Topics Covered in This Blog Post
Did you know? The Shih-Poo, a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, is often called a “teddy bear dog” — not just for its cuddly looks, but also for its loving personality. This designer breed is gaining popularity fast, not just for its adorable appearance but also for being hypoallergenic and low-shedding — a dream for allergy-prone pet lovers!
Characteristics of the Shih-Poo
- Size: Small (typically 8–15 inches tall and 8–18 pounds)
- Coat: Soft, curly or wavy; can be long or medium length
- Colors: Wide variety – black, white, brown, gray, apricot, or mixed
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, intelligent, and friendly
- Energy Level: Moderate – enjoys playtime but also loves cuddling
- Trainability: Smart but can be a bit stubborn; responds well to positive reinforcement
- Social Needs: Loves human companionship; good with kids and other pets
- Barking: Moderate – may bark at strangers or when excited
- Hypoallergenic: Generally yes, thanks to the Poodle genes, but not guaranteed for all individuals
Origins and Background
The Shih-Poo is a modern designer breed, developed by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This hybrid likely originated in the United States in the late 20th or early 21st century, during the rise of “doodle” and other mixed breeds designed to combine desirable traits from both parent dogs.
The goal behind creating the Shih-Poo was to blend the Shih Tzu’s affectionate and loyal nature with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Although not officially recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC, the Shih-Poo is popular among families and apartment dwellers for its compact size, charming personality, and allergy-friendly coat.
Size Information
Shih-Poos are small-sized dogs, typically standing about 8 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 8 to 18 pounds, depending on whether the Poodle parent was a Toy or Miniature. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living, but they still enjoy regular playtime and short walks.
Personality
Shih-Poos are known for their loving, playful, and gentle personalities. They form strong bonds with their families and often become little shadows, following their favorite people from room to room. These dogs are typically friendly with children and other pets, making them great companions for families and singles alike.
Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they are also quite intelligent, though their Shih Tzu side can add a touch of stubbornness. Early socialization and consistent, positive training help bring out their best behavior. Shih-Poos love to cuddle but also enjoy bursts of play — making them both lap dogs and playful pals.
Nutrition
Shih-Poos need a balanced, high-quality diet suited to their age, size, and activity level. Since they’re small dogs, they do best with small-breed dog food that provides the right amount of protein, fats, and essential nutrients.
Feed them 2 meals a day, and avoid free-feeding to prevent overeating and obesity — a common issue in small breeds. Treats are fine in moderation, especially for training, but should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake.
Always provide fresh water and consult your vet to determine the best food brand or portion size, especially if your Shih-Poo has allergies or sensitive digestion.
Grooming
Shih-Poos require regular grooming due to their soft, curly or wavy coat, which can mat easily if not cared for. Brushing 3 to 4 times a week is recommended to keep their fur tangle-free and healthy. Some owners prefer to keep their Shih-Poo in a shorter “puppy cut” to make maintenance easier.
Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks is usually needed, especially for trimming, ear cleaning, and nail clipping. Their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and their eyes wiped gently to prevent tear stains — a common issue in small breeds.
Don’t forget regular tooth brushing (at least 2–3 times a week) to prevent dental issues.
Common Health Issues
Like all breeds, Shih-Poos can be prone to certain health issues, especially those inherited from their parent breeds. While many live long, healthy lives, owners should be aware of these potential concerns:
- Dental Problems: Small breeds often face dental issues like plaque buildup and gum disease. Regular brushing is essential.
- Ear Infections: Their floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to infections if not cleaned regularly.
- Allergies: Shih-Poos may develop food or environmental allergies, which can cause itching or digestive issues.
- Patellar Luxation: A common condition in small dogs where the kneecap slips out of place.
- Eye Conditions: Issues like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can affect vision.
- Hip Dysplasia: Though more common in larger dogs, it can still occur in Shih-Poos, especially if they are overweight.
Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and proper grooming can help catch and prevent many of these issues early.
Price of a Shih-Poo
The cost of a Shih-Poo varies widely based on factors like age, breeder reputation, coat color, and size. Here’s a breakdown:
🐶 Adoption vs. Breeder Prices
- Adoption:Adopting a Shih-Poo from a shelter or rescue organization is the most affordable option, typically ranging from $50 to $500. This fee often includes vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering citeturn0search3
- Purchasing from a Breeder:Buying from a breeder can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $4,500, depending on factors like lineage, coat color, and breeder reputation citeturn0search1
💵 Price by Size
Shih-Poos come in various sizes, and smaller sizes tend to be more expensiv:
- Teacup $3,000 to $4,00
- Toy $3,000 to $4,00
- Miniature $2,500 to $3,50
- Standard $2,200 to $3,00 Smaller sizes are rarer and often have higher price tags due to breeding challenges citeturn0search0.
🎨 Price by Coat Colo
Coat color can also influence price, with rarer colors commanding higher prics:
- Common Colors (e.g., black, brown: $1,200 to $2,00
- Rare Colors (e.g., merle, white and red: $1,500 to $4,00
Merle Shih-Poos, known for their unique coat patterns, are among the most expensive citeturn0search.
🧾 Additional Coss
Beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee, consider these one-time expenes:
- Essential Supplies (bed, crate, bowls, leas): $200–500
- Initial Veterinary Care (exams, vaccinations, microchi): $300–800
- *Spay/Neuter Surgery: $200–500
- *Training Classes: $100–300
These initial costs can total between $800 and $2,100 citeturn0searc3.
Explore More Breeds and Conduct Further Research
