Breed Spotlight: Shih Poo

Coat Type and Colors

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.

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:³

• Black
• White
• Gray
• Brown

Shedding and Grooming

Because most within this breed are very light shedders, many consider the shih poo hypoallergenic.

Despite their minimal shedding, shih poos tend to have high grooming needs. Shih poo owners should be prepared to give their pup daily brushing and monthly haircuts to avoid tangles and matting.

Drooling Level

Shih poos shouldn’t have an issue with drooling.

Behavior

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 companion dogs with a willful streak. They bond closely with their families and require lots of attention.Without adequate attention, shih poos can develop anxiety and behavior problems.

Exercise Needs

Exercise is essential to keeping your shih poo’s weight at a healthy level. They should get 30 minutes of activity a day — either frequent walks or brisk playtime.

Are golden retrievers Good with Other Pets?

As long as they’re introduced properly, shih poos should get along with other pets. Early socialization will help introductions go smoother.

Trainability

Shoodles are known to be stubborn and may not respond well to training. Early socialization and obedience training is still important though. Focus on positive reinforcement and lots of praise during training sessions.

Are Shih Poos Good With Kids?

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.

If you’re looking for a dog to bond with small children, check out these other family friendly breeds.

Barking Level

Shih poos shouldn’t be excessive barkers, but they may bark for attention.

Shih Poo History

The shih poo is considered to be a North American designer dog breed. Not much else is known about the shoodle’s history.

Because shih poos are a cross breed, they’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club. A few boutique breed clubs — like the American Canine Hybrid Club — do recognize the popular mix breed.