Shih-Poo
A Shih Tzu × Poodle cross bred as a gentle, low-shedding lap companion, the Shih-Poo is affectionate, relaxed and well suited to flat life. It suits owners happy to keep up regular grooming, and aware that — as with any cross — traits vary and some individuals can inherit the flat-faced features (and care needs) of the Shih Tzu side.
Shih-Poo scorecard
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Overview
The Shih-Poo is a small companion crossbreed produced by mating a Shih Tzu with a Poodle, almost always a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Like most modern “designer” crosses it is not a standardised pedigree breed: it is not recognised by The Kennel Club, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale or any of the major national registries, and there is no agreed breed standard for size, coat or temperament. Most Shih-Poos in the UK are first-generation (F1) crosses, so individuals can vary considerably even within the same litter.
What draws people to the Shih-Poo is the combination of the Shih Tzu’s affectionate, people-focused nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and lower-shedding coat. Typical adults are small — often around 20–38 cm at the shoulder and roughly 4–7 kg — making them well suited to flats and smaller homes. Because the breed is unregulated, prospective owners should judge each dog and breeder on their own merits rather than assuming any guaranteed trait, and should always ask to see the health testing of both parent breeds.
Good to know — a Shih-Poo is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Shih-Poo has no long or documented history of its own; it is a product of the deliberate poodle-crossing trend that grew popular from the 1990s and 2000s, when crosses such as the Cockapoo and Labradoodle created demand for similar small, low-shedding companions. To understand the Shih-Poo it is more useful to look at its parent breeds. The Shih Tzu is an ancient Chinese companion dog associated with the imperial court and Tibetan Buddhist temples, bred purely for companionship. The Poodle, despite its modern image, originated as a water-retrieving gundog in continental Europe and is prized for its trainability and tightly curled, low-shedding coat.
Because the cross is recent and informal, no kennel club maintains a register or studbook for it, and “breed” traits remain a blend of the two parents rather than a fixed type. Responsible breeding focuses on health-tested parents and good early socialisation rather than on conforming to any standard.
Temperament & family fit
Shih-Poos are generally affectionate, sociable and people-oriented, inheriting the Shih Tzu’s love of human company and the Poodle’s alert intelligence. Most enjoy being close to their owners and can form strong bonds, which makes them rewarding companions but also means they may dislike being left alone for long periods. Like many companion crosses, some can be prone to separation-related behaviour if not gradually taught to cope with time alone.
The breed is usually friendly with familiar people, other dogs and — with proper introductions — children, though their small size means play with very young or boisterous children should always be supervised to avoid injury to the dog. Temperament varies between individuals because the cross is not standardised; early, positive socialisation with a range of people, dogs and everyday situations is the single most reliable way to encourage a confident, well-rounded adult.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Thanks to the Poodle influence, many Shih-Poos are quick to learn and respond well to reward-based training using food, praise and play. The Shih Tzu side can add a streak of independence, so short, varied and positive sessions tend to work better than repetitive drilling. Early training should prioritise toilet training, gentle handling and being comfortable when left alone for short periods.
Housetraining can sometimes take patience in small companion dogs, so a consistent routine and supervised access to the garden help. Because they are sensitive, harsh corrections are counterproductive and can undermine trust; UK welfare bodies such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross recommend reward-based methods for all dogs. Socialisation classes for puppies and ongoing gentle exposure to new experiences pay long-term dividends.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Shih-Poo typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Shih-Poo’s coat is one of the main reasons people choose the cross, but it is also high-maintenance. Most have a wavy or curly coat that sheds relatively little yet is prone to matting, so regular brushing several times a week and professional clipping or trimming every six to eight weeks are typically needed. Attention to the face, ears and around the eyes is important, particularly if the dog inherits a shorter muzzle. Ears should be checked and kept clean to reduce the risk of infection, nails kept short, and teeth brushed regularly, as small breeds are prone to dental disease.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Shih-Poo
Feed a complete, good-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s size, age and activity level, following the manufacturer’s guidance and your vet’s advice. Small dogs can gain weight easily, so measure portions, limit treats and monitor body condition regularly; the PDSA and other UK welfare charities highlight obesity as a common, preventable health problem. Toy and small breeds benefit from suitably sized kibble or food that supports dental health, and fresh water should always be available. Any change of diet should be made gradually over several days to avoid digestive upset.
A toy breed
An adult Shih-Poo typically weighs 4–7 kg, so a healthy Shih-Poo eats a small amount — often under 100g of dry food a day compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A toy breed is usually done growing at 10–12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–16 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
Small mouths, crowded teeth
Smaller breeds get dental disease more often than big ones, largely because the same number of teeth are packed into a shorter jaw. Kibble size is worth checking, and a dental chew counts towards the daily 10% of calories from treats.
How much should a Shih-Poo weigh?
Adult 4–7 kgfully grown at 10–12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 0.7–1.3 kg | 18% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 1.2–2.1 kg | 30% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 2.4–4.1 kg | 59% |
| 10–12 months | Fully grown | 4–7 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a toy breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Shih-Poo
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Shih-Poo's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Pedigree Can in Jelly Puppy 6 Pack
Complete Pedigree puppy food in jelly with chicken, lamb and poultry recipes
£10.15
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Lily's Kitchen Dog Lean Machine — 10 x 150g Trays
Sold as a case: 10 x 150g trays. Lily's Kitchen's lowest-calorie wet recipe for adult dogs, in a 150G foil
£16.89
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
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Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
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Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
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Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
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Shih-Poo health & costs
Before bringing a Shih-Poo home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Shih-Poo can in principle benefit from greater genetic diversity than either parent breed, but it is not automatically healthier and can inherit conditions from both Shih Tzu and Poodle lines. The most important step a buyer can take is to choose a breeder who health-tests both parents — for example eye testing and patella checks — and who is open about the health history of their dogs.
