The Shih-Poo is an adaptable mixed-breed dog that loves to cuddle and hug.
They are the perfect puppy companions for any dog lover.
If you’re looking to adopt a Shih-Poo or already have one at home, here’s a comprehensive breed guide to help you learn more about the adorable mixed breed.
Shih-Poos: The basics
The Shih-Poo is a recent dog breed from two purebreds: the intelligent and sophisticated Poodle from Germany and the adorable Shih-Tzu from Chinese Royalty.
It is hard to tell which parent breed genes and traits are more visible or influential. Sometimes, the puppies are strikingly similar to one parent. In other cases, they are a perfect blend of the two.
The coat may vary between the toy Poodle’s curly fur and straight Shih-Tzu fur. Sometimes, they can have a perfect blend of the two coats—and this is the most common look.
Most Shih-Poos are the first generation of their kind (immediate descendants of a purebred Shih-Tzu and a Poodle). Therefore, like other hybrids, many well-established kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club, have yet to recognize them.
Here are other quick facts about Shih-Poos:
- Weight: 8-18 pounds.
- Height: 8-13 inches.
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Spunky, playful, energetic.
- Purpose: Lapdog
Adorable qualities
Looks
Shih-Poos can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the gorgeous mane-like coat from their Shih Tzu parent, or a combination of the two—which is more common. They also come in various colors and color combinations.
Besides their adorable coats, Shih-Poos also have the cutest, alert expression. With his looks and energy, he is perfect for the home and the dog park.
Personality
Predicting a pup’s personality is difficult, but you can learn much from his Shih-Tzu and Poodle parents.
Shih-Tzus are known for their stubbornness and disinterest in learning. But their friendliness, affection, and adorable looks would instantly make you forget this trainability shortcoming. On the other hand, Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active.
Shih-Poos give you the best of both worlds: a cute, friendly, adorable, active, intelligent, and playful four-legged buddy.
However, because they are smart and loyal, Shih-Poos can be prone to periods of fear and anxiety in certain situations.
Is your Shih-Poo hypoallergenic?
As a rule, poodle breeds are a good option for dog owners with allergies.
Most marketers portray the Shih-Poo as a breed with a hypoallergenic coat. But this could be misleading. No dog (or pet, for that matter) is 100% hypoallergenic.
The term “hypoallergenic breed” often means that the breed has a reputation for triggering fewer allergic reactions.
Nevertheless, the concept is relative. Your Shih-Poo could be hypoallergenic to you, but that might not be true for a friend who visits and comes into contact with him.
Temperament
Like the personality, you could consider the parents’ temperaments as a way to predict the pups’. Both the Poodle and Shih-Tzu are energetic. They like to play around and are extremely friendly.
Dog lovers say that Shih-Poos have more of the Poodles’ temperament. They love to yap like their Poodle parents and are stubborn like their Shih-Tzu parents.
What a Shih-Poo loves most
Company
Shih-Poos prefer to be around adults or older kids who can cuddle and gently play with them. That said, the Shih-Poo is an excellent companion to children who know how to handle small dogs and treat them respectfully. They typically do better with older children.
Concerning adults, Shih-Poos can be the perfect companions. The cuddly little fellows want to be by your side all the time.
They make perfect companions for people with a relaxed lifestyle who have time to spend with their dogs.
Shih-Poos also have no problem getting along with other pets, but they are introduced gradually. Start building their socialization skills early—while they are still pups—and let them get used to being around other pets.
Play
Shih-poos are energetic and will keep you running and playing throughout the day. However, unlike other dogs, they do not require vigorous exercise to stay fit. Brief but brisk walks twice a day are all that this enthusiastic dog needs to stay fit.
Unfortunately, for outdoor enthusiasts, Shih-Poos don’t appreciate a 10-mile jog or an all-day hike. It would just exhaust the little guy, and it could harm his health.
Exercise needs
Shih-Poos are energetic little dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Daily walks and playtime are essential for meeting the exercise needs of these dogs with high energy levels.
Engaging them in interactive games, such as fetch or hide-and-seek, can also help keep them mentally stimulated.
Due to their small size, they can quickly get sufficient exercise indoors, making them suitable for apartment living.
It’s essential to monitor their activity level to ensure they get the right amount of exercise without overexerting themselves.
Caring for your Shih-Poo
Diet and feeding
All meals should be high-quality and served in small portions. Shih-Poos tend to have dental issues, such as premature tooth loss, gum disease, and cavities. Therefore, dry foods are better since they minimize or prevent a host of dental problems.
Ensure the servings are just the correct quantity and follow a consistent schedule. These little guys are ravenous feeders. If you allow them to free-feed, they could gain lots of weight.
Health conditions
Your Shih-Pooh could have a health profile similar to that of the parent breeds. However, predicting if, when, and how these health problems manifest would be difficult.
So, take it one day at a time and be aware of each breed’s most common health problems.
Due to their short noses, Shih-Tzus are prone to eye infections, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, periodontal disease, and respiratory issues, including brachycephalic syndrome. They also suffer from patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and kidney problems.
Poodles often have to deal with health issues like bladder stones and skin issues such as tumors and Cushing’s disease.
As for the Shih-Poo, dental, eye, and skin issues could be frequent.
Plan to visit the vet regularly to catch any issues before they hurt your little buddy. You could also do quick temperature checks to avoid surprises.
The Shih-Poo’s lifespan is typically 10 to 16 years
Grooming
The Shih-Poo has a medium-length, non-shedding coat that is soft, curly, and dense. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling.
Brush your dog at least twice to thrice a week using a slicker brush or metal comb to remove any tangles or loose hair.
Regular brushing will also distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
Aside from regular brushing, a professional groomer must trim the Shih-Poo’s coat every 4-6 weeks. Because dogs have sensitive skin that can easily get nicked or cut, it’s better to use a groomer rather than try to trim their fur yourself.
Regular bathing should be done every 4-6 weeks using a mild dog shampoo.
Over-bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. When bathing your Shih-Poo, thoroughly rinse all the shampoo residue, as any leftover product can cause skin irritation.
In addition to grooming their fur, paying attention to their eyes and ears is crucial. Shih-poos’ facial features require extra care, as they are prone to tear staining due to their long hair around the eyes. Gently wipe away any discharge from their eyes daily with a clean cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water.
Their floppy ears also need special attention as they can trap moisture and debris, making them susceptible to infections. Check and clean your dog’s ears regularly using a damp cloth or ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian.
Keep your Shih-Poo’s teeth clean and healthy. Regular brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste can help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
Training
Shih-Poo puppies are generally intelligent and get it from their Poodle parents. However, they also inherit a fair portion of stubbornness from their Shih-Tzu parents.
Training is essential. Your Shih-Poo dog should learn how to behave when outdoors or when close to other pets. He will also need to know when to use the bathroom.
It may take longer than other breeds. So, be patient, consistent, and firm. Crate training has proven results and works well for poodle mixes who stay at home. Consider using this approach.
Remember to use positive reinforcement training. Praise and tasty treats will work better than harsh tones.
Shih-Poos, like other toy breeds, also have a short attention span.
You will only have a few minutes at best to teach him good behavior, so keep the sessions short, frequent, and sweet.
Most importantly, be patient and consistent, and use rewards to encourage good behavior. Your dog will eventually get there.
Socialization
Early socialization is crucial for Shih-Poos to become well-rounded and confident dogs.
Introducing these hybrid dogs to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age can help prevent shyness or fearfulness.
Organized puppy classes and regular outings to dog-friendly places can aid in their social development.
Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, can encourage good behavior and help them feel more at ease in different situations.
Patience and consistency are key when socializing Shih-Poos, as it may take time for them to adjust to new experiences.
Find a reputable breeder
Finding the right breeder is crucial when adding a hybrid breed or cross-breed to your family.
Ensure you bring home a healthy, well-socialized Shih-Poo puppy from a responsible breeder.
Because the breed is still relatively rare, you’ll unlikely find one with rescue organizations.
Do research
Look for breeders who specialize in breeding Shih-Poos and have experience with the breed. You can start by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends or family members who own Shih-Poos.
Visit the breeder
Once you have a list of potential breeders, set up appointments to visit them in person. This will allow you to see their facilities and meet the dogs. A responsible breeder will show you around and answer questions.
Check for health certifications
It’s essential to ask about health certifications before purchasing a Shih-Poo puppy from a breeder. A reputable breeder will conduct genetic health testing on their dogs and provide documentation proving they are healthy and free of genetic disorders. Some will offer a health guarantee.
Observe living conditions
While visiting the breeder’s facility, observe the living conditions of both adult dogs and puppies. They should be clean, well-fed, and have ample space to play and exercise.
Puppy socialization
A good breeder will ensure that their puppies are well-socialized before they go home with their new owners at eight weeks old. Ask about the breeder’s socialization techniques, such as exposing puppies to different sounds, textures, people, and animals.
Ask for references
Ask the breeder for references from previous customers. A reputable breeder will have satisfied customers willing to share their experiences with you.
Contract and guarantees
Carefully read any contracts or guarantees the breeder provides. These documents should outline what is expected of both parties and what steps to take if any issues arise.
Final thoughts on the Shih-Poo
Shih-Poos can thrive as family pets. The adult dogs live comfortably in most homes, whether in an apartment or if you have a yard.
But these affectionate little lap dogs will need regular grooming, TLC, and exercise.
While at home, they are playful and energetic. They can make even the grumpiest person smile. Keep this guide around. It will be helpful if you want to give your Shih-Poo buddy the best possible care.