The Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix, also known as the Shih-Poo, is one of the most charming designer dogs you can welcome into your family. With its teddy bear looks, affectionate nature, and adaptable personality, this hybrid combines the best of both worlds: the Shih Tzu’s loving temperament and the Poodle’s intelligence.

Families, singles, and seniors all appreciate the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix because it fits so well into different lifestyles. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious home, this mix thrives on companionship and love. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Shih-Poo, from its history and appearance to grooming, training, health, and daily care.

Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix (Shih-Poo) Breed Overview

Group: Designer/Companion Dog
Shih-Poos aren’t recognized by the AKC as a pure breed, but they belong to the companion/dog hybrid group, bred specifically for companionship.

Size: Small
Compact and portable, making them ideal for apartment or small-home living.

Weight: 8–18 pounds (varies depending on which parent breed they take after).

Height: 8–15 inches at the shoulder.

Life Span: 12–16 years
With proper care, nutrition, and vet visits, Shih-Poos enjoy a relatively long lifespan for a small breed.

Personality/Temperament:

Affectionate and loving
Playful but gentle
Sociable with family, children, and pets
Can be a little stubborn at times (inherited from the Shih Tzu)
Intelligent and curious (from the Poodle side)

Energy Level: Moderate

Needs 20–30 minutes of daily walks and some indoor play.
Not hyperactive but enjoys interactive games.

Coat Type: Wavy, curly, or sometimes straight depending on genetics.

Soft and fluffy with a texture between the Shih Tzu’s silky coat and the Poodle’s curly coat.

Coat Colors: Wide variety including black, white, cream, gray, apricot, chocolate, and multicolored patterns.

Grooming Needs: High

Requires brushing several times per week.
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to prevent mats and tangles.

Good For: Families, seniors, singles, and first-time dog owners looking for a small, adaptable companion.

Origin and History of the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix

The Shih-Poo is a relatively new hybrid dog, developed during the growing trend of designer breeds in the late 20th century. Breeders aimed to combine the loyal, affectionate Shih Tzu with the intelligent, low-shedding Poodle.

The Shih Tzu has a long history as a royal companion dog in China, where it was adored by emperors and their families. On the other hand, the Poodle originated in Europe, first as a water retriever and later celebrated for its cleverness and hypoallergenic qualities.

By blending these two parent breeds, breeders created the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix—a small, adaptable companion designed for modern households. While the Shih-Poo doesn’t have centuries of tradition behind it like purebreds, it has quickly won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

Appearance and Size

The appearance of a Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix can vary depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant. However, many Shih-Poos share common traits that make them especially adorable:

Size: Typically 8–18 pounds in weight and 8–15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat: Soft, curly, or wavy fur that may inherit the Poodle’s hypoallergenic qualities.
Colors: Black, cream, apricot, gray, brown, or multi-colored patterns.
Face: Rounded head, expressive dark eyes, short muzzle, and floppy ears.

Their “teddy bear” look is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with this mix. It’s not just about beauty either—their manageable size makes them suitable for both apartments and larger homes.

10 interesting things about this adorable breed:

Designer Dog with Two Popular Parents – The Shih-Poo is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Poodle, blending charm, intelligence, and affection into one small companion.
Teddy Bear Appearance – Many Shih-Poos look like fluffy teddy bears with their round eyes, soft coats, and compact size, making them extra appealing.
Low-Shedding Coat – Thanks to their Poodle parent, many Shih-Poos have coats that shed very little, which can be a good option for people with mild allergies.
Small but Sturdy – Most Shih-Poos weigh between 8–18 pounds and stand 8–15 inches tall, making them portable yet strong enough for play.
Affectionate Lap Dogs – They love cuddling and are happiest when close to their owners, which makes them ideal companions for families and seniors.
Playful and Intelligent – Shih-Poos inherit intelligence from the Poodle, making training easier, while the Shih Tzu side adds a fun, playful spirit.
Adaptable to Living Spaces – Whether in an apartment or a house with a yard, Shih-Poos adjust well as long as they get love and daily walks.
Can Be Stubborn – Some inherit the Shih Tzu’s stubborn streak, so patience and positive reinforcement are important during training.
Lifespan of 12–16 Years – With proper care, Shih-Poos enjoy a long life, offering many years of companionship and joy.
Popular as Family Pets – Their small size, loving temperament, and sociable nature make them excellent family dogs, especially when introduced early to children and other pets.

Temperament and Personality

The Shih-Poo shines when it comes to personality. It inherits the Shih Tzu’s affectionate, loyal nature and the Poodle’s playful intelligence.

Affectionate: Loves being close to family and thrives on attention.
Playful: Enjoys games, toys, and fun interactions.
Friendly: Gets along with children, seniors, and other pets when socialized early.
Adaptable: Adjusts easily to apartment living or suburban homes.

One thing to keep in mind is that some Shih-Poos may inherit the Shih Tzu’s stubborn streak. But with consistency, patience, and positive training methods, they usually become well-mannered companions.

Grooming and Coat Care

The coat of this gorgeous breed requires regular grooming. Without it, matting and tangling can become issues.

Brushing: At least 3–4 times a week, or daily for longer coats.
Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks, depending on activity.
Professional Grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for trims and styling.
Ear and Eye Care: Clean floppy ears regularly and wipe tear stains from the eyes.
Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks to avoid overgrowth.

