Shih-Poo Breed Guide (Shih Tzu Poodle Mix)
The Shih Tzu Poodle Mix (AKA Shi Poo, Shoodle or Pooshi) is a small Poodle cross breed with a friendly and playful temperament. Their lovely personality paired with high adaptability to apartment living as well as their fluffy coat that is relatively hypoallergenic makes them a highly sought after designer dog breed!
If you are interested in Shih Poo keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!
Cover Image Credit: Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
What Is A Shih Tzu Poodle Mix Called?
A Shih Tzu Poodle Mix is most commonly called a Shih Poo. They can also be called a Shoodle or a Pooshi. If you do refer to your Shih Tzu Poodle mix as a Pooshi, don’t get it mixed up with a Poo-Shi which refers to a Poodle/Shiba Inu cross breed.
What Does A Shih Poo Look Like?
Shih Poos are a small dog breed that either has the curly coat of a Poodle or a long, straight coat of a Shih Tzu. They have a round face and a short muzzle, often with an underbite. Shih Poos are super cute because of their wide set eyes and little legs. Their coats can either be single or double and they come in many different colours.
Do Shih Poos Have Long Tails?
Shih Poos have a medium length tail however the length is dependant on whether the Shih Poo takes after the Poodle or Shih Tzu more. A straight Poodle tail will be longer than a curled Shih Tzu tail.
Types of Shih Poo Tails
There are two types of tail a Shih Poo can have – either a curly or straight tail. A Shih Poo’s tail may look the exact same as their Shih Tzu parent that curls up and over their back. On the other hand a Shih Poo may inherit the Poodle tail that sticks straight out behind the dog.
How To Tell The Difference Between a Shih Tzu or Poodle Inherited Tail
Beside the obvious curly/straight differences between Shih Poo tail types, another way to tell the difference is to look at the way your Shih Poo wags its tail. A Shih Poo with a Shih Tzu tail will never move much, even when they are excited. Their tail will always remain curled over their back. Alternatively, a Poodle inherited tail will swing side to side when your Shih Poo is excited.
Do Shih Poos Have Long Legs?
No, Shih Poos do not have long legs. In fact they have very short legs which means they are not good jogging companions. Because of their little legs, Shih Poos do not need large amounts of high intensity exercise daily, a walk will do.
Do Shih Poos Have An Underbite?
Yes, Shih Poos most have an underbite that they inherit from their Shih Tzu parent. Nevertheless, the underbite is not as pronounced on a Shih Poo than it is on a Shih Tzu. For some Shih Poos, they only have a half underbite where it is just on one side of their jaw. Occasionally Shih Poos have no underbite, especially if they have more Poodle genes than Shih Tzu.
The reason why a Shih Poo may have an underbite is because they have small mouths with crowded or misaligned teeth. It is a genetic condition that unfortunately affects this breed.
Do Shih Poos Have Double Coats?
Shih Poos can have either a double or single coat. Shih Poos who take more after the Poodle side will have a single coat while one that takes after the Shih Tzu side will have a double coat. Generally fluffier Shih Poos have a double coat, as fluffier dogs generally have a dense undercoat.
What Is A Double Coat?
A double coat consists of two layers: a dense undercoat of short hairs of a wooly texture that is underneath longer hairs that are called guard hairs. The purpose of an undercoat is to protect a dog from cold and hot temperatures as it it shed seasonly. On the other hand, the top coat helps to repel dirt and moisture.
How To Tell If Your Shih Poo Has A Single or Double Coat
If your Shih Poo has a double coat you will realise that there is a topcoat (guard hairs) that are straight and thick that are multicoloured. The undercoat is much woolier and softer in texture that are usually one colour. Double coated Shih Poos are much fluffier than single coated ones.
A Shih Poo with a single coat has a much flatter/thinner coat than double coated Shih Poos. If your Shih Poo has even looking hairs with no soft, downy undercoat, you own a single coated dog.
Read Also: Yorkie-Poo Breed Guide (Yorkshire Terrier Poodle Mix)
Shih Poo Coat Colours
Do Shih Poos Change Colour?
