Shih-Poo Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Grooming & Cost

Is a Shih-Poo right for you?

A Shih-Poo suits people who want an affectionate, fairly laid-back small dog and are happy to pay for regular grooming. It's less suited to anyone who wants a running or hiking partner, or who will be out of the house all day.

A Shih-Poo tends to suit:

• Apartment dwellers and people with small yards
• Retirees and people who work from home
• Households with older, gentle children
• Owners who want a companion more than an athlete
• People who prefer a low-shedding coat and accept the grooming bill

A Shih-Poo is a harder fit for:

• Homes with toddlers, since small dogs are easily hurt
• Owners wanting a jogging or hiking companion
• Long workdays with nobody home
• Hot climates without air conditioning, if the dog has a shorter Shih Tzu muzzle
• Anyone hoping a "hypoallergenic" label will solve a dog allergy

Shih-Poo temperament & personality

Shih-Poos are usually affectionate, people-focused and easygoing, with bursts of playfulness. They want to be near their owners and are often happy to spend the evening on the couch.

The Shih Tzu was bred purely as a companion, and that shows. Shih Tzus tend to be friendly, calm and a little self-assured. The Poodle brings intelligence and a livelier streak, especially if the Poodle parent is a Miniature. The mix is often a bit brighter and more playful than a Shih Tzu, and a bit more relaxed than a Toy Poodle.

Most Shih-Poos are friendly with visitors and get on with other pets, though early socialization still matters. Some are watchful barkers, especially if they're left alone or under-stimulated. Because they bond closely, many dislike being on their own for long stretches.

Shih-Poo size & growth

Most adult Shih-Poos weigh 7 to 20 pounds and stand about 8 to 15 inches tall. The biggest factor is the Poodle parent. A Shih Tzu weighs around 9 to 16 pounds; a Toy Poodle is usually 4 to 6 pounds, while a Miniature Poodle is around 10 to 15 pounds.

• Toy Poodle parent: usually a smaller Shih-Poo, often under 12 pounds.
• Miniature Poodle parent: usually a slightly bigger, sturdier Shih-Poo in the teens.

Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos grow quickly at first and reach close to adult size by around 9 to 12 months. Our puppy weight calculator gives a rough adult estimate from your puppy's current weight and age. Be cautious with "teacup" Shih-Poos; very tiny dogs are more fragile and prone to problems such as low blood sugar as puppies.

Shih-Poo generations explained

An F1 Shih-Poo is a first-generation cross of a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Poodle. Other generation labels describe what each parent was.

• F1: Shih Tzu × Poodle. Coats vary from wavy to curly, and some shed a little.
• F1b: an F1 Shih-Poo bred back to a Poodle. Usually curlier and more likely to be low-shedding, with more Poodle in the mix.
• F2 and multigenerational: Shih-Poo × Shih-Poo. Some breeders aim for more consistent size and coat over several generations, though results vary between breeders.

No generation guarantees a particular coat or temperament. Ask the breeder what earlier litters turned out like as adults. For a deeper look at how generation affects coat type, our Cavapoo hypoallergenic guide explains the same Poodle-cross genetics.

Shih-Poo coat, shedding & grooming

Most Shih-Poos are low shedders, but their coats grow continuously and need regular brushing and professional trims. Both parents have hair that keeps growing, so loose hair tends to get caught in the coat instead of landing on the floor. That's why mats form quickly if you skip brushing.

"Hypoallergenic" is a myth. Allergens come from saliva, skin flakes and urine as well as hair, so a low-shedding dog may bother some allergy sufferers less but can still cause reactions. Spend time with the breed before committing.

A typical routine:

• Brush several times a week, right down to the skin, with a slicker brush and metal comb.
• Wipe the eyes daily if tear staining is a problem, and keep hair trimmed away from them.
• Check and clean ears weekly; hair in the ear canal can trap moisture.
• Brush teeth several times a week. Small dogs are prone to dental disease.

Plan on a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. In the US a small-dog full groom typically costs around $50–$90, so expect roughly $500–$1,000 a year. A short "puppy cut" makes home upkeep much easier. Our Cavapoo grooming guide covers a routine that works for most small Poodle crosses.

Shih-Poo exercise & training

Most Shih-Poos need about 30 to 45 minutes of activity a day. Two short walks plus some indoor play and a puzzle toy usually keeps them content.

If your Shih-Poo has a shorter, Shih Tzu-style muzzle, be careful in heat and humidity. Flat-faced dogs cool themselves less efficiently, so keep summer walks short and in the cooler parts of the day. A harness is kinder to a small dog's neck than a collar.

Training is usually straightforward with short, reward-based sessions, as the Poodle side tends to be quick to learn. The usual sticking point is housetraining. Shih Tzus have a reputation for being slow to housetrain, and small bladders don't help. A consistent schedule, frequent trips outside and plenty of praise work best. Crate training helps too.

Practice alone time early. Shih-Poos are companion dogs and can become anxious when left. The approach in our separation anxiety guide works for most small companion breeds.

Shih-Poo health & lifespan

Shih-Poos often live around 12 to 16 years. They can inherit conditions from either parent, so ask about health testing on both.

From the Shih Tzu side:

• Brachycephalic airway issues in dogs with shorter muzzles (snoring, heat intolerance, breathing effort)
• Eye problems such as dry eye, corneal ulcers and, because the eyes are prominent, eye injuries
• Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Renal dysplasia, an inherited kidney condition

From the Poodle side:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (there's a DNA test for the common prcd-PRA form)
• Patellar luxation
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a hip condition in small breeds
• Epilepsy

What to ask the breeder for: an OFA patella exam and an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist on both parents, the prcd-PRA DNA result for the Poodle, and ideally OFA hip results. Dental disease is common in both breeds, so plan for regular cleanings with your vet.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet is the right person to talk to about your own dog.

What a Shih-Poo costs in the US

A Shih-Poo puppy from a reputable US breeder usually costs about $1,000 to $3,500. Health-tested parents, a good contract and a breeder who raises puppies in the home are worth paying for.

Typical first-year costs on top of the puppy:

• Vet visits, vaccines and parasite prevention: $500–$1,000
• Spay or neuter: $200–$500
• Crate, bed, harness, leash, bowls, brushes and toys: $250–$500
• Food: $250–$500
• Professional grooming: $500–$1,000
• Puppy classes: $150–$300
• Pet insurance: roughly $25–$50 a month

Ongoing, most owners spend roughly $1,500 to $2,800 a year, with grooming and dental care as the biggest regular items. Costs vary by region.

Puppy-mill red flags. Small doodles are widely sold by puppy mills and pet-store suppliers. Be wary if a seller:

• Won't let you visit or meet the mother
• Has no health test results to show for either parent
• Sells several breeds and always has puppies ready
• Advertises "teacup" puppies as a premium feature
• Asks for payment by wire, gift card or crypto
• Will let a puppy go before 8 weeks old

Not sure yet? The breed finder lets you compare the Shih-Poo with similar small breeds like the Maltipoo and Yorkipoo.