ShihPoo Information

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The Shihpoo is a crossbreed that is a mix between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu. This type of breed is sometimes referred to as a hybrid or a designer breed and in recent years they have become popular because they typically take the best traits from both breeds, including in terms of behavior as well as appearance. Prospective owners should be aware that although a Shihpoo may be bred from two purebred parents, it is not recognized by a purebred registry. As more hybrids become popular, hybrid registries are opening and recognizing designer breeds.

In terms of appearance, the Shihpoo may have somewhat of a varied appearance, depending which parent breed it takes after. The Shihpoo may more resemble the Poodle or the Shih Tzu or it may take after both parent breeds. There tends to be variance among the coat colors of this breed because the breed may take after a wide variety of coat colors that are seen in both parent breeds. The coat may be a solid color or it may be a combination of colors. Typically, the coat of the Shihpoo will be either wavy or curly and it will typically be medium to long in terms of length.

The ears of this breed are usually floppy while the tail is left long rather than being docked. The size of the Shihpoo will typically depend on the size of the parent breeds. Smaller parent breeds will produce smaller Shihpoo dogs while larger parent breeds will produce larger Shihpoo dogs. Even when they are small, a Shihpoo is typically sturdy in build.

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Character


The Shihpoo breed tends to be friendly, intelligent and alert. They are typically loyal to their owners and love to spend time with them. Since they are a small breed of dog, they may show some shyness around strangers. In order to achieve the best results with this breed of dog it is a good idea to socialize them to be around children and other people as well as other pets from a young age, although they will usually do well around other pets on their own. As a result of their intelligence they take to training well and are happy to please their owners. This is a dog that gets on well with the elderly and would make a good companion dog because they are happy to sit on someone’s lap and simply be petted.

Very cute and friendly but can be hyper if owner speaks to if leaving. Otherwise very nice

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Size

10-15 inches

10-20 inches
8-13 inches
8-18 inches
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Weight

5-15 pounds

5-30 pounds
8-18 pounds
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General Health


As a hybrid breed, the Shihpoo is not as likely as their parent breeds to experience serious health concerns. The Shihpoo will usually have fewer breathing problems than the Shih Tzu because the snout on the Shihpoo is not pushed in as far as their parent breed. Prospective owners should be aware that as a result of their floppy ears, this breed of dog may run a higher inner ear temperature. Consequently, they will usually need to have their ears check regularly to avoid any chance of infection or of parasites taking up residence in the ears. The Shihpoo may also have some problems with dental health because they are a small breed but this can be assisted through a good dental health regimen. On average, the life expectancy of a Shihpoo that is provided with good care and regular checkups will range between 12 and 18 years. The exact life expectancy will vary somewhat with size as smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs.

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History


The Shihpoo was specifically bred to bring about the best traits in the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. One of those traits is a hypo-allergenic coat, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

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Maintenance


The Shihpoo will require brushing on a regular basis in order for the long coat to avoid becoming tangled. This is not a dog that sheds a lot, if any at all, so that is typically not a problem with this breed. The dog will need to be bathed when necessary to remove dirt from the coat. Brushing prior to bathing can help to eliminate problems with snarling of the coat. The Shihpoo will also typically need to have its teeth brushed two to three times per week to help reduce possible dental health problems. The best time to start this is when the dog is a puppy. This breed will also need to have monthly nail trimmings to prevent the nails from becoming too long and hurting the dog's feet.

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Ideal Environment


The Shihpoo will do best in an environment where it can live indoors and will not be subjected to extreme temperatures of either cold or hot. This is a dog that craves attention and needs to be with its family. Generally, the Shihpoo will get a sufficient amount of exercise on its own, although it will enjoy a walk.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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ShihPoo Q&A

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I have a shihpoo that has some dry sores on his back. I thought it was some kind of bug or parasite but I think it is just dry skin. What do you suggest I do for him? He is 1o weeks old and has long black hair.

Please take him to the vet!

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We have a shihpoo named "Lucy" that we recently took to a lake near where we live. The lake has ducks and geese. We have never seen our little shihpoo go so crazy over chasing the ducks and geese! She paced and ran back and forth on the bank continuously for 45 minutes to an hour. She even jumped in the water leash and all....twice!!! Just curious if anyone else has experienced this with their shihpoos and whether it is a characteristic of the breed or just an idiosyncracy of our little shihpoo. Thanks in advance!

My shih-poo, Darla, also loves the ducks and geese. I am sure she would jump in the water with them but I have never let her. The quacking and honking gets her very excited (but almost anything seems to rile her up!). It must be the poodle genes but she can be fast if she wants to be. Two nights ago she almost caught a full grown rabbit. I think because she is so little the rabbits don't see her as a threat (she is only 8lbs and they are almost as big as she is) until she is 5 feet away. Unfortunately, because they don't move out of the way, I don't see them until it's almost too late to avoid a terrible outcome.

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Our dog named Saydie sleeps in the bed with us. Just lately she has started panting after a couple of hours in bed? What would cause her to pant? I've tried offering her water but she refuses. Thank you. R.Leviston

I have a16yr old shipoo,that's finally slowing down a bit, she started that panting also, I got her on a urinary health by now supplement for pets, she's doing much better, I've recently added hair, skin and Eye supplement by crystal star, she's been acting like she's young again.; I also notice she doesn't get fleas anymore, that took about a week to happen. Good luck Terrin

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I have an 8 month old Shihpoo who seems to have what I assume is a post nasal drip issue. He will do a lot of swallowing and funny breathing thru his nose and this happens a lot at night. Last night he actually got sick. Is this a sinus / allergy? Is it something I should be concerned about because it seems to scare him? Is there something I can do for him? Any information you can provide me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Hi there... we too have experienced the same with our dog... we upgraded our air and water system and that helped alot... our first house had carpet and that seemed to really make it worse. It's been less now with the house we have - no carpet, one area rug and he has done better. I generally feel this breed has a sinus problem that make there eyes water more in cold weather too.

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