Yes, Shih Poos can change colour as they get older, especially if they inherit mainly Shih Tzu genes. Not all Shih Poos change colour, but if yours does you can expect slight changes such as a colour darkening or fading away or more dramatic changes such as a new colour coming in.
Important Note: If you are going to buy a Shih Poo you have to be aware that there is a chance that their coat colour will change after you have picked them up from the breeder. Remember that their coat colour as a young puppy may not be their final genetic colour.
When Do Shih Poos Stop Changing Colour?
Shih Poos stop changing colour on average at one year of age. After one year, smaller and less dramatic colour changes can occur. Colour changes can also take place during the newborn phase.
Why Do Shih Poos Change Colour?
The reason why Shih Poos change colour is simply because of genetics. If your Shih Poo carries the “G” gene, their coat may fade as they get older. Your Shih Poo may turn grey or silver if they have the Chinchilla gene “CH”.
What Colour Changes Can Take Place?
Many colour changes can occur in a Shih Poos coat. Their coat can lighten or darken. New markings can appear and old ones can disappear. A few strands of hair of one colour can turn into a large patch.
Read Also: Maltipoo Breed Guide (Maltese Poodle Mix)
Shih Poo Sizes
How Big Will A Shih Poo Get?
A Shih Poo will get to a height between 32cm to 40cm and they will weigh anywhere from 5.5kg to 10kg.
Toy/Teacup Shih Poo
A Toy or Teacup Poodle Mix with Shih Tzu refers to the smallest Shih Poo size. They are the result of breeding a Toy Poodle with a Shih Tzu.
Some breeders make a distinction between Toy and Teacup sizes however the difference is insignificant. A Teacup Shih Poo may refer to a Toy Shih Poo on the smaller side.
Is There A Difference Between Toy and Teacup Shih Poos?
No, there is no difference between a Toy and Teacup Shih Poo. Toy and Teacup are interchangeable names to describe the smallest Shih Poo size.
The Sizes Of The Parents
- A Toy Poodle is about 9.5 to 11 inches (24cm to 28cm) in height and weighs 6 to 9 pounds (2.7kg to 4.1kg).
- A Shih Tzu is about 9 to 10.5 inches (22.9cm to 26.7cm) in height and weighs 9 to 16 pounds (4.1kg to 7.2kg)
How Big Do Toy Shih Poos Get?
A Toy Shih Poo will get to 20cm to 25cm in height and weigh 3.5kg to 7kg.
Mini Shih Poo
A Mini Shih Poo is the result of breeding a Mini Poodle with a Shih Tzu. They are slightly larger than a Toy Shih Poo and slightly smaller than a Standard Shih Poo.
The Sizes Of The Parents
- A Mini Poodle is about 15 inches (38.1cm) in height and 12 to 20 pounds (5.4kg to 9.1kg) in weight.
- A Shih Tzu is about 9 to 10.5 inches (22.9cm to 26.7cm) in height and weighs 9 to 16 pounds (4.1kg to 7.2kg)
How Big Do Mini Shih Poos Get?
A Mini Shih Poo will get to 25cm to 32cm in height and weigh 4.5kg to 7.5kg. This is a rough average of the expected heights and weights of their parents.
Standard Shih Poo
A Standard Shih Poo is a result of breeding a Standard Poodle with a Shih Tzu. As discussed above, a Standard Shih Poo will get to a height between 32cm and 40cm. They will weigh anywhere from 5.5kg to 10kg.
Read Also: Toy Spoodle Guide: Size, Lifespan, Temperament, Price Etc.
Shih Poo Growth Stages: From Puppy to Adult
When Do Shih Poos Stop Growing?
Shih Poos stop growing at 1 year of age when they will be their full adult size. This growth pattern is similar to their parents. Both purebred Poodles and Shih Tzus stop growing after 12 months.
0 to 2 Weeks (Neonatal Stage)
From 0 to 2 weeks of age, Shih Poos can range in size from 6 ounces to 1 pound (170 grams to 453 grams). During this time they gain 0.5 ounces (14 grams) per day, continuing to gain weight at this rate throughout their first month of life.
