Dog breeds / Shih-poo
Photo: Eviatar Bach · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Shih-poo
The shih-poo is a mixed breed, a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Poodle, usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both parents were bred as companions: the Shih Tzu as a lapdog in the imperial courts of China, and the Poodle as a water retriever in Europe that was later kept as a household pet. The cross was developed in the United States to combine a small, low-shedding coat with an affectionate, people-focused temperament.
Shih-poos tend to be cheerful, social dogs that want to be near their people, often following them from room to room. They can be vocal, and some will bark at visitors or noises, so early calm handling helps. Many have a playful streak in short bursts and are equally content curled up on a sofa, which suits a relaxed household.
Day to day they need regular brushing to keep the coat from matting, along with short walks, play sessions, and time with their family. Their small size makes them easy to carry on stairs and in a car, but they also need protection from cold and from being stepped on or handled roughly by young children.
Good for: Companion seekers, apartments, first-time owners, quiet homes
| Size | small |
| Weight | 9–15 lb |
| Height | 8 in |
| Life span | 13 years |
| Exercise | about 40 min a day |
| Shedding | low |
Expect daily brushing and regular grooming appointments, since the coat will mat quickly if neglected.
Living with a Shih-poo
Exercise
Most adult shih-poos need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day, split into two short walks and some indoor play. Gentle games, sniffing walks, and puzzle toys work well. Without enough activity, they can become restless, bark more, or get into mischief around the house.
Grooming
The coat is often curly or wavy and sheds very little, but it mats easily if not brushed several times a week. Trimming every four to six weeks keeps the coat manageable, and bathing about once a month is typical. Check and trim nails regularly and clean the ears weekly, since their long ear flaps c
At home
Shih-poos usually do well with gentle children who are taught to handle a small dog carefully, and they often get along with other dogs and with cats raised alongside them. They suit apartments well because they need little space and are quiet when properly exercised, though a yard is a bonus rather than a necessity. Many are sensitive to being left alone for long periods and can develop separation barking, so a daily routine with some alone time built in helps them settle.
Training
Shih-poos are intelligent and eager to please, so they respond well to positive, reward-based training with treats, praise, and short sessions of five to ten minutes. Early socialising with people, sounds, and other animals helps prevent shyness and excessive barking. Expect a stubborn streak at times, and be prepared for some sensitivity to harsh correction. Recall can be inconsistent, so keep them on a lead in open areas.
Health
Shih-poos can be prone to dental problems, so regular teeth brushing and vet dental checks matter. Some are prone to patellar luxation, eye irritation from the coat, and breathing issues if they have a flat-faced build. Ask your vet about screening and preventive care before you bring one home.
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Shih-poo
Feeding, adult
1–1.25 cups a day
About 402 kcal, roughly 8 lb of dry food a month at 9–15 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →
What a year costs
$1,200–$2,100
Food about $296, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.
Weather
Watch above 75°F, stop at 85°F
Coat or short walks below 40°F. Small dogs lose heat fast: a coat below about 40°F, and keep walks short in the cold.
Where a Shih-poo is comfortable
Easy most of the year: California, Oregon, Washington.
Summer needs care (early walks, shade, AC): Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas.
Winter needs care (coat, short walks): Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Both seasons need care: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, DC.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Indoor life changes everything; this is about walks and time outside.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Fromm: Fromm wet canned dog food
Fromm Family Foods LLC · Aug 21 · Potential metal contamination
Oma’s Pride: Canine Food
Miller Foods, Inc. · Aug 17 · Contaminated with Salmonella
Pedigree: High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food
Mars Petcare US, Inc. · Jul 2 · Potential foreign plastic contamination
Adopt a Shih-poo
Shelters and breed rescues list Shih-poos and Shih-poo mixes every week. Search adoptable Shih-poos on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-week kit →
Is a Shih-poo right for you?
- Yes if you want a close companion who follows you everywhere
- Yes if you can brush the coat several times a week
- Yes if you live in an apartment or smaller home
- Think twice if you are often away for long hours
- Think twice if you want a dog for rough outdoor adventures
Questions owners ask
Do shih-poos shed?
They shed very little, which is why many owners choose them. Loose hair gets trapped in the coat instead of falling onto furniture, but regular brushing is still needed to prevent matting.
Are shih-poos good in apartments?
Yes, they adapt well to apartment life. They need daily walks and play, and they do best when they are not left alone for many hours.
Do shih-poos bark a lot?
They can be vocal, especially at visitors or noises. Early training and enough daily exercise help keep barking under control.
Are shih-poos good with kids?
They can be, with gentle children who know how to handle a small dog. Supervise play, since they can be injured by rough handling.
How long do shih-poos live?
Typically around 13 years with good care, diet, and regular vet checkups. Individual lifespans vary.
Good picks for a Shih-poo
Made in the USA
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Written by Pawdeck editors · updated Nov 12, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.