A particular concern is the brachycephalic (flat-faced) traits some Shih-Poos inherit from the Shih Tzu, which can affect breathing, eyes and heat tolerance. Eyes, ears, teeth and weight all warrant ongoing attention. Routine preventive care — vaccination, parasite control, dental care and annual vet checks — supports a typical lifespan of around 12–16 years.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) airway issues — possible in dogs that inherit a short muzzle from the Shih Tzu; can affect breathing and heat tolerance.
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps are common in small breeds and can cause lameness; both parent breeds can be affected.
- Eye conditions — including progressive retinal atrophy (seen in Poodles) and the eye and tear-staining problems associated with the Shih Tzu’s facial shape.
- Dental disease — small mouths predispose to overcrowding and periodontal disease, so regular dental care is important.
- Ear infections — hairy, drop ears can trap moisture and need regular checking and cleaning.
- Hip dysplasia — reported in both parent breeds; health-tested parents reduce the risk.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Shih-Poo; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Shih-Poo puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Shih-Poo
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, affectionate and usually low-shedding
- Relaxed and good for flats
Things to consider
- Coat needs regular grooming
- A cross, so traits vary and some inherit flat-faced issues
Compare the Shih-Poo
See how the Shih-Poo measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Shih-Poo
Same breed group
Cockapoo
A hugely popular Cocker × Poodle crossbreed — friendly, lower-shedding and great with families.
Labradoodle
A friendly Labrador × Poodle crossbreed — sociable, often lower-shedding, and a popular family choice.
Cavapoo
One of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds (Cavalier × Poodle) — affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding.
Cavapoochon
A small triple-cross (Cavalier × Bichon × Poodle) — friendly, low-shedding and well suited to family and flat life.
Similar temperament
Shih Tzu
A friendly, low-energy companion bred purely for company — perfect for flats if you keep up the grooming.
Pug
A charming, comical lap dog that’s content in a flat — but a flat face brings real health considerations.
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant — calm, affectionate and wonderful with families, if you have the space and a big heart.
Bedlington Terrier
The lamb-like terrier — distinctive, friendly and very low-shedding, though the coat needs regular clipping.
Similar size, different type
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny, feisty toy terrier with a big personality — ideal for flats but delicate around small children.
Chihuahua
The world’s smallest breed — devoted, sassy and perfect for flats, but not the easiest with young children.
Pomeranian
A lively, fox-faced toy dog with a luxurious coat — bold and fun, but tiny and quite vocal.
Italian Greyhound
A tiny, elegant sighthound — affectionate, clean and quiet, but delicate and sensitive.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Shih-Poo?
The Shih-Poo is a small companion crossbreed produced by mating a Shih Tzu with a Poodle, almost always a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Like most modern "designer" crosses it is not a standardised pedigree and is not recognised by The Kennel Club, the FCI or major registries. Most UK Shih-Poos are first-generation crosses, so individuals can vary even within a litter.
How big does a full-grown Shih-Poo get?
Typical adults are small, often around 20 to 38 cm at the shoulder and roughly 4 to 7 kg, which makes them well suited to flats and smaller homes. Because the cross is unstandardised, size can vary considerably depending on the Poodle parent and how the genes combine, so judge each dog individually.
What is the life expectancy of a Shih-Poo?
Shih-Poos typically live around 12 to 16 years. Routine preventive care, including vaccination, parasite control, dental care, weight management and annual vet checks, supports a long and healthy life in this small companion cross.
Are Shih-Poos good with children and other pets?
Shih-Poos are usually friendly with familiar people, other dogs and, with proper introductions, children. However, their small size means play with very young or boisterous children should always be supervised to avoid injury to the dog. Temperament varies between individuals, so early, positive socialisation is the most reliable way to encourage a confident adult.
Do Shih-Poos shed much?
Most Shih-Poos have a wavy or curly coat that sheds relatively little, which is a key reason people choose the cross. However, low shedding does not mean low maintenance: the coat is prone to matting, so it needs brushing several times a week plus professional clipping or trimming every six to eight weeks.
Can Shih-Poos be left alone?
Not for long periods. Shih-Poos are affectionate and people-oriented, forming strong bonds, and like many companion crosses some can be prone to separation-related behaviour if not gradually taught to cope with time alone. They do best where someone is around for much of the day, so building up alone time slowly from puppyhood is important.
Are Shih-Poos healthy dogs?
As a crossbreed the Shih-Poo can benefit from greater genetic diversity, but it is not automatically healthier and can inherit conditions from both parent lines, so choose a breeder who health-tests both parents. A particular concern is the flat-faced traits some inherit from the Shih Tzu, which can affect breathing, eyes and heat tolerance; eyes, ears, teeth and weight all warrant ongoing attention.
Are Shih-Poos easy to train?
Thanks to the Poodle influence, many Shih-Poos are quick to learn and respond well to reward-based training using food, praise and play. The Shih Tzu side can add a streak of independence, so short, varied, positive sessions work better than repetitive drilling. Housetraining can take patience, so a consistent routine helps; harsh corrections are counterproductive.
Are Shih-Poos good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Shih-Poos tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Shih-Poo need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Shih-Poo needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Shih-Poos shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Shih-Poos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Shih-Poos are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Shih-Poos bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Shih-Poos good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Shih-Poos suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Shih-Poo can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Shih Tzu breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/utility/shih-tzu/
- The Kennel Club — Poodle breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/utility/poodle-toy/
- RSPCA — Choosing a dog and flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- PDSA — Weight management and dog health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-dogs
- Blue Cross — Reward-based dog training advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/training-and-behaviour
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Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.