A neonatal Shih Poo’s eyes and ears are closed until around 2 weeks when their eyes open. When their eyes open they usually have a blue tint. Their noses also are not pigmented and stay pink for a few days. At 2 weeks old they will start to show their adult coat patterns however the colours are likely to change. At this age they can’t walk or stand and sleep for most of the day.
3 to 4 Weeks (Transitional Stage)
During the transitional stage a Shih Poo eyes and ears will be open and they will start to become very curious about their surroundings. They will weigh 1.5 to 2 pounds (0.6kg to 0.9kg) and will continue gaining weight at the rate of 0.5 ounces (14 grams) per day. At this point the weaning process begins and breeders start to introduce solid foods.
4 to 8 Weeks (Toddler Stage)
A Toddler Shih Poo weights between 2 and 3 pounds (0.9kg to 1.4kg). During this stage the puppies are fully weaned from their mothers and start to grow teeth. This means that they can start to eat harder goods. Around 6 weeks of age is when breeders usually allow owners to go visit the puppies.
2 to 6 months (Puppy Stage)
At 2 months old, Shih Poos are able to go home! At 8 weeks a Shih Poo is between 3 and 5 pounds (1.4kg to 2.3kg). From now until 12 months they will grow rapidly. They should double their current weight by the time they are 6 months old.
You should immediately start training your new Shih Poo puppy when you get home, starting with basic toileting training. We have a whole section dedicated to training later on in this guide!
6 to 12 Months (Teenager Stage)
From 6 months of age to 12 months a Shih Tzu Poodle mix will grow to it’s adult weight of 12 to 20 pounds if it is a standard size Shih Poo. Smaller sizes such as Toy and Mini Shih Poos will weigh less. (You can find the weight guides above).
Shih Poo Desexing
Around 6 months of age you need to get your Shih Poo neutered or spayed if you are not going to breed from your dog. Shih Poos aren’t usually breed from anyway. Most Shih Poos are first generation resulting from breeding a purebred Poodle with a purebred Shih Tzu.
Shih Poo Teething
Additionally, at about 6 months of age, a Shih Poo will start losing their baby teeth for adult teeth. At this age you should buy your Shih Poo plenty of chew toys to help them relieve growing pains. One of the most popular chew toys is the famous Kong Toy which is great because it is interactive, allowing you to put treats in it’s hollow centre!
Read Also: Groodle Size Guide (Teacup, Toy, Mini, Medium & Standard)
Shih Poo Generations
F1 Shih Poo
A F1 Shih Poo is the first generation. It is the result of breeding a purebred Toy/Miniature Poodle with a purebred Shih Tzu. They are 50% Shih Tzu and 50% Poodle.
F1b Shih Poo
A F1b is a cross back generation where a F1 Shih Poo has been bred with a Toy/Miniature Poodle. F1b Shih Poos are 75% Poodle and 25% Shih Tzu. This generation is less likely to shed as there is a higher percentage of Poodle genes. The coat of a F1b Shih Poo is usually more wavy than a F1 Shih Poo.
F2 Shih Poo
A F2 Shih Poo is the second generation. It is the result of breeding two F1 Shih Poos together. This generation is relatively rare as breeders of Shih Poos are more likely to breed from a Poodle and Shih Tzu because of the overall health benefits.
F2b Shih Poo
A F2b Shih Poo is a cross back generation where a F1 Shih Poo is bred with a F1b Shih Poo resulting in a dog that is 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Shih Tzu. This is also a rare generation of Shih Poo as F1 and F1b generations are preferred by breeders.
Shih Poo Temperament
Shih Poo’s have a nice temperament, being friendly and playful. A Shih Poo’s personality can vary as it is a cross breed however it typically is somewhere in between it’s parents traits. They usually inherit their loyalty and attentiveness from their Shih Tzu parent and their intelligence and desire to be the centre of attention from their Poodle parent.
Do Shih Poos Like To Cuddle?
Yes, Shih Poos like to cuddle a lot, inheriting this trait mostly from their Shih Tzu side. If your Shih Tzu Poodle Mix gets enough exercise, all they will want to do is spend time snuggly under blankets in their bed or having a nice cuddle on your lap.
