Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account below, or login by clicking here.

Shihpoo

Meet Shihpoo

Shih Poos are designer dogs that are a cross between the purebred Shih Tzu and the purebred Poodle

About Shihpoo

This designer dog was created to combine the affectionate nature of the Shih Tzu with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. Shihpoos have become popular in recent years, particularly among people looking for a small, friendly dog that is easy to care for. Though their exact origin is not well-documented, their charming personality and low-shedding coat have made them a favorite among dog lovers.

History

Shih Poos are designer dogs that are a cross between the purebred Shih Tzu and the purebred Poodle. Shih Tzus are believed to have originated in Tibet as early as 600 AD. They are also considered one of the oldest dogs in existence today. The Poodle was first bred in Germany and has served as a water retriever for hunters. Their alert minds mind allows them to be considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds that exist today. Shih-Poos originated about the same time as most other designer dogs, which was in the late 1980s.

Temperament

Shihpoos are known for their friendly, affectionate, and sociable personalities. They tend to be great companions, loving to spend time with their families and get plenty of attention. These dogs are typically playful and energetic but are also content to snuggle up with their owners. Intelligent and eager to please, Shihpoos are quick learners, making them relatively easy to train. 

Personality

The Shih Poo’s personality is an even mix of his parents’ personalities. They are smart, loyal, alert, and dedicated dogs that have pleasant personalities and kind temperaments. Shih-Poos make marvelous companion dogs and fit in easily with families that have children and other pets in the house. They also adapt well to apartment-style living or conventional housing. This breed is very well-liked and will make a great fit in any family.

Appearance

Shih Poos are found in many colors. This includes apricot, black, tan and black, brown, cream, red sable, and white. In some instances, puppies from the same litter can have significantly different colors and types of coats. Some inherit a wool coat from the Poodle or the longer and straighter coat of the Shih Tzu. Thanks to their hypoallergenic coats, they do well in families that have people who suffer from allergies. Routine daily brushing is a good way to keep this dog looking his best. A bi-weekly bath is also suggested, as is routine teeth cleaning.

Care

Keeping your Shih Pooh puppy well-fed is very important. This breed is known to have hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar levels. To keep this puppy feeling his best, feed him smaller meals four to six times a day up until the age of six months. After reaching the age of six months, two meals a day spaced apart in twelve-hour intervals is fine. It is also important to brush his teeth at least three times each week. This is a very good way to prevent health issues down the road. Another recommended tip is to make sure his nails are clipped on a routine basis. This will allow your puppy to feel great.

Life Expectancy

  • The Shih Poo stands between eight to eighteen inches tall at maturity.
  • They average a weight of thirteen to twenty pounds.
  • Shih Poohs have an average lifespan from twelve to fifteen years.

Breed Facts

Fact: The Shih Pooh gets along well with other pets in the home. Even cats!

Fact: The oldest living Shih Pooh was 21 years old.

Fact: The Shih Pooh originated in North America

Grooming

Brushing several times a week is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and to manage shedding, which is minimal. Shihpoos also benefit from regular baths to keep their coat clean and soft. In addition to coat care, routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential to maintain the overall health of the dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shihpoo

Yes. They do not give off allergies.

They are suitable for older children who will not injure them and also for retired seniors with all the time and love in the world to give.

Shih Poos hardly reject food, and they have a high tendency to be overweight, so keep them on healthy diets.

It is advised to adopt a Shih Poo from a local rescue center because they usually have information on what the dog’s personality is. This way, you get to know what you’re signing up for.

Yes. They are pet-friendly and very accepting of other pets.

Start by picking a spot and a phrase to make them go. Repeat the phrase when you want them to pee or poo, and be sure to reward them for it.

Every day, Shih Poos eat one cup of high-quality dry food split into two meals with clean water.

Shih Poos are confident, smart, loyal, and active. They make excellent companions and crave attention.

This depends on their parent breeds. Shih Poos averagely weigh eight to eighteen pounds (four to eight kilograms).

The Shih Poo has an average lifespan of ten to eighteen years. One Shih Poo was recorded to have lived up to twenty-one years!

Available Breeds

More Breeds For Adoption

Afghan Hound

Airedale Terrier

Akita

American Eskimo

American Bulldog

Alaskan Malamute

Help Need Help?