Shih-Poo
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Find Shih-Poo Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Shih-Poo puppies available.
Find Shih-Poo BreedersGet to Know Shih-Poos
- Designer Hybrid: The Shih-Poo is a designer dog breed that is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (typically a Miniature or Toy Poodle). Bred to combine the best qualities of both parent breeds, Shih-Poos are known for their affectionate nature, playful demeanor, and hypoallergenic coat. This mix has made them increasingly popular among those seeking a small, loving companion with minimal shedding.
- Variety of Coat Types: Shih-Poos can have a range of coat types, depending on which parent they take after more. Their coat can be curly like a Poodle's, straight or wavy like a Shih Tzu's, or somewhere in between. Shih-Poos often have a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, which can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, apricot, and gray. Regular grooming is required to maintain their coat and keep it free of mats.
- Compact and Adaptable: Shih-Poos are small dogs, typically weighing between 8 to 18 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living or smaller homes. Their compact size and friendly nature make them well-suited for city life, and they can adapt easily to different living environments as long as they get enough attention and exercise.
- Affectionate and Social: Shih-Poos are known for their affectionate and social personalities. They love being around people and often form strong bonds with their families. Their friendly nature makes them good with children and other pets, though early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted. Shih-Poos thrive on human interaction and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
- Intelligent and Eager to Please: Shih-Poos inherit intelligence from both the Shih Tzu and Poodle, making them quick learners. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement, which makes training relatively easy. While they may have a bit of a stubborn streak from their Shih Tzu parent, consistent training and patience can help them excel in obedience and even learn a variety of tricks.
Breed History
The Shih-poo is a hybrid breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This mix combines the affectionate and playful nature of the Shih Tzu with the intelligence and allergy-friendly coat of the Poodle. The breed was intentionally bred to create a small, companionable dog with a manageable coat that requires less grooming than some other breeds. Shih-poos have gained popularity as family pets due to their friendly demeanor and adaptability.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate and Sociable: Shih-poos are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They form strong bonds with their families and are typically very affectionate towards their owners. They enjoy being around people and can adapt well to different living environments, making them great companions for singles, couples, and families.
- Playful and Lively: These dogs are playful and enjoy interactive activities, games, and mental stimulation. They have a lively nature that makes them fun to be around, whether for playtime with children or relaxed lounging with adults. They are generally good with other pets and children, making them ideal for multi-pet households.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Shih-poos inherit their intelligence from both parent breeds. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise. Their eager-to-please attitude makes training relatively straightforward, though they may have moments of stubbornness that require patience and consistency.
Care
- Exercise: Shih-poos have moderate exercise needs. A daily walk (20-30 minutes) and some playtime are enough to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. They enjoy activities like fetch and puzzle toys but should be monitored to avoid overexertion, particularly in hot or humid weather, due to their small size.
- Grooming: Shih-poos have a low-shedding coat that combines traits from both parent breeds. While not truly hypoallergenic, Shih-poos can be allergy-friendly for some people. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and keep the coat clean. Brushing a few times a week helps maintain a healthy coat. Bathing should be done as needed, and regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important aspects of grooming.
- Training and Socialization: Training a Shih-poo is generally enjoyable as they are eager to learn and please their owners. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, as they respond well to treats and praise. Early socialization is key to ensuring they develop into well-adjusted dogs who are comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. Consistent training and early exposure to different experiences will help prevent behavioral issues and foster a well-rounded temperament.
Shih-Poo Summary
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Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Shih Tzu Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Hip Dysplasia | (Optional but recommended) OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional but recommended) Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
Toy Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Shih-Poo Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Shih-Poo is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Shih-Poo
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Shih-Poo puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Shih-Poo, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Shih-Poo is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