Do Shih Poos Bark A Lot?
Shih Poos bark a lot because they are a mix breed of two dogs that have a high tendency to bark. They may start barking because they are excited to play or they are excited about a visitor at the house. They a lot may bark if they haven’t had enough exercise or attention.
Shih Tzu Barking
The Shih Tzu parent of a Shih Poo is very prone to barking. They bark at dogs and people walking past the house and also when visitors come to the house. Sometimes they even bark at dogs in the distance when on walks. They bark so much because they are alert, lively watchdogs.
Poodle Barking
Poodles are a breed that thrive on attention and they can therefore develop bad habits such as barking to get more attention. The smaller versions of poodles such as Miniature and Toy Poodles can be more yappy than Standard size Poodles.
A Shih Poo that is bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle is more likely to bark more frequently than one bred from a Standard Poodle.
Do Shih Poos Get Along With Cats?
Yes, Shih Poos can get along with cats if they have been introduced to them at a young age. Your Shih Poo puppy will need to be gradually introduced to your cat through controlled physical interaction. Like other dog breeds if your Shih Poo has been raised with a cat, they will get along.
How To Introduce A Shih Poo To A Cat
- Let your cat and Shih Poo become familiar with each others scent. You can rub a cloth over your puppy and then put it somewhere in your house where your cat frequents regularly.
- Do a face to face meeting with a barrier. E.g. keep your Shih Poo in their crate and let your cat walk around and sniff them.
- Controlled physical interaction. At first keep your Shih Poo on a lead and make sure your cat has somewhere high up to jump to if they get overwhelmed. Keep these interactions short and slowly build up the length of time.
- Supervised co-existence. Once your Shih Poo and cat are comfortable with one another, you can let them interact off leash. Make sure you are close by and that your Shih Poo puppy doesn’t chase your cat.
- Unsupervised co-existence. Once you are sure that your cat and Shih Poo get along you can let them co-exist without supervision.
Do Shih Poos Like Other Dogs?
The Shih Poo breed can at times be antisocial, especially ones that have a high percentage of Shih Tzu genes. They do generally get along okay with other breeds that are the same size however not so well with larger breeds. For the best results, introduce your Shih Poo calmly and slowly to other dogs.
Do Shih Poos Have Separation Anxiety?
Yes, Shih Poos can experience separation anxiety if they are left at home alone for hours on end constantly. Other triggers for separation anxiety include being abandoned, being surrendered to a dog shelter or abrupt changes in their schedule.
Can Shih Poos Be Left Alone?
Yes, Shih Poos can be left alone for short periods of time. While it is not ideal, you can leave a Shih Poo alone for a maximum of 7 hours. That is how long they can hold their bladder in their prime years. You should still ideally have someone at home with your Shih Poo most hours of the day.
How Can I Help My Shih Poos Separation Anxiety?
There are many ways that you can help your Shih Poos separation anxiety including:
- Crate Training. For some Shih Poos, crate training helps with separation anxiety as it gives them a safe place to stay when you are away. If you need to purchase a crate I highly recommend the Diggs Revol Dog Crate as it is built to baby industry standards.
- Get Another Dog For Company. A second dog in the household could be a solution to a Shih Poo’s separation anxiety.
- Separation Anxiety Medications or Natural Supplements. You can also consult a vet about separation anxiety medications or natural supplements to help your Shih Poo’s anxiety.
Do Shih Poos Like To Swim?
Some Shih Poos enjoy short bursts of swimming however their short legs mean that they lack the capacity to endure long swimming distances. Many Shih Poos inherit their love for water from their Poodle parent but they often need aid when swimming from a floatation device such as a Dog Life Jacket.
Read Also: Groodle Generations Explained (F1, F1b, F1bb, F2, F2b Etc.)
Shih-Poo Life Expectancy
How Long Do Shih Poos Live?
On average, Shih Poos live for 16 years if they are in good health. The lifespan is 12 to 18 years as the Shih Poo is a designer cross breed that has an improved overall health compared to purebred dogs.
Shih-Poo Shedding
Do Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Shed?
