Shih poos are a hybrid breed of toy poodle and shih tzu. It’s standard practice to breed shih poos to one another to generate multigenerational dogs, while some shih tzu breeders breed a poodle to a shih tzu to produce first-generation shih poos.
In this ultimate guide to Shihpoo, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a Shihpoo?
A hybrid of the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle dog breeds, the Shih-Poo is a type of canine. These pups, who are small, hypoallergenic, and affectionate friends, received some of the greatest traits from both of their parents.
Shih-Poos are also known as Shoodles or Pooshis, however these names should not be confused with those of the Poo-Shi, a Poodle/Shiba Inu cross. These mixed-breed dogs may be found in shelters and rescues despite the fact that they are considered a designer breed. So keep adoption in mind! Shop not!
Origin and History of Shihpoo
A more recent designer dog breed created in North America is the Shih-Poo. The Shih Tzu parent is Chinese Royalty, while the Poodle parent is from Germany. Their regal DNA will be visible if their Shih Tzu parent traits come through.
Shih-Poos are offspring of the obedient, charming Shih Tzu and the perceptive, refined Poodle. They are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic pet to spoil and lavish care upon.
You don’t have to pay breeders hundreds of dollars to bring a Shih-Poo into your family. These tiny cuties unfortunately end up in shelters, just like any other breed, because their owners don’t willing to make a long-term commitment.
The most likely place to find a Shih-Poo up for adoption is if you keep a look out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue in your neighborhood.
Appearance and Size
Even within the same litter, shih-poo puppies might have radically diverse appearances. Which parent’s characteristics predominate in a hybrid dog, like these teddy bear shih-poos, determines its characteristics.
For instance, some shih-poos may have short, curly coats that give them a poodle-like appearance, while others may have the silky, straight, and plush fur that shih tzus are known for. Other Shih-Poos, however, might dress in a coat that is almost curling and almost silky.
Additionally, the color of their coats might be a bit unpredictable. White, black, brown, brindle, grey, red, or apricot are some typical hues, and that’s without even mentioning all the conceivable color combinations.
The Shih-Poo is a very young breed, hence exact measurements cannot be made. That so, you can anticipate the Shih-Poo to be on the smaller side as a result of its parents being Toy Poodle and Shih-Tzu.
Most people range in height from eight to eighteen inches and weigh eight to eighteen pounds. The size of the Shih-Poo will vary, just as it can with Shih Tzu and Poodles, which come in teacup, miniature, and normal sizes.
Coat and Grooming Needs
Coats on Shih-Poos might vary. They can inherit either the straight or curly coat from any of their Shih-Tzu or Poodle parents, which is more likely.
The colour will also change. They can be found in different shades and colour combinations, including black, white, brown, and brindle.
Regular grooming sessions and daily brushing will keep your pooch looking and feeling their best. As their skin and coat might become dry and itchy between bathing, you might also wish to give them a few, but no more than once a week..
Personality and Temperament
The Shih-Poo will acquire traits from both of its parent breeds. It’s a terrific idea to study everything there is to know about their Shih Tzu and Poodle parents to get a good grasp of them.
Shih Tzus have a tendency to be independent, but they make up for it in personality tenfold. Poodles are bright, trainable, and active, yet they are also wonderfully friendly, attentive, and cute.
Although Shih-Poo personalities might vary, they often lie in between parental traits. The majority of Shih-Poos are thought to be playful and sociable. They are about the size of a lap dog, and given their normal level of energy, they would certainly like taking long naps in your lap.
While Shih-Poos appreciate a good nap, they also enjoy strolls and fun. They might not be keen to pick up new skills, but they do like company and attention.
While Shih-Poos may not be as vocal as their Poodle parents, they may nevertheless let you know when something is wrong, as when a meal is missing, by barking once every few minutes until their demands are addressed.
Early socialisation and training are essential. With Shih-Poos, consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
Shih Poos make excellent companions for persons with less active lifestyles due to their temperament and behaviour. They are most suitable for older couples without children or older couples with older children due to their size and personality.
They take pleasure in playing with toys and cuddling. These animals are a little stubborn, so if you want a dog that will behave itself, you might not want to get one if you’ve never trained a dog before. Their intelligence is one of their best qualities, therefore if you have training expertise, you can teach them.
Training and Exercise Needs
These dogs may train quickly in some areas but less easily in others due to their intelligence and potential for stubbornness. While house training may go well, some commands can require more effort and patience.
Shih Poos don’t need a lot of exercise, which makes them perfect for apartments and homes with limited yards. They often just require 30 minutes of exercise every week to maintain their weight.
Shihpoo Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Shihpoo puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Shihpoo puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Shihpoo puppy. Ask if there are any Shihpoo pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Shihpoo
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Shihpoo:
- As soon as you bring your Shihpoo home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Shihpoo getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Shihpoo can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
Although the general health of many designer crossbreeds has improved, they are still susceptible to the health problems their parents are prone to. Nevertheless, Shih-Poos can live for an average of 16 years in relatively good condition.
Since Shih-Tzus’ short snouts can cause breathing problems in Shih-Poos, it would be beneficial if the pup inherited a longer snout from the Poodle. If your dog has a shorter nose, keep an eye out for symptoms of heat stroke.
Small dogs are more likely to experience dental issues. keep their teeth clean and healthy by getting frequent checkups from the dentist.
Choosing the Right Shihpoo for You
If you’re interested in getting a Shihpoo, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Shihpoo:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Shihpoo might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Shihpoo is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Shih Poo a good pet?
Adult shih poos are loving, intelligent and versatile little dogs who make great pets for singles, couples and families. Shih poos possess all the charm and personality of both the shih tzu and toy poodle along with the hypoallergenic coat of the poodle.
Do Shih Poo dogs bark a lot?
Shih Poos usually make good apartment dogs because they don’t usually bark a lot. They make excellent companion pets.
What are the disadvantages of Shih Poo?
Shihpoos may develop health conditions common to both Shih Tzus and Poodles, especially if you aren’t cautious about whom you buy from. They include luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and eye problems such as entropion, cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy.
Do Shih Poos sleep a lot?
While every owners wishes for their Shih Tzu puppy to sleep through the night, many will have disrupted sleeping patterns, some even sleeping most of the day instead of at night. Out of a 24 hour period, a Shih Tzu puppy will generally sleep 16 to 20 hours.
Can I leave my Shih-Poo alone for 8 hours?
In a perfect world, it wouldn’t be until the Tzu was 8 or 9 months old. However, since you most likely need to work/go to school/run errands, a puppy of any age can be left for the day… 7, 8 or 9 hours.