Premier Kennel Club (PKC)
History
The Shih-Poo is a newer designer dog breed developed in North America. While the Poodle parent hails from Germany, the Shih Tzu parent comes from Chinese Royalty. If their Shih Tzu parent characteristics shine through, their regal DNA will be apparent.
Description.
The Shih-Poo will inherit traits from both of his parent breeds; as with all mixed breeds, you can anticipate that he may inherit more physical characteristics from one or the other parent breeds, or a relatively equal combination of traits from each breed. The coat of the Shih-Poo will vary based on the traits that he inherits; it can be curly, short or long (or anywhere in between), and silky. He can be seen in coat colors of gray, brown, black, and white. The amber eyes of the Shih-Poo will usually be round and sparkle with an air of mischief, and is a very cute combination of his parents, he will appear to be a huggable teddy bear.
Key Facts
- Height: 8-18” depending on if Toy or Mini
- Size: Very Small to Small
- Weight: 13-20 lbs depending on if Toy or Mini
- Availability: Might take some effort to find
- Talents: Performing tricks, Companionship
Notes
Smaller schnoodles make excellent lap dogs and can thrive in an apartment because of their calm demeanor, while larger schnoodles will need a fenced backyard to play in. Living up to their “teddy bear” nickname, most schnoodles enjoy lounging with their family after a long walk, and they live well with other animals that they have warmed up to.
Their relaxed personalities mean schnoodles can be left at home for short periods of time (though no dog should be left alone for long) without developing anxiety. Even with their calm energy, though, schnoodles will need regular exercise because they are predisposed to diseases that are made worse by weight gain.
If prospective owners do not have a backyard, the schnoodle will benefit from a regular walking route or access to a dog park where they can run around. While they are eager as retriever dogs, many schnoodles also enjoy swimming or playing fetch with their families if they are in the mood.
Behavior
- Children: Excellent with children
- Friendliness: Moderately protective
- Trainability: Very easy to train
- Independence: Fairly independent
- Dominance: Moderate
- Other Pets: Generally good with other pets
- Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
- Noise: Not a barker
- Indoors: Moderately active indoors
- Owner: Good for novice owners
Care
- Grooming: Regular grooming needed
- Trimming and Stripping: Some trimming or stripping needed
- Coat: Curly/Medium coat
- Shedding: None or Very Light
- Docking: Ears and tail are not cropped or docked
- Exercise: Moderate exercise needed
- Jogging: A good jogging companion
- Apartments: If sufficiently exercised, will be okay in an apartment
- Outdoor Space: Ok with or without a yard if exercised
- Climate: Does well in most climates
- Longevity: Average (10 to 18 years)
Useful Links
Check Available Puppies in Georgia
Books about Shih Poos
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shih+poo+books&crid=4AHMKUEVJLF2&sprefix=shih+poo+books%2Caps%2C86
ShihPoo Gifts
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shih+poo+gifts&crid=2RAHMMALDAS5L&sprefix=shih+poo+gifts%2Caps%2C58
