Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a friendly and playful designer breed, which is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature Poodle. They are small in size, but big on personality.
Shih-Poos have become quite popular in recent years due to their lovable nature and hypoallergenic coat.
Shih-Poo Breed overview
Shih-Poos are social and loving dogs that thrive on attention and affection from their humans. They are highly adaptable and can do well in a variety of living situations, including apartments and smaller homes. However, they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. They may be prone to some health issues, but regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent any problems. Shih-Poos are great family dogs that get along well with children but may sometimes be independent with other dogs, requiring proper socialization and training. With their loving personalities and spunky nature, they make excellent companions for families and people of all ages.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Shih-Poo
Grooming
Shih-Poos are hypoallergenic dogs with a curly, low-shedding coat. Although they do not shed much, their fur can become matted easily, so it’s essential to brush them daily to prevent tangles.
Additionally, Shih-Poos require regular grooming to maintain good hygiene. This includes bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential to keep your Shih-Poo healthy and happy. Choose high-quality dog food and avoid any low-quality options that are full of fillers and byproducts.
Feeding your Shih-Poo a proper diet can also help prevent dental issues and other health problems.
Health
Shih-Poos are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health issues in Shih-Poos include dental problems, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and proper grooming can help keep your Shih-Poo healthy and happy for many years.
Exercise
Despite their small size, Shih-Poos require daily exercise to burn off energy and maintain good health. They enjoy short walks and indoor playtime with toys and games.
However, it’s important not to over-exercise your Shih-Poo, as they can be prone to joint problems.
Training
Shih-Poos are intelligent dogs, which makes them quick learners. However, they can be stubborn at times, so it’s important to establish yourself as the leader of the pack from an early age.
Positive reinforcement training methods work best with Shih-Poos, as they respond well to treats and praise.
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Shih-Poo Traits & Characteristics
Shih-Poos are a designer breed and not recognized by major kennel clubs, so there are no specific standards for the breed. However, they tend to inherit the best traits from both parent breeds, including the intelligence of the Poodle and the playful nature of the Shih Tzu.
Most Shih-Poos stand between 8-13 inches tall and weigh between 8-15 pounds.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Shih-Poos are known for their loving and affectionate nature. They are highly social dogs that love nothing more than being in the company of their owners. They are extremely loyal and bond closely with their humans. They crave attention and will do whatever it takes to be close to their family.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Shih-Poos tend to do well with kids. They are generally good-natured and patient, which makes them a great choice for families with children. They are playful and energetic and will zoom around the house with kids for hours on end. However, it’s always important to supervise interactions between kids and dogs and teach children how to be gentle and respectful towards them.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Shih-Poos can be friendly with other dogs if they are socialized from an early age. However, they can also be quite independent and may prefer the company of humans over dogs. As with any dog, early socialization and proper training is key to ensure that they get along well with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Shih-Poos can be wary of strangers if they are not socialized from an early age. They may bark or act shy around new people. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to accept new people into the home without issue.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Shih-Poos are spunky and playful dogs that love to play games and have fun. They are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. They love to retrieve toys and play fetch.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Shih-Poos are generally alert and aware of their surroundings. They may bark to alert you of any suspicious activity. However, they are not overly watchful and will not make the best guard dogs.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Shih-Poos are highly adaptable dogs that do well in a variety of environments. They can be perfectly content in an apartment or a larger home as long as they get enough exercise and attention. They are well-suited to both city and suburban living.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Shih-Poos have a low shedding coat thanks to their Shih Tzu parent. This makes them a good choice for individuals with allergies. However, it’s important to note that no dogs are completely hypoallergenic and frequent grooming is still necessary to prevent matting and tangling.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Shih-Poos have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free. They need to be brushed at least once a week or more often if they have a lot of coat. Regular clipping is necessary to prevent matting and maintain a neat appearance.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Shih-Poos are not known to drool excessively. They produce minimal saliva and are not prone to excessive slobber. This makes them a good choice for individuals who prefer a clean dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Shih-Poos are small dogs that range in size from 8-15 inches tall and weigh between 7-20 pounds. They are small enough to be portable, but not so small that they are fragile. Their small size makes them a good choice for individuals living in smaller homes or apartments.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Shih-Poos are highly energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and playtime. They love to go on walks and play games in the backyard. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. However, they are adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle and can be calmer when indoors.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Shih-Poos require plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. They enjoy going on walks, playing games, and participating in training. