Shih Poo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Shih Poo?

Shih Poos are quite a new breed; they originated in America and are unfortunately not recognised by the American Kennel Club. They come from the Shih Tzu and the Poodle, so it is best to consider their history.

The Shih Tzu originates from China and has been known as the lion dog and is said to be one of the oldest dog breeds. In 1930 they came to Europe and made it to America a few years later. In 1969, the American Kennel Club recognised them as a breed, and they were put in the Toy group.

Poodles either originated in Germany or France. Artists loved them, and they can be seen in numerous paintings. In 1887, they were recognised as an official breed.

Who are Shih Poo dogs best for?

Shih Poos are great companion animals and get along well with everyone, but they are an excellent match for senior citizens as they love to be pampered and doted on.

They are versatile little dogs and will be happy in an apartment, family home, or a little house with just about anyone. They are perfect for families or those living alone, as long as they receive tons of attention and love.

They should not be kept outside, though, so ensure that you have a good indoor space for them to thrive in. Shih Poos do prefer being around older kids and adults, and they can get along well with other dogs and pets if they are socialised correctly.

How much grooming does a Shih Poo need?

A Shih Poo should have a regular vet check-up, and you should brush their coat daily. Groom them at least once per month; this will keep them looking and feeling great. It is also best to trim their coat every month to avoid matting.

They also need a weekly bath but don't bathe them too often; otherwise, their coat and skin will get very irritated and dry. They are low shedding dogs and are hypoallergenic. It would help if you clipped their nails during the trim season.

Take your pup for regular teeth cleaning; they will also need teeth brushings and systematic dental chews. Ensure that your little Shih Poos ears are kept dry and clean. Otherwise, they are more prone to infection.

Do Shih Poo bark much?

Shih Poos are not big barkers, but they will bark if they are unhappy and are looking for attention. They are a bit more vocal than their parental Shih Tzu but are not nearly as yappy as a poodle is.

It is normal for your Shih Poo to bark, but if it is excessive, you have a slight problem on your hands. If your Shih Poo puppy barks a lot, it is likely because it wants to play or needs some exercise. It may be scared, bored, hungry, or thirsty.

It would help if you learned how to read your puppy and identify what it wants and needs. You can also stop barking through some good training; with consistency and discipline, your dog will not bark all of the time!

Do Shih Poo bite?

It is normal for puppies to bite. They usually bite when playing or while they are teething, and you must train them and teach them that this behaviour is bad so that it does not become a problem when they grow up.

There may be a slight problem if your grown-up Shih poo is biting or nipping.

You can train them to stop biting you through bite inhibition, pressure methods, and communication. The earlier your dog learns that biting is bad, the better.

If your Shih Poo is biting or nipping, there is a big chance they are afraid of something, so it is best to remove the fear factor and teach them that it is nothing to be scared of.

If your older Shih Poo suddenly starts to bite, it could be a sign of an injury or illness, so it may be best to take them to the vet to see if everything is okay.

What is the temperament & personality of a Shih Poo?

Shih Poos will get their personality and characteristics from both of their parent breeds. Shih Tzu can lack trainability and be incredibly stubborn, but they are also cute, attentive, and friendly. A Poodle is very active, trainable, and intelligent.

The personality of a Shih Poo usually falls in the middle of its parent's traits. They are playful, and friendly, love attention and interaction, and they also really enjoy being watchdogs - they may be tiny, but they will want to be your biggest protector!

What is the weight & size of a Shih Poo?

Shih Poos are small dogs, and they can weigh between 5.2 kg to 8 kg. Shih Poos also range from around 33.1 to 40.6 cm in height.

They come from the Poodle, and the Shih Tzu, both of these breeds come in a teacup, miniature, and standard sizes. So the size of a Shih Poo can easily vary. Poodles are usually about 25-38 cm tall and weigh around 6.5 and 7.5 kg.

While the Shih Tzu is about 23-27 cm tall and weighs around 4.08 to 7.257 kg. So, it is likely that a Shih Poo will be a good mix between its two parents.

How much training does a Shih Poo need?

It is best to socialise and train a Shih Poo in their early stages, and they learn best through positive reinforcement and consistency. Never use punishment-based training. This can lead to many problems.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Shih Poo?

Crossbreeds generally have good overall health, but they can inherit specific health issues that their parents tend to suffer from. They can suffer from breathing problems, dental issues, brachycephalic syndrome, eye problems, and kidney and hip issues.

They may also be prone to bladder stones, Cushing's disease, and skin tumours. The health issues your Shih Poo may get all depend on which parent they take after, as Poodles and Shih Tzus have very different health issues, but they can all affect a Shih Poo!

What is the lifespan of a Shih Poo?

Shih Poos can live for approximately 10 to 15 years. This does depend on their diet, lifestyle, and living environment. Ensuring that your pooch gets regular exercise will better their overall well-being and is essential for a healthy and long lifespan.

How much should you feed a Shih Poo?

It is best to keep your Shih Poo on a strict dietary schedule. Otherwise, they may become obese and overeat. You should only feed them high-quality food, and it should be appropriate to their energy level, health, weight, and age.

The way they eat changes during each stage of their life, from puppyhood to adulthood and when they are senior dogs.

What is the price of a Shih Poo in Australia?

If you buy Shih Poo puppies from a breeder, you can expect to pay $500 to $1,000 per puppy. Remember, it is essential that you ask the breeder about the puppy's family history. Avoid puppy mills. These pups are not well looked after and generally have very low health.