Shih-Poo

also known as Shoodle, Pooshi

Pros Summary


A Shih-Poo is a small to medium-sized hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They are generally friendly and affectionate dogs that get along well with children and other pets. Shih-Poos are known for their long, silky coats, which require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. They are intelligent and can be trained easily, but may be prone to barking and can be sensitive to loud noises. They are generally low- to moderate-energy dogs and do well in apartment or urban settings as long as they get regular exercise. Shih-Poos are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health conditions such as eye and ear infections, dental problems, and hip dysplasia.

Breed Information


Type

Is Shih-Poo a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Shih-Poos originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Shih-Poos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Shih-Poo? How long can Shih-Poos live?

15-16 years

The average Shih-Poo lifespan is somewhere between 15-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Shih-Poo Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Shih-Poo?

What is the average height of a Shih-Poo? How big is a Cross Breed Shih-Poo height? Shih-Poo dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-13 inches (20.3 - 33 cm) 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Female 8-13 inches (20.3 - 33 cm) 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Shih-Poo? How much should Shih-Poos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-20 pounds (6 - 9 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg)
Female 13-20 pounds (6 - 9 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Shih-Poos get fat easily?

The Shih-Poo is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Shih-Poos Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Shih-Poos are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Shih-Poo personality? What are Shih-Poo dogs best known for?

Companionable
Intelligent
Loyal
Sweet

Shedding Level

Are Shih-Poos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Shih-Poo Shed?

Shih-Poo will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Shih-Poo dog?

The Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Shih-Poos descended from?

Shih-Tzu, Poodle

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Shih-Poo breed?

Not recognized by any clubs.

Date of Birth

When were Shih-Poos first bred? How old is the Shih-Poo breed?

Unknown

Shih-Poo Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Shih-Poo eyes?

Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Shih-Poo nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Shih-Poo coat be naturally?

Gray
Black
Brown
White

Coat Length

How long is a Shih-Poos coat?

The coat of a Shih-Poo is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Shih-Poo Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Shih-Poo?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Shih-Poo have in a litter? How many puppies can a Shih-Poo have in her first litter?

15-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Shih-Poo can have a litter of 15-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Shih-Poos are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Shih-Poo Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Shih-Poos have a lot of health problems?

The Shih-Poo is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Shih-Poo?

Eye Problems
Addison's Disease
Mitral Valve Disease
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Invertebral Disc Disease
Sebaceous Adentitis

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Shih-Poos?

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Corneal Dystrophy
Urolithiasis
Cleft Lift or Palate

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Shih-Poo breed?

Eye
Heart
X-Rays
Full Body Physical Examination
Blood and Urine Protein Screens

Shih-Poo Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Shih-Poos have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Shih-Poos may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Shih-Poos need socialization? How social are Shih-Poos?

Shih-Poo have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Shih-Poos get?

The Shih-Poo dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Shih-Poo have? Do Shih-Poos sleep a lot?

The Shih-Poo breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Shih-Poo drool a lot?

The Shih-Poo is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Shih-Poo dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Shih-Poos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Shih-Poo dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Shih-Poos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Shih-Poo running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Shih-Poo dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Shih-Poos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Shih-Poo busy?

Fetch, Walk, Bath time, Run, Tug a war, Hikes, Running, Go to Beach, Go to Park, Playdate, Frisbee, Road trip, Groom, Swim, Play, Nap, Catch treats, Chase, Tug-of-war, Nose work, Heel, Speak, Off-leash, Brushing, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Biting, Hide & Seek, Barking, Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Shih-Poo? How much energy does a Shih-Poo have?

Medium

Shih-Poos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Shih-Poo walk each week? How many miles should a Shih-Poo walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih-Poo, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Shih-Poo should exercise a day? How much activity does a Shih-Poo need?

40 minutes

In general most Shih-Poos usually need at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Shih-Poo?

The Shih-Poo is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Shih-Poo?

Daily

Ideally, Shih-Poo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Shih-Poos?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Shih-Poo eat?

1 cups

For an average 13-20 pound (6 - 9 kg) Shih-Poo feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Shih-Poo Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Shih-Poo is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Shih-Poo Cost Per Month?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Shih-Poo is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Shih-Poo Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Shih-Poo?

The Shih-Poo breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Shih-Poo dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Shih-Poo dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Shih-Poo do well in apartments? Are Shih-Poos good indoor dogs?

Shih-Poos are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Shih-Poos good with kids? Are Shih-Poos good around children?

Shih-Poos are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Shih-Poos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Shih-Poos good with cats? How friendly Shih-Poos are toward cats?

Shih-Poos are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Shih-Poo dogs get along with other dogs? Are Shih-Poos OK with other dogs?

Shih-Poos are below average dog friendly dogs. Shih-Poo dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Shih-Poo dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Shih-Poos friendly with strangers?

Shih-Poos are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Shih-Poos like to play? Are Shih-Poos playful?

The Shih-Poo is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Shih-Poo is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Shih-Poo easily trained?

Shih-Poo dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Small size
    Shih-Poos are small dogs that are well-suited for apartment living or small homes.
  • Low-shedding coat
    Shih-Poos have a low-shedding coat, making them a good choice for those with allergies or who do not want to deal with excessive shedding.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a quieter breed, this one could be a good option as they are known for being relatively silent.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Because of their hypoallergenic nature, Shih-Poos may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.
  • Lack of odor
    An odor issue is unlikely with the Shih-Poo.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Shih-Poos are intelligent and easily trainable, making them a good choice for those looking for a companion that can be trained to perform various tasks.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Shih-Poo's weight can become problematic if not monitored closely.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Shih-Poos are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • High maintenance coat
    Shih-Poos have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance.
  • Prone to certain health problems
    Like many purebred dogs, Shih-Poos may be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies.