Shih Tzu Poodle Mix (Shih Poo)

These are the most-searched questions about Shih Poos in the United States. The answers are direct and skip the breeder marketing language that glosses over real challenges.

• 1
  What is a Shih Tzu Poodle mix called? Most common name: Shih Poo · Also called: Shoodle, Shi-Poo, Shih-Doodle, Pooshie · All names describe the same Shih Tzu × Poodle hybrid

  The most widely used name in the U.S. is “Shih Poo” — a straightforward mash of the two parent breed names. “Shoodle” is also common and has the advantage of not drawing confused double-takes in public. “Shih-Doodle” or “Pooshie” appear in some breeder listings, particularly in regions where Doodle-style naming is popular. None of these names correspond to an AKC-registered breed, which means there is no enforcement of what a “Shih Poo” actually is — you will see this name applied to first-generation Shih Tzu × Toy Poodle crosses, Shih Tzu × Miniature Poodle crosses, multi-generational Shih Poo × Shih Poo crosses, and occasionally to Shih Poo × Poodle backcrosses (F1b) bred for a curlier, less-shedding coat. When purchasing, ask specifically about the generation (F1, F1b, F2) and the size of the Poodle parent — these two factors have the biggest influence on adult size, coat type, and temperament variance.
• 2
  How big does a Shih Poo get when fully grown? Adult weight: 8–18 lbs · Height: 8–15 inches · Size depends on whether the Poodle parent was Toy or Miniature · Some F1b or multi-gen dogs are smaller · Full adult size reached by 10–12 months

  The adult size of a Shih Poo is primarily determined by which Poodle parent was used. A Toy Poodle (4 to 9 pounds) crossed with a Shih Tzu (9 to 16 pounds) typically produces puppies in the 8 to 13 pound range. A Miniature Poodle parent pushes the range to 12 to 18 pounds. Because litters can have significant individual variation, two puppies from the same F1 litter might land at very different adult weights. Asking the breeder for the actual weights of both parents — not the “expected adult size” of the puppy — gives the most reliable estimate. Most Shih Poos reach their full adult height by 9 to 10 months and their final weight by 12 months. Unlike larger breeds that take 18 to 24 months to mature, Shih Poos fill out relatively quickly. Their small adult size makes them practical for apartment living, easy to travel with, and physically manageable for seniors and older adults who may not want a dog they cannot comfortably lift.
• 3
  Is a Shih Poo a good dog? Yes — for the right household · Affectionate, low-shedding, adaptable to apartment life · Not ideal for beginners who want an easy-to-train dog · The Shih Tzu’s stubborn streak is real and requires patience

  The honest answer is yes — and also: it depends on what you mean by “good.” A Shih Poo is one of the warmest, most people-oriented small dogs available. They are genuinely funny, they bond deeply with their families, they tolerate apartment living beautifully, and their minimal shedding makes them viable for households with mild allergies. For retirees, older adults, couples, and anyone who wants a constant companion rather than an independent dog, the Shih Poo can be remarkable. The complication is the Shih Tzu side. Shih Tzus were bred for centuries to be imperial companions in China — not working dogs, not dogs that needed to follow commands to survive. That history created a breed with a genuine independent streak, a “I’ll get to it eventually” relationship with training, and a stubbornness that surprises owners who expected the Poodle’s cooperation to dominate. Shih Poos are smarter than Shih Tzus — the Poodle’s problem-solving intelligence is real — but intelligence does not automatically produce obedience, especially in a dog that can figure out that complying is optional. Housebreaking is the area where this shows up most often and most frustratingly. Plan for more time and more consistency than you think you need.
• 4
  How much does a Shih Poo cost? Reputable breeders: $1,200–$4,500 · Average is approximately $2,500 · Rescue/shelter: $50–$300 · Monthly ownership cost: $200–$600 · Lifetime cost for a small dog estimated at $16,000+

  Shih Poos are priced in the designer dog range because they require deliberate, planned breeding from two purebred parent dogs — not because they are a recognized AKC breed. Breeder prices average around $2,500 for a healthy first-generation puppy, with coat color, size, generation, and the specific breeder’s reputation influencing price in both directions. Rescue and shelter adoption is dramatically less expensive at $50 to $300 and often includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping in the fee. Monthly ownership costs break down into food ($40 to $65 for an 8 to 18 pound dog), professional grooming every four to eight weeks ($55 to $100 per visit depending on coat type and your area), preventive veterinary care, and pet insurance ($25 to $55 monthly). Grooming is the largest ongoing variable cost — a Shih Poo with a curly Poodle-dominant coat will need professional grooming every four to six weeks; one with a straighter Shih Tzu-type coat may stretch to eight weeks. Do not underestimate this line item when budgeting.
• 5
  What are the most common Shih Poo problems and behavior issues? Housebreaking difficulty · Stubbornness · Separation anxiety · Excessive barking · Small dog syndrome if limits are not set early · Health issues including dental disease, eye problems, respiratory issues

