What do you get when you combine the playfulness of a Shih Tzu and the charm of a Poodle? The enchanting Shihpoo or course—a cuddly and friendly companion, who is delighted to warm your lap, or romp around the yard during playtime. This mix has been gaining popularity over the years (I mean, who doesn’t love a teddy bear-inspired pup that sheds very little), and now you can see what all of the fuss is about—and maybe decide if this small but feisty furball is the proper match for you.
Is a Shihpoo the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: United States
- Size:
- Weight: 8-20 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Shihpoo Appearance
Some say this breed looks similar to Cavoodles, though Shihpoos tend to be more diminutive, and with a shorter snout. But really, this breed is quite unique in their looks, which makes them even more endearing to those who seek them out. When it comes to their coat, the texture and appearance can be extremely varied, ranging from wavy, thick hair (or even wooly, like a Poodle) to a fine, soft coif, like a Shih Tzu. Their coat can also come in brindle, white, brown, black, and a plethora of color combinations.
Not surprisingly (considering the mix), this breed is on the small size, with their weight maxing out at around 20 pounds. This means they’re easy to take along anywhere, which honestly, will probably make both of you very happy.
Shihpoo Dog Breed Personality
Shihpoos tend to be playful and affectionate with those around them. And though they won’t greet every person or pup they see, they’re generally an amicable breed that can be counted on for friendliness.
You won’t need to exercise them extensively since they’re a medium energy breed, but you will want to make sure to give them regular walks to keep them fit and healthy. Plus, since they’re intelligent pups, it’s a good idea to find some fun and engaging games to play with them—stimulating their minds (and getting them to run around a little) will keep them entertained, and prevent boredom and restlessness.
Shihpoos are great with other animals, so long as they’re properly introduced, and as long as they were socialized at a young age. The same is true with this breed and children—as long as the kids are calm and gentle with them, this breed will have no trouble making friends.
Shihpoos do have a high tendency to bark, which can be frustrating for those living in close proximity, so be sure to keep that in mind before deciding that this breed is your perfect match. And though noisy, you can’t necessary depend on them to be your “guard dog” since they aren’t the usually the most protective canines (though they sure are cute!).
Ideal Environment for a Shihpoo
This breed’s friendly nature and small size makes them fairly versatile when it comes to living situations. They’re able to live in small spaces easily since they don’t require a lot of room or exercise – so long as you don’t have an extra mouthy Shihpoo who will drive your neighbors crazy in an apartment building.
Also, since their energy level is manageable, this breed is great for older people, or those with mobility issues since they won’t require an abundance of exercise, and will be happy just spending time with loved ones.
Ideal Human for a Shihpoo
Again, Shihpoos are adaptable and versatile, which means that almost anyone could be a good match for this pup. But, since they are a people-oriented breed, they would prefer a person who is able to be around most of the time, so someone who is retired or works from home would probably be an ideal partner for them.
Shihpoo Dog Training
These pups are bright, playful, and energetic—which makes them wonderful candidates for training. With Shihpoos, the early you start socializing and training them the better, since this is a breed that can sometimes be stubborn (which can makes things a little, challenging at times). They are eager to please though, so as long as you’re giving them plenty of positive reinforcement, they should thrive.
It’s also a great idea to socialize this breed early on by introducing them to a variety of situations, people, animals, and locations. By showing them the world around them, and making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore it, they’ll gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be.
Shihpoo Grooming
Shihpoos are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs, which makes them an excellent match for people who don’t have a whole lot of time, energy, or money to invest in keeping their pup’s coif perfect.
The best way to take care of their coat is by brushing it daily to keep tangles at bay. The occasional bath is also a good idea, but don’t go overboard as too much washing may irritate their skin, and strip their coat of the natural oils that keep it looking nice and healthy.
Don’t forget that seasonal flea treatment as well! We want to keep our little friends (and our houses) itch-free and content. You’ll also want to keep an eye on their ear fur and keep it well-maintained and their ears clean to prevent infection.
Shihpoo Health Facts & Information
Like most dog breeds, Shihpoo are prone to certain health issues. Sometimes cross breeds like doodles can actually inherit the health issues of both breeds in their lineage. They can be predisposed to hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, renal dysplasia, and lung disorders. They also can suffer from issues with their oral health, and with their breathing (though breeding Shih Tzus with Poodles may help cut down on those issues). Your vet will be able to advise you on how to prevent, avoid and treat any signs of these that your dog may develop, especially as they get older.
Shihpoos generally live from 12 to 18 years, and with the proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet, your pup will have a good chance at a long and happy life.
Shihpoo History
Not much is know about the Shihpoo’s exact history, though we can assume that this mix came to be in the United States sometime in the last 20 years.
We do know that the Poodle traces its history back to Germany, whereas the Shih Tzu parents hail from China (specifically from Chinese royalty). This breed is not as common as some of the other doodles, but their friendly and charming personalities are quickly making them gain popularity.
Getting a Shihpoo
Shihpoo breeders
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.
Since Shihpoos aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams – following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.
Adopting a Shihpoo
As with many highly popular breeds, Shihpoos often find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.
A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.
A Shihpoo can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.
More on Shihpoos
If you’re simply in love with Shihpoos, then you’ll be craving what we’ve got for you next. From facts about Shih Tzus and Poodles, to Doodle history and more:
