Alt Text
Hill’s Brand Horizon

Shih-poo Dogs

dog Breed Profile

Charming, affectionate and quick-witted, the small and fluffy shih poo adapts well to apartment living and would make an excellent companion for seniors.

Attributes

Thick, low-shed coat may be straight like that of a shih tzu or curly like that of a poodle, or may fall somewhere in between.

Size

Weight

8-18 lbs.

8-18 lbs.

Height

8-18 inches

(at withers)

8-18 inches

Coat

Length

Long to short

Color

Black, white, brown, gray, brindle and any combination thereof

Care

Exercise

20-30 minutes/day

Energy level

Moderate

Longevity

13-17 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Moderate

Snoring

Low to Moderate

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

High

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Not recognized

UKC Class.

Not recognized American Canine Hybrid Club

All white shih poo laying on rock.

About the Shih-poo Dogs

Charming, affectionate and quick-witted, the small and fluffy shih poo adapts well to apartment living and would make an excellent companion for seniors.

Shih-poo Dogs personality

Often, mixed-breed dogs develop a temperament that balances the qualities of their parent breeds. Shih tzus tend to be highly affectionate and extremely charming, but possess a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Poodles, on the other hand, while equally charming with playful and comedic personalities, are highly intelligent dogs who are more eager to please and easier to train. Shih poos, as a result, are often playful, affectionate and quick-witted little charmers, although they may inherit their shih tzu parent's willfulness. Because of this, they often need a firm but patient guide in training, and might not be the best choice for first-time dog parents.

What shih poos may lack in trainability, they more than make up for in love and affection. They love to play with toys and get along wonderfully with older children, although due to their small size and hair that's easy to grab and pull, they should be closely supervised around small children. While friendly and great at getting along well with other pets, especially if introduced as puppies, older shih poos might not love having other dogs around. They often do well as only dogs. Even so, these fluffy pups love being close to their people and don't tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. If work or school takes you away from home for long hours, you may need to consider doggie daycare to keep your shih poo happy.

What to expect

Shih poos are generally versatile dogs that can do well in small apartments as well as larger homes. They need up to 30 minutes a day of play and exercise, which can be satisfied with two or three short walks each day or 15-minute sessions of vigorous playtime twice daily. The rest of the time, they'll be content to curl up in your lap or to cuddle up next to you on the sofa. Shih poos are highly social and love to be around people, so expect them to stick close as you move around the house.

While shih poos tend to be long-lived, with some living 17 years or more, they can be predisposed to the same health problems as their parent breeds. These include allergies, patellar luxation, vision problems and endocrine disorders such as Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Shih poos that inherit the shorter snout of the shih tzu may also be prone to respiratory issues, reverse sneezing and snoring. Extra care should be taken to prevent overheating and heat stroke, says Dogtime. And like many small breeds, these dogs may be prone to dental problems and will benefit from regular dental cleanings and daily tooth brushing.

Regardless of the length or texture of your shih poo's coat, it will be thick, fast-growing and prone to matting. Daily brushing and monthly visits to the groomer are recommended to keep the coat under control. Limit baths to a few times a month to prevent the skin from drying out. When bathing, be sure to prevent water from getting in the ear canals to prevent ear infections from developing.

Shoodles have healthy appetites and will overeat if given the chance, which will lead to unhealthy weight gain. It's best to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule rather than allowing them to graze on kibble throughout the day. Feed your pup a high-quality food dog formulated for small breeds, and keep treats to a minimum.

History of the Shih-poo Dogs

Not much is known about the backstory of the shih poo. Unlike other boutique breeds, no breeders have come forward to take credit for introducing the shih poo. Most likely this cross-breed came about unintentionally, with breeders in the U.S. later deciding to deliberately breed them as their popularity caught on. As a cross-breed, shih poos are not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, although they are recognized by various designer breed registration clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Adopt a pet.
Change a life.

Are you prepared to adopt a pet? Use these tools to make sure you’re ready for the commitment.

 

Need help finding the right food for your dog?

Other breeds you might be interested in