Crossbreeds
Shihpoo
A small, cuddly companion with a teddy-bear face and a low-shedding coat.
Shihpoos combine the Shih Tzu with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They are affectionate, adaptable lap dogs for apartments and families, with regular grooming needs.
A Shih Tzu × Toy or Miniature Poodle cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.
Parent breeds: Shih Tzu × Poodle
- Height
- 8–15 in20–38 cm
- Weight
- 7–18 lb3–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Size
- Toy
- Group
- Crossbreeds
- Origin
- United States
Coat: Soft, wavy to curly coat; low shedding. Colours: Any colour, including black, white, cream, apricot and parti.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Shihpoos are loving, playful and gentle. They usually get along with people and other pets and enjoy being close to their owners.
They can be stubborn about house-training and may bark at visitors. They dislike being alone for long periods.
Living with a Shihpoo
Exercise
About 20–30 minutes of short walks and play daily. Avoid heat if your dog has a flatter face.
Grooming
Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Clean around the eyes daily.
Training
Bright but sometimes stubborn; short, positive sessions work best. House-training takes patience.
Kids & other pets
Good with gentle children and other pets; teach kids to handle small dogs carefully.
Time alone
Prefers company; build alone time gradually to prevent separation distress.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Shihpoo right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Shihpoo matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Shihpoo typically lives 13–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps are common in small dogs.
Dental disease
Small mouths are prone to tartar; brush daily.
Eye problems
Prominent eyes from Shih Tzu lines can be prone to injury and dryness.
Breathing problems
Shihpoos with flatter faces may have mild airway issues; avoid heat.
Ask a breeder for
- Both parents: patella evaluation
- Both parents: eye examination
- Poodle parent: prcd-PRA DNA test
Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Shih Tzu and Poodle; American Shih Tzu Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Shihpoos became popular in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s as small, low-shedding companions.
They may be first-generation crosses or multigenerational lines, and face shape can range from Shih Tzu-flat to Poodle-long.
Did you know?
- Shihpoos are sometimes called Shoodles or Pooshis.
- Their faces can look more like a Shih Tzu or a Poodle, even in the same litter.
- Shihpoos often live well into their teens.
Library guides for Shihpoo owners
Grooming
Brushing
Shihpoo coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Shihpoo without drying out the coat.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Shihpoo.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Shihpoo breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Shihpoos hypoallergenic?
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Shihpoos shed very little.
- Are Shihpoos good apartment dogs?
- Yes — they are small and need little exercise.
- Are Shihpoos good with kids?
- Yes, with gentle children.