  Every breed and hybrid has a short list of real challenges, and pretending otherwise does a disservice to the buyer. For Shih Poos, housebreaking is genuinely the biggest complaint among owners — the Shih Tzu’s independent nature combined with a small bladder creates a dog that takes longer than most small breeds to reliably go outside. Patience and absolute consistency with schedules, positive reinforcement for outdoor elimination, and crate training are the proven approaches; yelling or punishment make it worse and damage the trust the dog has in you. Stubbornness in training commands is closely related: a Shih Poo figures out very quickly that the treat appears whether or not it actually follows the command immediately. Short sessions (five to ten minutes), high-value rewards, and ending on a success create better outcomes than long frustrated drilling. Separation anxiety is common because these dogs were essentially designed to be with people — leaving them alone for eight to ten hours consistently produces a dog that barks, chews, and experiences real distress. Excessive barking rooted in anxiety, boredom, or the Shih Tzu’s natural watchdog alertness is addressable through a “quiet” command and adequate daily stimulation. “Small dog syndrome” — where an undertrained small dog develops bossy, aggressive, or demanding behaviors because no one ever set limits — is a human-created problem, not an inevitable breed trait. Start training from day one.
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  How long do Shih Poos live? Average lifespan: 13–17 years · Some well-cared-for dogs have lived past 17 · One of the longer-lived small hybrid dogs · “Hybrid vigor” may provide modest health advantages over some purebreds

  Shih Poos are long-lived dogs — this is one of their most underappreciated qualities. The 13 to 17 year lifespan reported across multiple veterinary and breed sources reflects genuine longevity that exceeds many comparable small breeds. Research from the University of California, Davis suggests mixed-breed dogs may show lower rates of certain inherited genetic conditions compared to their purebred counterparts — a phenomenon called hybrid vigor. For a Shih Poo specifically, this means potential dilution of both the Shih Tzu’s brachycephalic (flat-face) respiratory issues and the Poodle’s susceptibility to conditions like Addison’s disease. That said, hybrid vigor is not guaranteed and does not apply universally — it depends on which parent’s genes dominate in any individual puppy. The practical implication of a 13 to 17 year lifespan: a Shih Poo purchased at age 65 may still be alive and healthy at age 80 or beyond. Planning honestly for the dog’s long-term care — including who will step in if your circumstances change — is an act of responsibility before purchasing, not something to figure out later.
• 7
  Is a Shih Tzu or a Shih Poo easier to own? Shih Poo: slightly easier to train due to Poodle intelligence · More consistent energy level · Coat may be lower-maintenance depending on texture · Shih Tzu: more predictable appearance and temperament from a purebred · Both require regular grooming

  This comparison comes up frequently for buyers deciding between the two. The Shih Poo’s Poodle intelligence gives it a genuine training edge over the purebred Shih Tzu — it picks up commands faster, problem-solves more readily, and tends to be somewhat more responsive to positive reinforcement. However, the Shih Poo’s temperament is less predictable than either parent’s: you are buying a blend of two distinct personalities whose proportions vary by the individual puppy. The purebred Shih Tzu, by contrast, has a fully established personality profile with thousands of examples to draw from — you know largely what you are getting. Coat maintenance differs based on which parent dominates: a curly-coated Shih Poo needs professional grooming every four to six weeks (same as a Poodle), while a straight-coated one more closely matches the Shih Tzu’s grooming schedule. On health, the Shih Poo may dodge some of the Shih Tzu’s brachycephalic breathing issues if the nose is longer — but this is not guaranteed. For first-time dog owners who want a predictable experience, a well-bred Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder or a rescue adult Shih Poo with known temperament are both reasonable paths. For owners who prioritize training responsiveness, the Shih Poo has the edge.
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  How do you train a Shih Poo — especially one that is stubborn? Short sessions (5–10 minutes), twice daily · High-value treats win every time · Never punish or yell · Crate training for housebreaking · Start on day one — bad habits form faster than good ones · Certified trainer worth the investment for first-time owners

  The stubborn Shih Poo is not a bad dog — it is a smart dog that has correctly identified that ignoring a command carries no real consequence. The solution is not louder commands or punishment; punishment makes small companion dogs withdraw, become anxious, and trust you less. The solution is making compliance genuinely more rewarding than non-compliance — and that means using high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats) rather than dry kibble, keeping sessions short enough that the dog stays engaged, and ending each session with something the dog can do confidently so it finishes feeling successful rather than frustrated. Housebreaking specifically: a strict schedule is more important than any technique. Taking the dog outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, after every nap, and before bed — and immediately rewarding outdoor elimination — creates the habit. Accidents indoors that are not caught in the act should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner and ignored; the dog has no memory linking your reaction now to something it did twenty minutes ago. For owners new to training small dogs, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with experience in small breeds and positive reinforcement methods is a genuinely good investment — one session can prevent months of frustrated back-and-forth. Find one at ccpdt.org.

The costs below reflect current U.S. market rates. Grooming frequency and cost vary significantly based on coat type — a curly-dominant Shih Poo needs professional attention every four to six weeks; a straighter coat may stretch to eight. Budget accordingly before purchasing.

Use the buttons below to find breeders, small-dog rescues, Poodle-experienced groomers, and veterinarians near you. Always ask for health documentation on both parent dogs before any purchase. For rescue searches, Petfinder.com and shihtzu.org are the most reliable starting points.