Shih Poo Breed Information
Shih Poo puppies are a designer doodle breed, a cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Mini or Toy Poodle. Elegant and fashionable like its parents, the Shih Poo was made for the spotlight. Intelligent, outgoing, and sweet beyond measure, Shih Poo puppies make fantastic pets for both new and experienced owners. They respond very well to training and are naturally well behaved. They also get along nicely with other dogs, children, and even cats.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Doodle Hybrid / Poodle crossed with a Shih Tzu
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Clever, Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal, Loving
ADULT WEIGHT
8-18 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
8-17 in
LIFE SPAN
10-15 yrs
Characteristics
- The Shih Poo breed is a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle crossed
- A mix between two low-shedding dogs, the hypoallergenic Shih Poo makes for a great allergy friendly companion pet
- Shih Poo grooming involves brushing their coats a few times per week
- A friendly and affectionate dog, the Shih Poo is a great pet for children
- Given their loving nature and happy disposition, Shih Poo puppies can be trained for therapy and emotional assistance work
- Shih Poos are quick to adjust to their new home and lifestyle
- Hybrid vigor ensures a long and healthy lifespan for Shih Poo puppies
- Non-aggressive and very outgoing, Shih Poo gets along well with other dogs and pets
Appearance
The Shih Poo is a small doodle dog that looks very similar to the original Shih Tzu, as well as the Poodle. The main difference for this breed is their coat along with some features. The Shih Poo coat is fluffy and has long hair that is particularly soft to the touch. The coat texture may be straight, slightly wavy, or as curly as the Poodle’s coat.
As with any Shih Tzu or Poodle, the crossbreed dogs have a well-proportioned body, small noses, and drop ears. Their eyes are gorgeous, rounded, and very expressive. The Shih Poo comes in varying sizes, colors, and coat types. The traditional Shih Poo only weighs around 8 to 18 pounds and has a beautiful fluffy coat.
The typical size for a full-grown Shih Poo is between 8 and 17 inches, although some can be smaller if a Toy Poodle is used in the mix. Some of the most popular and available Shih Poo colors are combinations of white, grey, black, apricot, brown, brindle, and tan.
Temperament
Emotional support animals are becoming more and more popular as people seek the companionship of animals that can help them through difficult times. These animals are trained to provide a great deal of emotional support and comfort, including responding to anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, and panic attacks.
Shih Poos have all the qualities that make up a great therapy dog. They are easily trained and have the perfect disposition to bring joy and peace of mind to others. They are known to be very loyal and protective of their family, but also of strangers when they meet them. Shih Poos are generally calm and gentle dogs but can still show the occasional marking behavior if they feel threatened or cornered. They need plenty of attention, exercise, and affection in order to stay happy.
Shih Poos do well with other dogs and will tolerate cats. They can be aggressive when guarding their food, but they are generally playful, adorably affectionate, and fun-loving.
These dogs are easy to train and love to learn new behaviors because they are both keen and intelligent. Shih Poo is a lively, playful, and intelligent breed. They are very obedient and love to please their owners. Although they can be a bit boisterous, they have a gentle nature. Shih Poos like to run around the house and fetching balls or playing with squeaky toys are among their favorite activities.
Care
Shih Poo Grooming
Dog grooming can be quite a hassle for many owners, but it's important to properly care for your furry friend. Shih Poo dogs need brushing on a regular basis, bathing every month, and regular nail clipping in order to keep them healthy and looking good.
Matted hair and dirt can cause irritation to the skin, which can lead to rashes. The pin brush is a good option for daily use because it has soft bristles that are gentle on your Shih Poo’s coat and skin. This brush is also great for brushing away dirt, debris, and dead hair from the coat. The longer, firmer strokes without pressing on the skin are the best way to remove hair with the least amount of pain.
Shih Poos are not typically a breed that gets very dirty, so you do not have to worry about giving them baths every week. One bath every month or so will suffice. It is also beneficial to brush your Shih Poo’s teeth with dog toothpaste and give them dental chew sticks occasionally. This will help with maintaining their oral hygiene and avoiding any dental issues.
Shih Poo Exercise Needs
Shih Poos are dogs that love to play and be around people. They need plenty of stimulation in their daily lives as well as regular exercise. Shih Poos enjoy playing with other animals like cats or small dogs as well as going on long walks with their owner. They are also good at learning tricks and fetching toys, which are excellent exercises for mental stimulation when indoors. The ideal amount of exercise for a Shih Poo should consist of at least 20 minutes spent on daily walks and at least another 20 minutes of interactive indoor activities.
Shih Poo Health
Shih Poos are considered low-maintenance dogs that require minimal work in terms of grooming, food, and exercise. However, they are susceptible to some diseases and conditions that are common among most small dog breeds. They may develop health issues such as allergies, dental issues, and ear infections. As with any other type of dog, Shih Poo may also become susceptible to obesity if not monitored. A daily walk and/or meal plan should be in place, just for the safety of your Shih Poo’s health.
Shih Poo Lifespan
The typical lifespan for a Shih Poo is between ten and sixteen years. The Shih Poo can live a long and healthy life if they are given proper nutrition and care. They require a good daily exercise routine and high-quality dog food to thrive. A proper exercise routine should be kept daily in order to ensure that these beautiful dogs live as long as possible.
Shih Poo Training
The Shih Poo is a very social and playful dog. They are perfect for people who have time to keep training sessions short and fun, but still want to have a well-behaved pet. The Shih Poo is an intelligent dog that can understand complex commands and behaviors quickly with positive reinforcement.
The most important aspect of training a Shih Poo puppy is to motivate them. When you're training your Shih Poo puppy, make sure that you reward them for good behavior and stop rewarding them when they act out. It's often best to have patience and be persistent with your training regimen.
Many people believe that it is best to socialize a Shih Poo as a puppy because they are more friendly and easier to train. However, some trainers believe that it is better to wait until after the pup has gone through the first six months of training. The issue with waiting is that once they are out and about, there are plenty of other things for them to get into. Shih Poos can be very good with other animals. They are very eager to learn and can be quick learners. Shih Poo pups are known for being energetic and bouncy. They are always ready to learn new things and love to do tricks.
History
Shih Poos are a crossbreed between the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. They are created by breeding two purebred dogs to produce offspring with characteristics from both parents. They were developed as a companion to assist people with allergies, but they also make good family pets for children and people who do not have the time for very energetic dogs. These cute puppies originate in the United States and have only been around for close to 20 years.
The Shih Tzu and the Poodle have both been selected for the Shih Poo mix thanks to their adorable personalities and high intelligence.
The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog originating from the province of Sichuan in China. As some claim, the breed was first bred to hunt and was then later used as a companion at royal palaces. The Chinese name for the Shih Tzu is “Xiong-Li” which means lion dog. These beautiful lion dogs have a sweet personality and limitless loyalty. They are cuddly and very fond of being doted on.
The Poodle is an ancient variety of dogs originating from Germany. It is one of the most popular breeds in the world. The breed was originally bred for water work and hunting. Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world, having risen to popularity thanks to their superior intelligence and adorable looks. These curly-coated dogs are renowned for their agility and faithfulness. They don’t possess aggressive traits and are friends with everyone they meet.