Shih-poo
Canis lupus familiaris
Also called Shih Poo, Shoodle, Pooshi
From Most likely the United States; no single breeder is credited with starting the cross.1
At a glance the quick version
Hill's gives 8-18 lb and Adopt-a-Pet 10-20 lb (about 3.6-9.1 kg). No split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick, curly to straight
A thick, fast-growing coat that can be curly like a Poodle, long and silky like a Shih Tzu, or something in between. It sheds very little.12
Personality what they are like
A bright, sunny-natured little companion that loves being near its people. It is playful and quick-witted and wants to please, with an occasional stubborn moment from the Shih Tzu side.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. About 20-30 minutes a day, for example two or three short walks or a couple of lively play sessions.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush daily, or at least three times a week, to keep the coat free of tangles, and book a professional groom roughly every 4-8 weeks. Regular tooth brushing suits this small breed.12
Home where they are happiest
Happy in a flat or small home and prefers a household where someone is around for much of the day.12
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and does not like long stretches alone. Usually good with older children and friendly toward other pets, especially if raised with them, and generally gentle with cats.12
The story where it all began
Nobody has claimed credit for the first Shih-poo; the cross probably appeared by chance in the United States before breeders began pairing the two on purpose. It brings together the Shih Tzu, a companion of Chinese royalty, and the Poodle, first a water-retrieving working dog.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.3
- American Kennel Club
- Not recognised by the AKC, though designer breed clubs list it.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Shih-poo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Shih Tzu
Poodle (Toy)
Maltipoo
Poochon
YorkipooLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Shih-Poo Dog Breed - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for origin, recognition, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, fun fact
- Shih Poo Breed Profile - Adopt-a-Pet adoptapet.comused for other names, size, lifespan, colours, grooming, fun facts
- What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.