If you’re looking for a small dog with infectious positive energy, then the Shih Poo may be the perfect dog for you. Not only are they energetic and sweet, Shih Poos are typically really easy to train. In recent years, the Shih Poo has grown in popularity, and it’s clear why. Here are some of the top questions and answers about Shih Poos.
Breed Breakdown:
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What are the parent breeds: Poodle + Shih Tzu
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Do Shih Poos shed? Yes, though very minimal compared to other breeds
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How big do Shih Poos get? 7-20 pounds
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How much is a Shih Poo? $500-1000
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How long do Shih Poos live? 10-16 years
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What’s the temperament of a Shih Poo? Playful, energetic, affectionate
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Other Name(s): Pooshi
Do Shih Poos shed?
Because a Shih Poo is a mix between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu (a breed that sheds), they do shed. However, they don’t shed nearly as much as purebred Shih Tzus, and compared to other dog breeds, they don’t shed as much.
Because there are many types of Shih Poos (f1, f1b, f2, etc.), your dog will shed according to the type of doodle you own. More specifically, it depends on the percentage of poodle vs. Shih Tzu in your dog. If your dog is more poodle, it won’t shed as much as if it was a higher percentage of Shih Tzu.
Shih Poos can have curly hair like their poodle parents, can have straight hair like a Shih Tzu, or have a coat that’s somewhere in the middle of the two, resulting in a more wavy coat type.
Are Shih Poos hypoallergenic?
Truth be told, no breed is ever truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs have fur that can shed, making it a potential issue for people who have allergies. Despite being completely hypoallergenic, Shih Poos are an allergy-friendly dog breed.
This is due to the incorporation of poodles into the breed mix. Pet dander, saliva, and urine are the three elements that produce allergic reactions. Luckily, poodles have only a single coat with low dander, and their fur is non-shedding. Therefore, if your Shih Poo is more poodle than Shih Tzu, your pet will be more allergy-friendly. In other words, a f1b Shih Poo will be more allergy friendly than a f1 version.
For more information on f1b doodles, check out our comprehensive guide on f1b vs f2b doodles.
How big do Shih Poos get?
When it comes to sizing, there are generally three categories: teacup, miniature and standard.
A teacup Shih Poo is usually around 10 inches tall, and weighs in at around 6-9 pounds. This is the smallest iteration and is perfect for someone who prefers small dogs.
A miniature Shih Poo (or mini Shih Poo) is a tad bigger, usually weighing about 8-18 pounds, and standing at around 10-18 inches.
A standard Shih Poo is a bit harder to define. Although a standard poodle can weigh in at over 40 pounds, the cross with a Shih Tzu makes the sizing more complicated. Though there may be variation in a typical full grown version, a standard adult could be defined as any mix that weighs in at 15 pounds or more.
How much does a Shih Poo cost?
The price depends on a number of factors, although the general cost is $500-$1000. There are also a number of other factors that can affect the price, such as:
Color: Shih Poos can have different colored furs. In addition to the typical black Shih Poo or white Shih Poo, you can find professionals who specialize in breeding brown Shih Poos, or teddy bear Shih Poos. Typically, the more “exotic” the color, the more expensive the Shih Poo may be.
Coat: Breeders charge different prices based on how “hyper-allergenic” a dog is. Essentially, the more “poodle” within the dog’s genetics, the more allergy-friendly the dog is. This can sometimes result in a higher price tag.
Location & Demand: Prices can fluctuate based on where you live, along with the level of demand for the Shih Poo based on the area. Bigger metropolitan cities such as San Francisco or New York will often have higher price tags because both of these places tend to have a higher cost of living, along with a greater need for allergy-friendly dogs.
Reputation of the Breeder: When you’re trying to bring a Shih Poo into your family, research is critical. When you find a reliable breeder who has experience producing healthy dogs, that can make a world of difference (specifically for your dog’s life span and health). Keep in mind that you can also find these doodles in shelters and other rescue centers if that is what you prefer.
How long do Shih Poos live?
In general, Shih Poos will live between 10-16 years. However, there can still be outliers within these statistics. For example, smaller dogs usually live longer than larger dogs and because of this, a teacup Shih Poo will be expected to live longer than a standard sized doodle. An increased Shih Poo lifespan can also be attributed to crossbreeding (crossbred dogs usually outlive their purebred counterparts) along with the place you have purchased the pooch (for a reputable breeder, you will likely see a longer lifespan for your dog).
What’s the temperament of a Shih Poo?
Shih Poos are friendly and sociable. Because of this, they are compatible or people of all ages, and usually do great in households with children. They love to play and be active, although they don’t need as much daily exercise as dogs of bigger stature.
Conclusion
When you think about an amazing dog, you probably imagine one that friendly, playful and fun. If you prefer to have an outgoing, lively pooch, then a Shih Poo may be the perfect addition to your family.