Shih Tzu Poodle Mix – Everything You Need To Know About The Shih Poo

The Shih Tzu Poodle mix, or the Shi Poo as they’re also called, is a charming pup that combines the best traits of both its parent breeds. As affectionate and sweet as a Shit Tzu and as intelligent as a Poodle, they really are a wonderful mixed breed.

But are they the right breed for you? (Hint, if you’re looking for an extremely cute, adaptable, and trainable doggo, then yes, they are)! Here’s everything you need to know about the Shih Poo.

What Is a Shih Poo?

The Shih Poo is a designer breed with a Shih Tzu and Toy or Miniature Poodle as parents. They’re charismatic little dogs that are moderately active and make the perfect pets for families, seniors, and singles. They get on with everyone, can be many different colors, and are likely to be hypoallergenic.

They’re perhaps not as popular as the Mini Goldendoodle or the Mini Bernedoodle, but the Shih Tzu Poodle mix is a stunning dog that you should definitely consider adopting.

The History of a Shih Poo

Just like many designer dog breeds, not a lot is known about the exact history of the Shih Tzu Poodle mix. Because both Shih Tzus and Poodles are popular dogs, it’s possible that Shih Poos occurred naturally over time.

When breeders noticed how cute and affectionate they were, they probably started to intentionally breed them. This is likely to have been in the 1980s when Poodle mix breeding was very popular thanks to their hypoallergenic coats. Breeders wanted to breed new breeds that allergy sufferers could also adopt.

What About The Parent Breeds of the Shih Poo?

The Shih Poo is not a purebred dog which means it isn’t accepted by the kennel clubs and therefore doesn’t have a breed standard for breeders to breed to. Therefore appearance and personality traits can differ between Shih Poo puppies.

One of the best ways to get a better understanding of these hybrid dogs is to look more in-depth at their parent breeds.

Poodle

The American Kennel Club recognizes three types of Poodle: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. As is the case for the Havapoo (the adorable Havanese Poodle mix), Shih Poos usually have a Toy or Miniature Poodle parent.

Poodles are very clever dogs. Standard poodles, which can be much bigger, were originally bred for retrieving, Miniature for truffle hunting, and Toys to look pretty on the laps of noble women across Europe.

Poodles (which is derived from the German word for puddle) love water. They have a water-resistant coat which is another reason they’re often chosen as the parents for mixed breeds. These active dogs need a good amount of exercise, as well as lots of mental stimulation.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are regal dogs bred to wander around the palaces of ancient China. These beautiful Chinese dogs are very friendly, versatile pups that get on well with kids and other dogs. Shih Tzus are known for their long, silky coats which need a lot of maintenance.

Some owners decide to cut their coats into a puppy cut which is much easier and just as cute!

Shih Tzus are a popular choice for seniors and city dwellers thanks to their low exercise needs. These pups are happy with a quick walk around the block or play sessions indoors. They’re very affectionate dogs and love to spend time with their owners. They’re always ready for a cuddle!

There are many adorable Shih Tzu colors and Shih Poos can inherit any of them. These little lion dogs, as their name translates, are cute, endearing, and very calm dogs.

The Appearance of a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Because these dogs are not purebred pups, their appearance can differ a lot – even between puppies in the same litter.

First-generation Shi Poo puppies can take after either their Poodle or Shih Tzu parent, meaning they might have long silky coats or short and curly. They might also be somewhere in between! Second-generation dogs (those with a Shih Poo parent) will be a little more predictable.

Poodles can be many different colors, including black, white, apricot, and gray. Shih Tzus can also be many different colors, and your Shih Poo can inherit a combination of both. So yes, Shih Poos can be a lot of different colors which makes them very special!

Shih Poos are small dogs and can grow to be a maximum of 18 inches tall. They usually weigh no more than 18 pounds too.

These beautiful mixed-breed dogs often have big, endearing eyes, happy faces, and very cute button noses.

The Temperament of Shih Poos

One of the best things about mixed-breed dogs is the personality they inherit from both parent breeds. Poodles are intelligent, playful, active, and very curious little dogs. Shih Tzus, however, are more relaxed, and calm, and can have a stubborn streak which makes training a little difficult.

A Shih Tzu Poodle mix can have a great combination of these traits. They’re often intelligent, eager to learn, playful, and a little silly. They’re also very witty!

These dogs are loyal and affectionate. They need to be in a home where they can get lots of attention and cuddles. They’re playful and will love having snuffle mats and other toys to play with.

Are Shih Poos Easy to Train?

Shih Poos should be easy to train. They’re usually very intelligent dogs that are happy to please and show off new tricks and commands. They might inherit their Shih Tzu parent’s stubborn streak but will respond well to positive reinforcement.

Try rewarding them with healthy (but yummy) snacks, such as apple, raspberries, or chunks of papaya.

Do You Need to Socialize a Shih Poo?

Yes! All dogs need to be socialized, including your Shih Poo puppy. Meeting other humans and dogs, as well as being exposed to different sights, smells, and sounds is a crucial part of any pup’s education. It helps them to learn respect and other important doggy behavior as well as to become more confident and less anxious.

Do Shih Poos Get Along With Kids and Other Dogs?

Both the Shih Tzu and the Poodle get on well with children. In fact, they love having little humans to play with. They also get on well with other dogs when well-socialized, so it’s likely your Shih Poo will too.

Because Shih Tzu Poodle mixes are small dogs, it’s important that care is taken when playing with kids and other pups. Rough play could end with a serious injury for this designer dog breed.

Can Shih Poo Dogs Be Left Alone?

No pup should be left alone for a long time. They’re man’s best friend for a reason – they love to be around their humans. But some breeds are more adapted to entertaining themselves or spending a short time alone.

