Shih-Poos are a small cross between the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle. The result is a small, pleasant house pet ideal for families with small children, senior pet owners, and apartment dwellers.
Shih-Poos may have curly or straight fur which can be any of several colors represented in their parent breeds. Most Shih-Poos are some combination of black, brown, white, or brindle.
With this cross, training goes best when established while they are still puppies. Shih-Poos may be stubborn, so positive reinforcement and consistency are especially important focuses. You may find that though they don’t necessarily enjoy learning new tricks, they love the quality dog-to-owner-time that comes with it.
This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time.
Shih-Poos can inherit the same health concerns that their parent breeds are prone to. These can include hip and knee problems as well as eye disorders. If they inherit the short snout of their Shih-Tzu predecessors, they will be sensitive to high temperatures. Most Shih-Poos end up living a long, happy life of 13-17 years.
This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes.
They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Show them what’s in it for them and they’ll be more likely to respond.
As a small breed, Shih-Poos are prone to dental issues. The best way to prevent these issues is to brush their teeth regularly, starting from a young age. Their long coats require daily brushing and regular monthly trims. They can be bathed between grooming appointments, but if they are bathed too frequently, it can affect their skin.
Shih-Poos are excellent lapdogs although they do enjoy the occasional walk or active playtime. Their exercise needs are low to moderate, so they make great pets for city and apartment dwellers.
Shih-Poos range from 8-18 inches in height and 8-18 pounds in weight.
This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years!
The Shih-Poo originated in the United States and is also sometimes referred to as a “Shoodle”.
