Shih-Poo
The Shih Poo is a hybrid dog breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. This small, affectionate, and playful companion inherits the Poodle’s often hypoallergenic coat and the Shih Tzu’s friendly temperament. Well-suited to both apartment and house living, the Shih Poo makes an ideal pet for families as well as single individuals seeking a lively and endearing companion.
The Shih Tzu is a small Tibetan dog, traditionally kept exclusively as a companion. Not ideally suited to very active lifestyles, this breed is nonetheless a delight to live with. Despite occasional stubbornness, the Shih Tzu is sociable and friendly with everyone. Lively, intelligent, playful, and relatively docile when well trained, this little dog brings lots of joy to its family.
The Poodle comes in four sizes (toy, miniature, medium and standard) and five different coat colours (black, white, grey, brown or apricot). They are very intelligent dogs who, despite their misleadingly fragile appearance, are actually very robust and resilient. Cheerful, playful, lovable and affectionate, Poodles can adapt to many different lifestyles.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small Tibetan dog, traditionally kept exclusively as a companion. Not ideally suited to very active lifestyles, this breed is nonetheless a delight to live with. Despite occasional stubbornness, the Shih Tzu is sociable and friendly with everyone. Lively, intelligent, playful, and relatively docile when well trained, this little dog brings lots of joy to its family.
Poodle
The Poodle comes in four sizes (toy, miniature, medium and standard) and five different coat colours (black, white, grey, brown or apricot). They are very intelligent dogs who, despite their misleadingly fragile appearance, are actually very robust and resilient. Cheerful, playful, lovable and affectionate, Poodles can adapt to many different lifestyles.
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Life expectancy |
The Shih-Poo has a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Small
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Adult size |
Female
Between 8 and 18 in
Male
Between 8 and 18 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 9 and 20 lb
Male
Between 9 and 20 lb
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Coat colour
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Black
White
Brown
Brindle
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Type of coat
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Short
Wavy
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Eye colour
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Brown
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Purchase price |
The Shih-Poo costs between £500 and £850 |
The Shih-Poo, named from “Shih” in Shih Tzu and “Poo” in Poodle, is affectionate, clever, and low-shedding. They thrive on companionship, suit smaller homes, and enjoy moderate play. Regular grooming is essential, and consistent, gentle training helps. A loving, adaptable companion with the right care and socialisation.
More details about the Shih-Poo
Shih-Poo: Origins and history
Little is known about the exact history of the Shih Poo. However, we do know that the Poodle originated in Germany, while the Shih Tzu comes from China, where it was favoured by Chinese royalty. The Shih Poo has emerged over the past 15 years as a relatively new breed, developed in response to the increasing demand for low-shedding companion dogs.
Shih-Poo: Characteristics
The Shih Poo is an extremely affectionate companion that loves spending time with its family. It eagerly expresses its affection through cuddles and play, making it a warm and loving addition to any home. Its friendly nature makes it an excellent family pet.
Shih Poos are highly playful and enjoy engaging in various activities. Whether chasing a ball, running around the garden, or playing interactive games, they are always ready for fun. Their energetic and lively personality makes them a joy to have around.
Despite their playful nature, Shih Poos can also be calm and content. After an active play session, they typically enjoy resting quietly near their owners, making them the perfect companions when it's time to relax.
Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Shih Poos are highly intelligent. They learn commands and tricks quickly, making training relatively easy. Their eagerness to please their owners further enhances their ability to learn.
The Shih Poo is not a hunting dog. With a friendly and sociable temperament, it is far more inclined to interact with people than to chase prey.
Although generally sociable, the Shih Poo can be quite wary of strangers. Early socialisation is essential to help them feel at ease around new people and adapt to different situations.
Shih Poos are not particularly independent and prefer the company of their owners. If left alone for too long, they can become anxious, so they thrive best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and companionship.
Shih-Poo: Behaviour
The Shih Poo does not like being left alone for long periods and can suffer from separation anxiety. Providing plenty of attention and interaction is important to prevent this issue.
Due to its eagerness to please and intelligent nature, the Shih Poo is generally easy to train. Reward-based methods are especially effective.
Although Shih Poos may bark to alert their owners, they are not excessively noisy dogs. With proper training, their barking can be managed effectively.
