There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The two smaller poodle varietiestoy and miniature poodlesare used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. A responsibleshih tzupoodle mixbreeder should share both the good and bad about this hybrid breed, rather than give you a spiel about the perfect breed.. Color: Variable, but may be black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue or apricot, with or without white markings or dark-colored patches. The main job of the shih tzu as well as toy and miniature Poodles is to be a loving companion, and the shih tzupoodle mix usually inherits these qualities. Responsible breeders should also test their adult shih tzupoodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the odds that the puppies will inherit genetic issues. Each breed has certain inherited health disorders in their family background, and those health issues can be passed on to the puppies in a litter. If you are allergic to dogs, always spend time with any dog or puppy you are considering bringing home, including shih tzupoodle mixes, to make sure the dog doesnt cause allergy symptoms. Poodles are affected by certain genetic health conditions, including hip dysplasia, eye diseases, idiopathic epilepsy, von Willebrands disease, immune-mediated disorders, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a hip joint disorder), and luxating patellas (slipped kneecaps). You can also do some research to look for a responsibleshih tzupoodle mixbreeder who tests their breeding dogs for health issues common to both the shih tzu and poodle. Although crossing the shih tzu with the poodle is not necessary to get a low-shedding coat, some shih tzupoodle mixes may shed less than others. Additionally, shih tzupoodle mixes are not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. People have been crossing Poodles with every breed imaginable since the doodle craze swept North America in the 2000s. Jackie has overseen many leading pet magazines, includingDog World, Cats Magazine, the award-winning Rescue Proud, and contributed to"National Geographics Complete Guide to Pet Health." Designer Dog, Mixed Breed, and Mutts: What's the Difference? With any crossbreed or mixed breed, physical traits and personality are highly variable, and each puppy or dog is an individual. Height: Varies, but usually 8 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. More energetic shih tzupoodle mixes with trainable personalities might also like training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. Standard poodles are not crossbred with shih tzu because mixing very large breeds with small breeds is a risky practice that can result in complications with the mother or puppies. Shih tzupoodle mixes are smart, but how trainable they are depends whether they inherited more the eager-to-please personality of the Poodle or the more stubborn nature of the shih tzu. Grooming frequency varies depending on the shih tzupoodle mixs coat, but count on scheduling an appointment every four to 12 weeks. This means that characteristics like height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament are less predictable than they are in purebred dogs. Weight: Varies, but usually 7 to 20 pounds. Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. Despite being indoor dogs, shih tzupoodle mixes still need some exercise. Although purebred dogs are carefully bred over generations according to the breed standard (the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed), hybrid dogs like the shih tzupoodle mix have no official standard. Although shedding breeds, such as labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are often crossbred with Poodles in the hopes of capitalizing on the non-shedding and hypoallergenic nature of the Poodle coat, the shih tzu is naturally a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed. Not always non-shedding or hypoallergenic, If youre thinking about purchasing ashih tzupoodle mixpuppy, first consider checking out your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to see if you can find ashih tzupoodle mixlooking for a new home. Because both shih tzu and poodles have low-shedding or non-shedding coats, mixes of these two breeds may be less likely to cause problems in people with dog allergies. Aim for two walks a day or one walk and one play session in a safely enclosed space like your fenced yard. Jackie Brown is dog and cat breed expert. Because many different colors and patterns appear in each parent breed, shih tzu colors and markings are nearly endless, but shih tzupoodle mixes may be black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue or apricot, with or without white markings or dark-colored patches. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred shih tzu and poodles and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Responsible breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies that protects the puppy buyer in case the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Like poodles and shih tzu, shih tzupoodle mixes require regular haircuts from a professional groomer. Most shih tzupoodle mixes shed very little or not at all, but some have straight coats, some have curly coats and some have wavy coats. The low-shedding coats of both shih tzu and poodles require of upkeep, and the grooming requirements for shih tzupoodle mixes are similar. Get to Know 11 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs Breeds, Learn About the Intelligent and Athletic Poodle, Learn All About the Adorable, Friendly Cavapoo, Meet the Active and Trainable Portuguese Water Dog, 10 Teacup Dog Breeds for Tiny Canine Lovers, 12 Chinese Dog Breeds With Some Fascinating Backgrounds, Meet the Charming and Cuddly Bolognese Dog. Excessive dirt or redness in the ears means a veterinary visit is in order. If you like theshih tzupoodle mix, you might also like these breeds: Otherwise, check out all of our otherdog breed articlesto help you find the perfect dog for you and your family. Generally, the curlier a Shih TzuPoodle mixs coat, the less it will shed. Shih tzupoodle mixes are generally small, weighing between 7 and 20 pounds on average, but other physical characteristics may range wildly. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat untangled and to prevent mats from forming. Regardless, positive-reinforcement methods like clicker training using tasty treat rewards gets great results from any dog. Shih tzu are prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipped kneecap), and various eye problems including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and eyelid abnormalities. Also trim the nails every two weeks and check the ears once a week, cleaning them with a pet safe ear cleaner if they appear dirty. Although many people who breed and sell hybrid dogs say that mixing two different purebreds results in puppies that are healthier than either parent breed,sciencetells us that genes dont work like that. Its important to keep Shih tzupoodles at a healthy, lean weight to stave of the development or worsening of joint disorders like hip dysplasia and luxating patella, as well as other weight-linked health problems like diabetes. Many shih tzupoodles will overeat if you keep the bowl filled, so instead serve measured meals twice a day. Theshih tzupoodle mix, often referred to as a shih-poo, shih poo or shihpoo,is a hybrid breed created by crossingshih tzuwithpoodles. Although mostshih tzupoodle mixes in shelters and rescues are adults, its possible to find ashih tzupoodle mixpuppy in need of rescue. She's an award-winning writer with over two decades of veterinary medicine and pet publishing industry experience. Life Expectancy: Variable; generally 10 to 17 years. Small enough to be portable, the shih tzupoodle mix wants to be with you always, and is happiest when accompanying you on your travels and adventures. Breeding shih tzu to poodles means the puppies could potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Different breeders may have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect shih tzupoodle mix. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Ask to your veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your shih tzupoodle mix, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult shih tzupoodle. In personality, shih tzupoodle mixes are generally sweet, friendly, playful and affectionate.