The Shih Poo is a low shedding breed. The reason why Shih Poos don’t shed if they have a single coat like their Poodle parent. Their single coat has hair that consistently grows instead of falling out
That being said, some Shih Poos shed a moderate amount if they take more after their Shih Tzu parent instead of the Poodle parent. This is the case with Shih Tzu Poodle mixes that have double coats as in addition to year round shedding their undercoats undergo heavy seasonal shedding.
Shih Poo Generations That Shed The Least
The Shih Poo generations that shed the least are the cross back generations such as F1b and F2b as they have a higher percentage of Poodle. They are the result of breeding a Shih Poo with a purebred Poodle. Specifically, an F1b Shih Poo is 75% Poodle and 25% Shih Tzu.
However, most Shih Poos that are bred are first generation (F1 Shih Poos – 50% Poodle and 50% Shih Tzu). An F1 Shih Poo still have a high chance of being low shedding unless it takes more after it’s Shih Tzu parent and inherits a double coat.
How To Reduce Shih Poo Shedding
While Shih Poos are low shedding, to reduce their shedding even more you should:
- Regularly brush your dog. This dog brush from Amazon is perfect for Shih Poos!
- Occasionally bathe your dog. You should wash your Shih Poo every 1 to 2 months to remove dirt and debris from their fur.
- Make sure your Shih Poo takes flea and tick control tablets each month to reduce scratching and itching that can dislodge fur.
Are Shih Poos Hypoallergenic?
Shih Poos are classified as a hypoallergenic breed meaning they produce a minimal amount of dander (when a dog sheds their skin cells) and are low shedding. That being said, no dog breed can be fully hypoallergenic.
Can Dogs Be 100% Hypoallergenic?
No dog can be 100% hypoallergenic as all dogs produce dander and even breeds that are classified as non-shedding will still lose fur every now and then. That being said there are dog breeds that are bred to be more hypoallergenic than others so that allergy sufferers can have a companion animal.
Shih Poo Grooming & Haircuts
Do Shih Poos Need Haircuts?
Yes, Shih Poos need haircuts. They have thin, fine and relatively short hair that needs cutting ever now and then. The reason why they need haircuts is because they have hair that consistently grows instead of shedding.
Types of Shih Poo Haircuts
- Puppy cut. The puppy cut is inspired by the look of a puppy. The groomers will tri myour dog’s hair to 1 or 2 inches in length. It is also a little longer around the face.
- Teddy bear cut. The Teddy Bear cut is great for a Shih Poo with long curly fur. The groomers will trim it with scissors leaving 2.5 to 4 inches of hair on their body that is rounded at the edges.
- Top knot. This is for Shih Poos that have slightly wavy hair that is long at the front. Simply comb it into a pony tail on the top of their head.
- Short cut. The short cut is very practical for summer and also helps owners avoid struggles with brushing their Shih Poos hair.
Shih Poo Tear Stains
Unfortunately tear stains is a common problem for poodle mixes and Shih Poos are no exception. Shih Poo have the tendency to develop brown or reddish stains underneath their eyes. Luckily they can be prevented by wiping beneath your Shih Poo’s eyes every few days with dog eye wipes. We recommend the Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Dog Wipes.
Read Also: Cavoodle Size Guide (Teacup, Toy, Miniature & Standard)
Shih Poo Cost
How Much Is A Shih Poo?
A Shih Poo can cost anywhere from $2500AUD to $6000AUD+ dependant on the breeder. The litters are on the smaller size of 3 to 5 puppies which increases the price. Shih Poos can also be expensive as they are marketed as designer dog breeds, their low shedding and hypoallergenic nature makes them highly sought after.
What Are The Costs Of Owning A Shih Poo?
Shih Poo Food Costs
The average fully grown Shih Poo eats 1/2 to 1 cup of high quality kibble daily. This is usually divided into two meals a day: breakfast and dinner. On average a 25 pound (11kg) bag of ultra premium dog food is $60 to $100 dollars. For a Shih Poo this covers about 75 days of food.
You will also need to buy treats for your dog. To make the most out of treats I suggest cutting them up into even smaller pieces than what is provided.
