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10 – 16 years
9 – 16 lbs
8 – 18 inches
No
Personality:
Friendly, adaptable, playful
Common Health Problems:
Hip dysplasia, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy
The shih poo dog breed, also known as a shoodle, is a shih tzu and poodle mix. Since shih poos are a mixed breed, there’s no official breed standard for their appearance.1
In general, you can expect a shoodle to be small and fluffy like their parent breeds. Toy poodles are most often bred with shih tzus — another toy breed. This leads to full-grown shih poos topping out around 16 pounds and 18 inches tall.1
Because most within this breed are very light shedders, many consider the shih poo hypoallergenic.1
Despite their minimal shedding, shih poos tend to have high grooming needs. Shih poo owners should be prepared to brush their pup at least twice a week and get their coat trimmed once or twice per year.1
Shih poos shouldn’t have an issue with drooling.2
The shoodle’s coat can be like the shih tzu’s long and silky coat, the poodle’s short and curly coat, or somewhere in between.1
Shih poos’ coat colors usually mimic their parents’ and can be a combination of colors you’d see in a shih tzu or a poodle, including:1
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
I’m the ultimate lap dog and the ultimate nap dog who still loves to play! Add my teddy bear looks to my spunky side, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for adorable, entertaining fun.
Like their appearance, the shih poo’s temperament will depend on and be a combination of the shih tzu and poodle personalities. Overall, you can expect shoodles to be very loving and mild-mannered.2 They bond closely with their families and require lots of attention.2 Without adequate attention, shih poos can develop anxiety and behavior problems.1
Shoodles are intelligent, but they are also known to be stubborn and may not respond well to training. Keep training sessions short, and focus on positive reinforcement and lots of praise during training sessions.1
Although the shih poo dog breed is energetic, they don’t require a large amount of exercise. A couple quick walks per day or a bit of playtime indoors should suffice.1
Although shih poos are great family dogs, they may not be the best choice for families with young children. Younger kids often play too rough and may accidentally injure their shih poo friend.1
If you’re looking for a dog to bond with small children, check out these other family-friendly breeds.
As long as they’re introduced properly, shih poos should get along with other pets. Early socialization will help introductions go smoother.1
Shih poos shouldn’t be excessive barkers, but they may bark for attention or to let you know that they need something.1
The shih poo is a fun-loving dog breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Here are some fun facts about the shoodle breed:1,2
Shih poos can experience health problems common to other small breeds. Keep in mind that as a mixed breed, their overall health will depend on their shih tzu and poodle parents.
Some common shih poo health problems include:1,2
If you purchase a shih poo from a breeder, the cost could range from around $2,200 – $4,500 or more since the shih poo dog breed is bred specially from shih tzus and toy poodles. Factors that impact the cost include the pup’s lineage, size, color, type of coat, and more. If you want to get a shi poo from the shelter, that could cost between $50 – $200.3
Any time you welcome a new pup into your family, there are other costs to consider. For a small dog, lifetime costs can reach $16,440. Costs may include spaying/neutering, vet visits, vaccinations, food and treats, toys, and grooming and cleaning supplies.4
Shih poos can live for up to 16 years or more — plenty of time for snuggles and frequent vet visits. Not only could pet insurance help get the most out of your shih poo’s lifespan, but it could also help you save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on their veterinary care needs.
Cataracts are a common eye condition in small dogs that often progress as dogs age. Cataracts can lead to impaired vision and eventually total blindness. The only way to treat cataracts is surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars.5
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues among dogs. This gum disease is caused by plaque and bacterial build-up in your dog’s mouth. Preventative dental cleanings are the best defense against periodontal disease. But if your dog has severe symptoms, they may require tooth extractions.6
Frequent vet visits are extremely important for any furry family member, shih poos included. Dog health insurance through MetLife Pet Insurance can help ensure your shoodle gets quality care without stretching your budget. Learn more about how pet insurance works and how pre-existing conditions may affect coverage.
