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Shih-Poo Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Shih-Poo so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank562
Reviews2
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Shih-Poo dog profile picture
OriginChina flagChina Tibet flagTibet
Other Names
What other names does the Shih-Poo have?
PooshiShoodle
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Poodle and Shih Tzu mix

Shih-Poo Size and Weight

Size
Is a Shih-Poo small, medium or large dog?

How big do Shih-Poo get?

What is the average size of a Shih-Poo?

Small
Weight
How much does the Shih-Poo weigh? How much should a Shih-Poo weight? What is the normal weight of a Shih-Poo? How much does a full-grown Shih-Poo weight?
8-15 pounds (4-7 kg)7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Shih-Poo?
11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Shih-Poo? Shih-Poo height:
8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Shih-Poo?
11.5 inches (29 cm)

Shih-Poo Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Shih-Poo puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Shih-Poo in the United States? How much money is a Shih-Poo?

Where to buy a Shih-Poo with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Shih-Poo, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shih-Poo for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shih-Poo gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Shih-Poo? How many Shih-Poo are there in the world?
Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Shih-Poo Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Shih-Poo? Is the Shih-Poo breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Shih-Poo is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Shih-Poo dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Shih-Poo?
Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Shih-Poo good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Shih-Poo dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Shih-Poo Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Shih-Poo have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IntelligentLoyalSweetCompanionable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Shih-Poo sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Shih-Poo dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Shih-Poo a good family dog?
High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Pooshi need? Shih-Poo social needs:
Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Shih-Poo to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Shih-Poo roam?
Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Shih-Poo have high prey drive?
Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Shih-Poo Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Shih-Poo dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Pooshi bark?
Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Shih-Poo good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Shih-Poo in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Shih-Poo Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Shih-Poo be left alone? How long can you leave a Shih-Poo alone?
Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Shih-Poo has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Shih-Poo? How much bite force does a Shih-Poo have? How strong is a Shih-Poo bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih-Poo bite force: Weak. The Shih-Poo bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Shih-Poo measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Shih-Poo may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Shih-Poo being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Shih-Poo bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Shih-Poo puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Shih-Poo can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Shih-Poo bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Pooshi? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Shih-Poo? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Shih-Poo do?
Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shih-Poo dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Shih-Poo Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Shih-Poo dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Shih-Poo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Shih-Poo breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Shih-Poo breed? Most common health risks of Shih-Poo:
HeatstrokeDental Problems
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Shih-Poo breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Shih-Poo see the vet?
Average
The Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Shih-Poo dogs live? How old can a Shih-Poo be? What is the age limit of the Shih-Poo? How many years can the oldest Shih-Poo live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Shih-Poo?

How long is the lifespan of a Shih-Poo?

14-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Shih-Poo Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Shih-Poo have? What is the activity level of the Shih-Poo?
Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Shih-Poo need? How much exercise do Shih-Poo dogs require per day?

Do Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of exercises?

Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Shih-Poo breed need?
Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Shih-Poo need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Shih-Poo breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Shih-Poo? How much food should I feed my Shih-Poo?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Shih-Poo risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shih-Poo weight regularly.

Shih-Poo Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Shih-Poo have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
CurlyStraightCurly & Straight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Shih-Poo coats?
Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations
Grooming
How to groom the Shih-Poo and how often? How often should I take my Shih-Poo to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Shih-Poo is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Shih-Poo dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Pooshi? Do Shih-Poo dogs shed a lot?
Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Shih-Poo dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Shih-Poo need a bath? How often should you give a Shih-Poo a bath? Can I bathe my Shih-Poo every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Shih-Poo breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Shih-Poo dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Shih-Poo drool?
The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Shih-Poo could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Shih-Poo.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Shih-Poo Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Shih-Poo dogs get along with other pets? Are Shih-Poo dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Shih-Poo temperament with other people:
Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Shih-Poo dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Shih-Poo temperament with children:
Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Shih-Poo dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Shih-Poo breed live with a cat?
Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Shih-Poo good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Shih-Poo dogs get along with other dogs?
Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Shih-Poo is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Shih-Poo breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Shih-Poo breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Shih-Poo dogs good office canines? Do Shih-Poo dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Shih-Poo dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Pooshi temperament with senior people? Are Shih-Poo dogs good for elderly owners?
Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shih-Poo As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Shih-Poo be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shih-Poo is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Shih-Poo be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Shih-Poo be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shih-Poo is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Shih-Poo be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shih-Poo is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Shih-Poo be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Shih-Poo is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Shih-Poo be a boat dog?

