Shih Poo

A Shih Poo dog is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle, and is not recognized as a breed in its own right by the American Kennel Club. Shih Poos tend to be affectionate and playful dogs. Like both their origin breeds, they usually don’t shed much and are often considered hypoallergenic, though this varies from dog to dog, and some longer hair varieties may not be hypoallergenic. Shih Poos usually make good apartment dogs because they don’t usually bark a lot. They make excellent companion pets. Also sometimes known as the Shoodle or the Pooshi, Shih Poos have been popular with owners and breeders for over a decade, but no one is quite sure of when these toy dogs were first bred.

History

The shih poo is a fairly new dog breed that is considered to be “designer”, developed in North America. While the poodle comes from Germany and the Shih Tzu comes from Chinese Royalty, the Shih Tzu’s personality and character tend to be the dominant characteristics.

Shih Poos are the result of a mixing of breeds between the loyal and smaller Shih Tzu and the intelligent poodle. They are great for anyone who needs a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you are interested in a small companion dog and are open to a mixed breed, the Shih Poo may be a good choice for your family.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Shih Poo Dog

Size and Weight

Shih Poos are teacup, small to medium-sized dogs. Their hair is often long and wavy, though it can also be short and curly. They have an average height of between 8 and 13 inches, though it can be much smaller for teacup varieties. Full-grown adult Shih Poos typically can weigh up to 25 pounds, though most are closer to 10 pounds. Puppies near weaning age weigh about a pound.

Common Health Issues

Shih Poos are a fairly healthy breed, but some problems can arise in this crossbreed. They have a strong tendency to overeat, so it is important to monitor how much food you give them. These little dogs are also prone to dental issues and bad breath, so size-appropriate kibble, proper dental cleanings, and dental treats are keys to keeping them healthy. If your pet has not inherited the longer nose of the Poodle, then its short snout may cause breathing issues. The shorter their nose, the more likely it may have breathing problems. Less common, more serious conditions to look out for are hip dysplasia, conditions of the eyes, and luxating patella, where the kneecap frequently goes out of place.

Temperament

The behavior and personality traits of Shih Poos make them great companions for people with less active lifestyles. Their size and personality make them best suited to couples with older children or older couples with no children. They enjoy cuddling and being playful with or without toys. These pets are a bit stubborn, so they aren’t necessarily recommended for people with no experience training a dog. One of their best traits is their intelligence, so if you have training experience, they can be taught.

How To Take Care of a Shih Poo

These dogs need regular dental cleaning, regular hair and nail grooming, and, if they are on the smaller side, steps or ramps to help them reach higher places, if you mean to allow them on beds or other furniture. Monitoring their food so they don’t overeat is an important part of Shih Poo dog ownership.

The Best Dog Food

These dogs should be fed according to their size and age, using small dog kibble for adults and puppy kibble for puppies. They are prone to eating as much as you will let them, so their intake, including treats, needs to be monitored, particularly when they are no longer puppies. Buy your Shih Poo high-quality dog food with proper nutrition to satiate their appetite and curb overeating.

Maintenance and Grooming

If your dog is the longer-haired variety, it will need nearly-daily brushing, as the hair is prone to dirt, tangles, and matting. People often like to put the top of their Shih Poo’s hair in a ponytail to help keep it out of their eyes. Their nails will need frequent trimming.

Training

These dogs are smart, but they can be stubborn, so they may train easily in some areas and less easily in others. House training may go well, but other commands may take more time and discipline.

Exercise

Shih Poos don’t require a lot of exercise, making them ideal for small living spaces and smaller yards. On average, they only need about half an hour of exercise for weight maintenance.

Puppies

The main thing to remember is that if you get yours when it is a puppy, its fur and markings will change, sometimes drastically, over the course of the next 12 months.

Children

Shih Poos are not bad with children, but nor are they typically as friendly with children as other breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. A puppy will tend to adapt more easily to children than a full-grown adult.

Dogs similar to the Shih Poo

• Shih Tzu: One of the Shih Poo parent breeds, similar in size and coloring.
• Toy Poodle: The other parent breed of the Shih Poo is similar in temperament and behavior.
• Lhasa Apso: This breed is often mistaken for the Shih Tzu.