Shih Poo Grooming Costs
Most Shih Poos get professionally groomed monthly and these costs can really add up. On average professional grooming of a Shih Poo costs $50 to $75 per month depending on the pet salon. These costs usually include a hair cut, nail cut, ear cleaning and a bath.
The Budget Option: Alternatively you can purchase a dog grooming kit and give your Shih Poo DIY haircuts at home. You can learn about all the techniques through watching YouTube videos.
Shih Poo Vet Costs
It is hard to estimate vet costs as it is hard to predict when health issues will arise and if your dog will ever get injured. The predictable vet costs for a Shih Poo are their vaccinations as a puppy and then their yearly booster shots for the rest of their lives. These costs vary from year to year so contact your local vet for prices.
Shih Poo Training
Crate Training A Shih Poo
If you want to crate train your Shih Poo, I highly recommend that you start the day that you bring your puppy home as they are often quite stubborn.
Benefits Of Crate Training A Shih Poo
- Shih Poos enjoy the privacy of their own area
- Gives your Shih Poo a sense of safety and securitu
- Helps with toilet training
- Crates make it easier to transport your Shih Poo by car
What Size Crate For A Shih Poo?
Shih Poos are a small breed so the ideal crate size is either 24 x 18 inches (61 x 46 cm) or 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 cm). You want the space to be large enough so they can move around, stand, sit up and lie down but not too large that they decide to use one end of the crate as a bathroom.
How To Crate Train A Shih Poo
- Introduce your Shih Poo to the crate. Let them walk around it and sniff it.
- Encourage your Shih Poo to enter the crate. You may need to put a treat inside the crate to encourage them to go inside.
- Let your Shih Poo explore the crate with the door open.
- Try closing the crate door and reward your Shih Poo with treats.
- Work up to closing the crate door for longer periods of time and then leaving the room and returning.
- Keep increasing the time interval your Shih Poo is in the crate until they are comfortable in it for longer periods of time unattended.
Potty Training A Shih Poo
You need to immediately start potty training your Shih Poo once you are home from the breeder on collection day.
The best way to potty train a Shih Poo is to:
- Take your Shih Poo outside to the spot you want them to go
- While at this spot say “go potty”
- Wait for your Shih Poo to wee or poop
- Once they have done their business praise and reward them with a treat
- Make sure you take your Shih Poo out 5 to 10 minutes after meals
- Keep repeating this process until they go outside to relieve themselves independently
Read Also: Black Cavoodle Guide: Price, Temperament, Size & More!
Socialising A Shih Poo
It is very important to start the socialisation process for your Shih Poo from a young age. They need to be comfortable around a wide range of pets, people and places. While you can’t start the socialisation process with other dogs until your Shih Poo is fully vaccinated (they should be fully vaccinated to 16 weeks old), you should immediately start the process at home with other people and also introduce your Shih Poo to new experiences.
Socialisation Ideas
Introduce your Shih Poo to:
- men and women
- children of all ages
- dogs and other puppies (once fully vaccinated)
- others pets e.g. cats, rabbits etc.
- car rides
- grooming salons
- bath time
- crate
- swimming
- loud noises e.g. vacuum cleaner
- thunderstorms
- other people’s homes
- parks
- beaches
- staircases
- difference surfaces e.g. grass, sand, carpet, floorboards, tiles etc.
Shih-Poo Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Small size is easy to manage | Demanding in terms of grooming |
| Great companion for people in apartments | Dental problems because of underbite |
| Confident and friendly temperament | They can be stubborn |
| Good for seniors and families with kids | Sometimes challenging to train |
Further Reading
- Yorkie-Poo Breed Guide (Yorkshire Terrier Poodle Mix)
- Schnoodle Breed Guide (Schnauzer Poodle Mix)
- Mini Labradoodle Guide: Price, Size, Temperament & More!
- Groodle Breed Guide (Golden Retriever Poodle Mix)
- Mini Cavoodle Guide: Size, Price, Temperament, Lifespan Etc.
- Mini Groodle Guide: Price, Size, Temperament, Lifespan & More