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them happy and healthy.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Shih-Poos are not typically used for working or performing tasks. However, they can excel in obedience and agility training and may enjoy participating in these activities as a hobby.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Shih-Poos are not typically used for hunting due to their non-existent prey drive. They may be curious about small animals, but are not prone to chasing them or hunting them down. They are better suited to indoor activities and games.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Shih-Poos are energetic dogs that have a moderate level of physical stamina. They enjoy playtime and exercise, but may also be content to lounge and cuddle with their humans. They are adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle and energy levels.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Shih-Poos are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 15 years. However, they may be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, allergies, and hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are necessary to keep them in good health.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Shih-Poos can be prone to obesity if they are overfed and don’t get enough exercise. They have a small frame and require small portions of food to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise and a balanced diet with limited treats is necessary to prevent obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Shih-Poos can tolerate cold weather as long as they are not left outside for extended periods of time. However, they may need a sweater or coat on particularly chilly days. They are not suited to living in extremely cold or snowy climates.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Shih-Poos can tolerate moderate heat as long as they have access to shade and water. However, they are not well-suited to extremely hot or humid weather. It’s important to watch for signs of overheating and keep them cool during hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Shih-Poos can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise and attention. They are small dogs that don’t require a lot of space to be happy. Regular walks and playtime are necessary to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Shih-Poos are unlikely to wander off, but they do have a curious nature. They may be prone to following their noses or chasing after small critters if they have the chance. A securely fenced backyard and leash walks are necessary to keep them safe.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Shih-Poos can be sensitive and may become anxious or stressed in certain situations. They may also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Regular exercise and attention from their humans can help prevent any problematic behaviour.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Shih-Poos can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They crave their owner’s attention and may become destructive or bark excessively if left alone. Crate training and plenty of exercise can help prevent any problematic behaviour.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Shih-Poos can be prone to excessive barking if they are not properly trained. They can be territorial and may bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to be quiet and well-behaved dogs.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Shih-Poos are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They are quick learners and love to participate in training sessions and learn new tricks. They also enjoy games that challenge their problem-solving abilities.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Shih-Poos can be a good choice for novice dog owners. They are generally easy to care for and adaptable to different living situations. However, patience and training are still necessary to prevent any issues with housebreaking or obedience.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Shih-Poos can sometimes be difficult to train due to their independent nature. However, they are intelligent and eager to please, so with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn obedience commands and tricks. Early socialization is key to prevent any stubborn behaviour.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Shih-Poos are known for their loving and affectionate nature. They are highly social dogs that love nothing more than being in the company of their owners. They are extremely loyal and bond closely with their humans. They crave attention and will do whatever it takes to be close to their family.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Shih-Poos tend to do well with kids. They are generally good-natured and patient, which makes them a great choice for families with children. They are playful and energetic and will zoom around the house with kids for hours on end. However, it’s always important to supervise interactions between kids and dogs and teach children how to be gentle and respectful towards them.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Shih-Poos can be friendly with other dogs if they are socialized from an early age. However, they can also be quite independent and may prefer the company of humans over dogs. As with any dog, early socialization and proper training is key to ensure that they get along well with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Shih-Poos can be wary of strangers if they are not socialized from an early age. They may bark or act shy around new people. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to accept new people into the home without issue.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Shih-Poos are spunky and playful dogs that love to play games and have fun. They are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. They love to retrieve toys and play fetch.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Shih-Poos are generally alert and aware of their surroundings. They may bark to alert you of any suspicious activity. However, they are not overly watchful and will not make the best guard dogs.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Shih-Poos are highly adaptable dogs that do well in a variety of environments. They can be perfectly content in an apartment or a larger home as long as they get enough exercise and attention. They are well-suited to both city and suburban living.