Shih poos are energetic pups who have fluffy coats that make them look like sweet little teddy bears with coloring in shades of black, brown, white, and gray. Being mixed-breed dogs, their coat and appearance vary depending on the genes passed down by their parents. Some pups may have more characteristics of their Poodle parent breed, while others may appear to have more Shih Tzu-like coats.

Like many mixed-breed dogs, Shih Poos have a long lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Shih Poos come in a range of different colors, including black, white, brown, brindle, gray, red, and apricot and may be solid in color or bi-or tri-colored.

Shih Poos are low-shedding. Some Shih-Poos have short, curly coats that make them look more like Poodles while others have the long, silken hair that is the hallmark of the Shih Tzu breed.

Most full-grown Shih Poos weigh between 10 and 20 pounds and stand eight to 18 inches tall. At first glance, a Shih Poo looks like a small dog, but looks can be deceiving. The breed has short legs, but these dogs can weigh up to 28 pounds. Shih Poos with a Miniature Poodle parent are larger than those with a Toy Poodle parent.

All dogs bark, but Shih Poos bark a little more than average. Early socialization and a positive approach to training can promote favorable behaviors and curb excessive barking.

Shih Poos don’t have a strong prey drive and should peacefully coexist with cats. It’s helpful if Shih Poos are introduced to cats at a young age and properly socialized.

Looking for a little shadow? Shih Poos fit the bill. They are sweet, affectionate dogs who cherish their roles as adorable lap-dogs. Like their Poodle parent, Shih Poos are sensitive; they love people and form tight bonds with their families. The fact that Shih Poos would prefer to spend as little time alone as possible means that they are prone to separation anxiety and can become anxious if they spend too much time alone.

When Shih Poos aren’t snuggled up beside you, they will likely be charming others with their friendly dispositions; the extroverted dogs make terrible watch dogs because they want to make friends with everyone they meet. Shih Poos are the perfect dogs for those who want small dogs with big-dog personalities.

Shih Poos are smart and eager to please and can be easy to train, but they also have stubborn streaks and may use their charm to get their own way. A consistent, structured training program can help them learn basic commands and new tricks. Shih Poos are also sensitive dogs who respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Stock up on treats and toys to make it easier to teach them new things.

Yes, Shih Poos are great family dogs. The petite, quiet dogs make excellent companions; they are outgoing, affectionate, and friendly. They’re just as happy in an apartment as they are in a house with a big backyard — as long as they are with their families most of the time. Shih Poos are true lap-dogs and can become unhappy or anxious if left alone for long periods.

Shih Poos also do well with children and make great pint-sized playmates — however, as with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

While Shih Poos are a generally healthy breed, they can have some of the same health problems as their Poodle and Shih Tzu parents, including:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disease that affects the retina and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.

Legg-Calve-Perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in the hind legs) to degenerate. It leads to the erosion of the hip joint over time, causing arthritis, pain, lameness, and limping. Surgery is the most effective treatment.

Congenital Dyshormonogenetic Hypothyroidism (CDH): CDH is a rare condition that causes a defect in the transport of iodine through the system, reducing the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It causes hypothyroidism and can cause a goiter, an abnormal growth on the neck (near the thyroid gland).

It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, they won’t necessarily develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you watch for health problems with regular checkups.

Because they are low-shedding pups, Shih Poos are considered a hypoallergenic breed and may be suitable for mild allergy sufferers. But they require extensive grooming. Their coats need to be brushed at least three times a week to keep their hair free from mats and tangles; professional grooming every six to eight weeks can also help keep Shih Poos looking their best.