Not really

Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Shih-Poo be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shih-Poo is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Shih-Poo dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shih-Poo Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Shih-Poo pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Shih-Poo breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Shih-Poo: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Shih-Poo have in a litter? How many puppies can the Shih-Poo breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Shih-Poo have? How many puppies can a Shih-Poo give birth to?
3-4 puppies

Shih-Poo Recognition

AKC Group
Is Shih-Poo recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Shih-Poo recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Shih-Poo breed?
Not recognized by any clubs.

Shih-Poo Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence.
  • Hypoallergenic: Shih-Poo dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Dog Friendly: Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Shih-Poo History

The Shih-Poo, or in its other names, the Pooshi, or the Shoodle, is a new designer dog breed, the result of cross-breeding the Poodle">Toy Poodle and the Shih Tzu with each other. New hybrid dogs partly from the Poodle have been popular since the middle of the 20th century when the Cockapoo stole everyone’s hearts with its low-shedding coat, loving personality, and intelligence. This is the reason why, since then, breeders always go back to the Poodles, in order to involve them in the creation of a whole new breed.

The exact origin of the hybrid breeds is always surrounded by a lot of mystery. The trend of creating new hybrid breeds started around the 1980s, in North America, with crossbreeding purebred dogs with each other, in order to create new breeds. These hybrid dogs were an instant hit because they always inherited the best and most desirable qualities and traits of their ancestors. Even though there are always disadvantages to these new hybrid breeds, designer dogs became insanely popular in the last 30 years. Unfortunately, this popularity does not mean, that we are certain about every detail of these hybrid breed’s ancestry, and the intention which led the breeder to develop these dogs.

The Shih-Poo is a result of two breeds, each with long and detailed histories, going back to several hundred years. The Shih-Tzu is considered to be one of the 14 oldest dog breeds in the world, originating from China. Whereas, the Poodle">Toy Poodle finds its origins in Germany, also dating back to hundreds of years. Even though it is not totally clear when the breed was created, or by whom, but it is considered to be true, that there were many reasons to create the Shih-Poo. This hybrid breed was developed in order to make the perfect companion in the city and also in the countryside, with the added benefit of their hypoallergenic coats. Shih-Poos inherited the Shih Tzu’s loyalty and their cute physical appearance. From the Poodle">Toy Poodle, the breed got their sophisticated looks and their outstanding intelligence.

Being a relatively new breed, the dogs can come in a variety of sizes and colors even from one litter, thus each individual specimen’s uniqueness is unpredictable. Moreover, most of the Shih-Poos are first-generation specimens, which means, that both of their parents were purebreds, one was a Poodle">Toy Poodle and the other was a Shih Tzu. The breeding cycle did not reach the stage when breeders could make the second generation, “pure” Shih-Poos just yet. Mainly, this is the reason why this hybrid breed, did not get recognition from any of the major kennel clubs.

Rate The Shih-Poo Breed

Shih-Poo Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Elsie

    Jun 21, 2023, 4:47:15 AM:

    Very loyal and loving. Elsie is good with children but does not like to be teased. Elsie loves to go shopping and expects people to notice her. She is a lot of fun.

  • Todd Christensen

    Mar 1, 2020, 12:10:57 AM:

    We loved our first Shihpoo boy so much we now have two. We wanted a dog that would not cause our son's allergies to flare up, an indoor dog that does not demand an hour of exercise a day, and a dog that does not shed. They are great cuddlebugs!