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Shih-Poos have a low shedding coat thanks to their Shih Tzu parent. This makes them a good choice for individuals with allergies. However, it’s important to note that no dogs are completely hypoallergenic and frequent grooming is still necessary to prevent matting and tangling.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Shih-Poos have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free. They need to be brushed at least once a week or more often if they have a lot of coat. Regular clipping is necessary to prevent matting and maintain a neat appearance.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Shih-Poos are not known to drool excessively. They produce minimal saliva and are not prone to excessive slobber. This makes them a good choice for individuals who prefer a clean dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Shih-Poos are small dogs that range in size from 8-15 inches tall and weigh between 7-20 pounds. They are small enough to be portable, but not so small that they are fragile. Their small size makes them a good choice for individuals living in smaller homes or apartments.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Shih-Poos are highly energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and playtime. They love to go on walks and play games in the backyard. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. However, they are adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle and can be calmer when indoors.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Shih-Poos require plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. They enjoy going on walks, playing games, and participating in training. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them happy and healthy.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Shih-Poos are not typically used for working or performing tasks. However, they can excel in obedience and agility training and may enjoy participating in these activities as a hobby.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Shih-Poos are not typically used for hunting due to their non-existent prey drive. They may be curious about small animals, but are not prone to chasing them or hunting them down. They are better suited to indoor activities and games.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Shih-Poos are energetic dogs that have a moderate level of physical stamina. They enjoy playtime and exercise, but may also be content to lounge and cuddle with their humans. They are adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle and energy levels.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Shih-Poos are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 15 years. However, they may be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, allergies, and hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are necessary to keep them in good health.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Shih-Poos can be prone to obesity if they are overfed and don’t get enough exercise. They have a small frame and require small portions of food to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise and a balanced diet with limited treats is necessary to prevent obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Shih-Poos can tolerate cold weather as long as they are not left outside for extended periods of time. However, they may need a sweater or coat on particularly chilly days. They are not suited to living in extremely cold or snowy climates.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Shih-Poos can tolerate moderate heat as long as they have access to shade and water. However, they are not well-suited to extremely hot or humid weather. It’s important to watch for signs of overheating and keep them cool during hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Shih-Poos can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise and attention. They are small dogs that don’t require a lot of space to be happy. Regular walks and playtime are necessary to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Shih-Poos are unlikely to wander off, but they do have a curious nature. They may be prone to following their noses or chasing after small critters if they have the chance. A securely fenced backyard and leash walks are necessary to keep them safe.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Shih-Poos can be sensitive and may become anxious or stressed in certain situations. They may also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Regular exercise and attention from their humans can help prevent any problematic behaviour.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Shih-Poos can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They crave their owner’s attention and may become destructive or bark excessively if left alone. Crate training and plenty of exercise can help prevent any problematic behaviour.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Shih-Poos can be prone to excessive barking if they are not properly trained. They can be territorial and may bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to be quiet and well-behaved dogs.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Shih-Poos are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They are quick learners and love to participate in training sessions and learn new tricks. They also enjoy games that challenge their problem-solving abilities.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Shih-Poos can be a good choice for novice dog owners. They are generally easy to care for and adaptable to different living situations. However, patience and training are still necessary to prevent any issues with housebreaking or obedience.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Shih-Poos can sometimes be difficult to train due to their independent nature. However, they are intelligent and eager to please, so with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn obedience commands and tricks. Early socialization is key to prevent any stubborn behaviour.
Similar breeds
History of the Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a relatively new breed, developed in the United States during the 1980s. Like most designer breeds, the exact origin of the Shih-Poo is unknown.
The breed was created in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic dog with a friendly personality and low-shedding coat.
Shih-Poo Puppies
Shih-Poo litters typically consist of 4-6 puppies. As with any dog, it’s essential to socialize your Shih-Poo puppy from an early age to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and friendly dogs.
It’s also important to start training your Shih-Poo puppy as soon as possible to establish good behaviors and discourage any negative ones.