Grooming is essential for both health and appearance. A well-groomed Shih-Poo looks adorable and feels comfortable.

Training and Socialization

Training a Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix can be both fun and rewarding. Thanks to its Poodle lineage, this hybrid is intelligent and quick to learn. However, patience is needed if it inherits the Shih Tzu’s stubbornness.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Rewards, praise, and play work best.
Keep Sessions Short: 10–15 minutes to maintain focus.
Start Early: Early training builds confidence and reduces unwanted habits.
Socialization: Introduce to people, children, pets, and different environments.

Housebreaking can take time, so consistency and patience are key. With the right approach, Shih-Poos can become polite, well-trained companions.

Exercise Needs

The Shih-Poo has moderate energy levels. It isn’t as demanding as high-energy breeds but still requires daily activity to stay healthy.

Walks: 20–30 minutes daily.
Indoor Play: Puzzle toys, fetch, or short training games.
Adaptability: Ideal for small apartments as long as daily exercise is provided.

Because of its size, over-exercising should be avoided. Moderate activity helps prevent weight gain and keeps them mentally stimulated.

Health and Lifespan

Like all hybrids, the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix may inherit health issues from either parent breed.

Common health concerns include:

Dental issues (due to small mouths).
Skin allergies and sensitivities.
Ear infections (from floppy ears).
Patellar luxation (knee issues).

With regular vet care, balanced nutrition, and proper exercise, the lifespan of a Shih-Poo is typically 12–16 years. That makes them long-term companions for families.

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding a Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix correctly ensures it stays healthy and active.

Food Type: High-quality small-breed kibble with protein and balanced nutrients.
Portion Size: Usually ½ to 1½ cups daily, depending on size and activity.
Supplements: Omega-3s for skin and joint health (if vet-approved).
Avoid Overfeeding: Shih-Poos can gain weight quickly if overfed.

Consistent meal schedules and portion control are important to maintain an ideal weight.

Living with a Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix

Life with a Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix is full of affection and companionship.

Best Homes: Families with children, retirees, or singles.
Not Ideal For: People who are away for long hours, as Shih-Poos dislike being left alone.
Companionship: They bond closely with their humans and often follow them around.

They are happiest when they’re included in family activities and not left in isolation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Affectionate and loyal nature.
Low-shedding, often allergy-friendly coat.
Adaptable to different home types.
Long lifespan with good care.

Cons

Requires frequent grooming.
May inherit stubborn behavior.
Can develop separation anxiety.
Risk of certain inherited health issues.

Is the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix Right for You?

The Shih-Poo is a wonderful choice if you want a small, affectionate, and intelligent companion. If you’re committed to grooming, training, and spending quality time with your dog, this mix will reward you with endless love.

However, if you’re often away from home or prefer a low-maintenance breed, this may not be the best fit. For those seeking a loyal and cuddly family member, the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix is an excellent match.

Conclusion

The Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix combines the Shih Tzu’s charm with the Poodle’s intelligence, resulting in a playful, affectionate, and adaptable pet. With proper grooming, training, and care, the Shih-Poo becomes not just a dog, but a lifelong friend.

Whether you’re looking for a lapdog, a playful buddy, or a family companion, the Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix brings joy and warmth into any household.

FAQ:

Are Shih Tzu Poodle mix good dogs?

Shih Poo Behavior and Personality

When it comes to personality, Shih Poos are truly the whole package. They’re playful, loving, and love to please their people. These pups inherit the Shih Tzu’s love for companionship and the Poodle’s intelligence, making them both cuddly and smart.

What is a Shih Tzu and Poodle mix called?

A Shih-poo! That’s the most common name for this cutie, though you may also hear this mixed breed referred to as a “Shoodle.” The Shih-poo is a relatively new mix and is not yet recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club.

What are the disadvantages of Shihpoo?

While shih poos tend to be long-lived, with some living 17 years or more, they can be predisposed to the same health problems as their parent breeds. These include allergies, patellar luxation, vision problems and endocrine disorders such as Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease.

How expensive is a Shihpoo?

However, adopting one from a breeder is the most expensive way to get a Shih Poo and usually costs between $2,200 and $4.500. The average cost is about $2,500, but it depends on several factors, like the dog’s size, coat, lineage, color, and more.

Can Shihpoo be left alone?

Shihpoos commonly form strong bonds and can experience separation anxiety. They do best when not left alone for long stretches and require a pet owner who can provide frequent interaction or companionship during the day.

What do Shih Poos eat?

Shih-poos should be fed high-quality dog food. They are recommended to have at least 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups of high-quality kibble. To establish a diet schedule for your Shih-poo, you can meet with your veterinarian. If you have any questions about your dog’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian.

Do Shihpoos bark a lot?

Shihpoos do have a high tendency to bark, which can be frustrating for those living in close proximity, so be sure to keep that in mind before deciding that this breed is your perfect match.

What is the lifespan of a Shih Poo?

Shih-Poos are small dogs and fairly healthy. They tend to live in the span of 10–15 years. Skin tumours, cushing’s disease, and bladder stones are common health concerns. Regular vert checks catch these problems earlier typically, which increase the Shih Poo lifespan.

Are Shih Poos intelligent?

The Shihpoo is an intelligent, affectionate, and fun-loving companion, inheriting the vibrant personality traits of its parent breeds. The Poodle contributes high intelligence, while the Shih Tzu provides a playful and outgoing disposition.