The Shih Poo is not known for running off, but it should still be supervised when outdoors to prevent any unwanted situations.
Shih Poos are not typically destructive if they receive enough attention and exercise. However, a lack of stimulation may lead them to chew on inappropriate items.
Shih Poos can be greedy, so careful attention to their diet is essential to prevent obesity.
Despite their small size, Shih Poos have good protective instincts and will alert their owners to potential intruders. However, they are not a substitute for a traditional guard dog.
Training a Shih-Poo
To train a Shih Poo, use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behaviour. Keep training sessions short, consistent, and fun to maintain their interest.
Socialisation from an early age is essential, and patience is key, as gentle guidance works best with this intelligent and eager-to-please breed.
Shih-Poo: Lifestyle
Due to its small size, the Shih Poo adapts well to life in a flat or apartment. As long as it receives enough daily exercise, it can thrive in a small space without any issues.
Although the Shih Poo requires regular exercise, its needs can be met with short walks and play sessions indoors or in the garden. Around an hour of activity per day is usually sufficient to maintain its physical and mental well-being.
Its compact size makes the Shih Poo easy to transport when travelling. It fits comfortably in cars or on trains, making it an excellent companion for adventurers.
Breed compatibility Shih-Poo
With proper socialisation from a young age, the Shih Poo can coexist harmoniously with cats. However, its playful instincts should be considered during initial interactions.
The Shih Poo gets along well with other dogs if socialised properly from an early age. Regular interactions with other animals help strengthen their social skills.
Shih Poos are generally good with children who understand how to treat dogs respectfully. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent family companions who enjoy being involved in family activities.
The Shih Poo’s gentle and loving nature makes it an excellent companion for older adults. They will be a devoted and affectionate friend if they receive the necessary attention and exercise.
With its gentle and affectionate nature, the Shih Poo is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Its easy-to-train and friendly temperament makes it an ideal companion for those new to dog ownership.
Shih-Poo: Purchase price
In the UK, the price of a Shih Poo puppy typically ranges from £500 to £850+, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and the puppy's lineage.
The daily cost of owning a Shih Poo includes expenses for food, grooming, healthcare, and other necessities. While specific daily figures can vary, it's important to budget for these ongoing costs to ensure your Shih Poo remains healthy and happy.
Shih-Poo: Shedding
Light
The Shih Poo is generally considered a low-shedding dog. While it may shed some hair, the amount is moderate compared to other breeds. Its coat can be smooth like the Shih Tzu’s, curly like the Poodle’s, or a mix of both.
Shih-Poo: Grooming
The Shih Poo has a soft, silky coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance.
To prevent mats and tangles, it’s recommended to brush your Shih Poo’s coat at least once a day, paying particular attention to sensitive areas such as behind the ears and around the hind legs. Regular brushing also helps remove dead hair and promotes healthy skin.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to prevent dental issues. It’s advisable to brush your Shih Poo’s teeth several times a week using dog-friendly toothpaste.
Shih Poos can be prone to excessive tearing, so it’s important to check their eyes regularly for signs of redness or irritation. Using a mild cleansing solution or dog-specific wipes can help gently clean around the eyes.
Inspect the ears weekly for signs of infection or wax buildup. Cleaning with a soft cloth or a solution recommended by your vet is best.
Finally, nails should be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent them from growing too long and causing discomfort while walking. It’s also beneficial to take your Shih Poo to a professional groomer every 3 to 4 months for a full trim, helping to maintain the coat’s condition and prevent tangles.
Shih-Poo: Health
Although the Shih Poo is generally healthy, it is not immune to health issues, particularly those related to its genetic heritage.
Due to its facial structure, inherited from the Shih Tzu, the Shih Poo may struggle to breathe in hot, humid weather, which can limit its ability to tolerate heat. It is essential to ensure the dog has access to fresh water and shade on warm days.
While the Shih Poo can tolerate cool temperatures, it is not particularly cold-hardy due to its small size and coat. In colder weather, it is advisable to protect the dog with a coat or sweater.
The Shih Poo is prone to obesity if its diet is not carefully managed. This can lead to various health problems, including joint and cardiovascular issues. It is vital to follow your veterinarian’s dietary recommendations and ensure the dog receives adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Although the Shih Poo is generally healthy, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions, including:
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Dental issues
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