SmallNon-AKC

Shih-Poo

The Shih-Poo is a Shih Tzu × Toy or Miniature Poodle cross that gained popularity in the 2000s.

Calculate Shih-Poo age

Lifespan13.9 yrrange 11–16

SizeSmallNon-AKC

Weight8–18 lb3.6–8.2 kg

Senior at8 yrgeriatric at 12

Gallery (3)

About

About the Shih-Poo

The Shih-Poo is a Shih Tzu × Toy or Miniature Poodle cross that gained popularity in the 2000s. The breed is not AKC-recognized; brachycephalic features from the Shih Tzu parent vary in severity across F1/F1b generations.

Aging

How Shih-Poos age

Parent-breed medians: Shih Tzu 12.8y, Poodle ~14.5y (RVC VetCompass). Brachycephalic airway features inherit from the Shih Tzu parent — severity varies by muzzle length — with patellar luxation and PRA shared inherited concerns.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 13.9 yr · range 11–16 Senior careSenior at 8 · geriatric at 12 Common health issues3 tracked conditions

Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight: 8–18 lb(3.6–8.2 kg)
Height: 8–15 in(20.3–38.1 cm)
Coat type: Curly
Colors

Temperament

How Shih-Poos tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

affectionateplayfulcheerfuladaptable

Energy
3/5
Trainability
3/5
Good with kids
3/5
Good with other dogs
3/5
Shedding
3/5

Health

Common health issues

Full health profile

Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Description and veterinary guidance for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from Inherited from Shih Tzu parent; severity varies by muzzle length..
Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Patellar Luxation
Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from Inherited from both parent breeds..
Moderatetypical onset ~6 yr
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Description and veterinary guidance for Progressive Retinal Atrophy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from Inherited from Poodle parent; prcd DNA-testable..