?

To get a Shih Poo, you have several options:

1. Adoption: Check out local animal shelters or rescue organizations in your area and inquire about Shih Poos available for adoption. Many mixed-breed dogs end up in rescues and could make wonderful companions.
2. Breeders: Look for reputable breeders who specialize in Shih Poos. Research and choose a breeder with good reviews and who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Request to meet the breeder, the parent dogs, and see the conditions in which the puppies are raised.
3. Pet stores: Some pet stores may have Shih Poos available for purchase. However, it’s essential to be cautious when buying from a pet store, as many obtain their puppies from questionable sources.

Regardless of the method chosen, remember to ask questions about the Shih Poo’s health, behavior, and breeding background. Meet the puppy in person, observe their temperament, and ensure they have received proper care and socialization.

Conclusion ✔️

Overall the Shih Poo is a fun little dog that loves to be around humans and animals. Regardless of the type of home and the number of people living there, they’ll make a great addition if they are socialized and trained well.

They’re a small crossbreed that does not take up much space and can have their energy levels used up during a brisk walk or through play. This dog can be a bit stubborn and headstrong, so training takes a lot of patience and determination.

Would you buy a Shih Poo? Let us know in the comments below.