Unfortunately, the Shih Poo is not one of them. These dogs love affection and attention and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone a lot.

If you do need to leave your pup for a short while, make sure they have lots of toys to play with. Try hiding food in puzzle toys to distract them and keep them entertained whilst you’re out.

Do Shih Poos Bark?

Poodles are known for being occasionally yappy. They’re very alert dogs and barking is a way for them to get your attention. Shih Tzus can be quite vocal too.

Most Shih Poos, however, don’t tend to be as vocal as their parents. They won’t mind barking when there’s something interesting going on or someone is coming to the front door but they can still live in apartments.

Are Shih Poos Aggressive Dogs?

Shih Poos are not naturally aggressive dogs. Of course, how they’re socialized and educated has a big impact on their behavior. But dogs that are exposed to different stimuli from a young age should be come well-rounded and not overly aggressive.

If you’re thinking about adopting a Shih Poo from a shelter, check with the staff about their behavior. Past experiences can lead to bad behavior but lots of love from you and help from a canine behavior specialist should reduce any aggressive tendencies.

The Health of a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Many designer dogs, such as the Retro Pug, are specifically bred to be healthier than their parent breeds. Whilst this isn’t the case for the Shi Poo, they are generally healthy designer dogs.

An ethical breeder should start with healthy dogs and only breed for those. This will help to ensure any puppies are also healthy.

Having said that, these small dogs can suffer from some common health issues associated with the parent breeds. These include:

• Dental disease. Small dogs often suffer from dental problems. It’s important to regularly clean their teeth and take them for checkups at the vet.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Patellar luxation.
• Eye problems such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and eyelid abnormalities.

What’s The Life Expectancy of a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix?

With the correct food, enough exercise, and a loving owner, a Shih Poo can live to be 16 years old! Of course, genetics also play a role in the health and life expectancy of your pooch.

Grooming a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

How much grooming your little pup will need really depends on the coat they inherit. Both Shih Tzus and Poodles need to have their coats regularly trimmed to keep them looking neat, so you can expect to have your Shih Poo trimmed too.

Some dogs inherit the curly, denser coat of the Poodle. Others may get the longer, straighter coat from their Shih Tzu parent, and some get something in between.

Whichever coat they get, you may need to brush it a couple of times a week. This will help it to stay clean, distribute oils, and stop mats from forming.

Something else to consider is cleaning their ears. Poodles love jumping in and out of water, so your Shih Poo probably will too. Always clean their ears afterward and make sure they’re dry to stop infections.

Their nails should be kept to a healthy length. This usually happens naturally, but older dogs may find this harder to do and you should ask a groomer.

As already mentioned, small dogs can often struggle with dental issues. Make sure you clean your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent decay. It will also help their breath to smell nicer!

How Much Exercise Does a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix Need?

Poodle breeds, including the Toy Poodle, need lots of exercise. Even though they’re small, Toy Poodles love playing games, chasing after balls, and jumping in and out of puddles. They’re inquisitive little dogs that love finding out about their surroundings and exploring.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, don’t need very much exercise at all. They’re the perfect house dog and jumping from lap to lap is all the exercise they need. That doesn’t, however, mean they don’t need to go outside.

It’s important to take your Shih Tzu out so they can be exposed to new things and get fresh air. They also need interactive games to keep them stimulated. Check out the BarkingTalk products page for lots of fun ways to keep your pooch entertained.

So, it’s likely that your Shih Poo will have moderate exercise needs. They’ll enjoy trips to the dog park, chasing after a ball, and walks around the block. If your pup inherits the slightly shorter Shih Tzu muzzle, it may overheat quite easily.

In warmer months make sure they don’t overdo it and take them for walks in the colder hours of the day.

Diet and Nutrition of a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

If possible, all dogs should be fed good-quality, nutritious, and yummy food that’s appropriate for the breed. These companion dogs do have the tendency to overeat if food is left in the bowl.

Instead, try feeding them less and more often during the day. Being a healthy weight reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes developing and helps to keep their joints healthier for longer.

You could also try fresh dog food which is a great way to get extra nutrients into your pup’s diet. Many of the brands also pre-portion the meals based on your dog’s portfolio to help with weight management.

Reducing the amount of shop-bought treats you give your pup is also a good idea. They might be something your dog goes crazy for, but they’re full of extra calories and preservatives that your dog doesn’t need. Instead, why not give them chunks of zucchini, strawberries, or watermelon?

Adopting a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Before adopting any dog, it’s important to research the breed well and make sure it will be a good fit for your experience and lifestyle. It’s also really important to research an ethical breeder. Designer dogs are often bred for looks alone, which can lead to health issues.

An ethical breeder will breed for the welfare of the dogs, and it’s important you know you’re getting a happy and healthy pooch.

Like other Hybrid Dog breeds, these pups are becoming more and more popular, so it’s unlikely you’ll find one in a shelter – but it is possible! Always check there first, as you could be giving a pup a second and lifelong home.

How Much Does A Shih Poo Cost?

Shih Poos can cost anywhere between $2000 and $4000, although most are around $2500. The price will depend on the lineage of the parent dogs, coat color, location, and the reputation of the breeder (among other things).

It will be much cheaper if you’re lucky enough to find one in a shelter!

Conclusion: Is A Shih Poo Right for You?

If you’re looking for a small, affectionate dog that has a beautiful coat and a very sweet temperament, then the Shih Poo could be perfect. These adorable little dogs combine the best traits of both parents. They’re inquisitive but not overly active, relaxed but still alert, and very intelligent.

They’re a good choice for senior dog owners as well as families and singles. What isn’t to like?