Shih Poo vs. Shih Tzu: Traits of Breeds

Britta Thygesen 22.08.2022 0

Before you get a pet, you need to understand how its character and habits fit your lifestyle. Shih Poo vs. Shih Tzu: They are somewhat similar, but definitely 2 completely different breeds. The Shih Tzu is a purebred breed with more stable characteristics.

And Shih Poo is not recognized as an official breed; it is a hybrid of the other two. Therefore, in some moments, they can be unpredictable, more like one of the parents, in temperament and appearance. But they usually inherit their parents’ best qualities in equal parts.

Choosing a Best Friend Guide

Shih Tzu is a purebred dog breed. History says that travelers from Tibet brought dogs called “little lions” as gifts to Chinese emperors. Later, they were mated with Pekingese and Pugs, so the modern Shih Tzu arose.

Shih Pоо is an unofficial hybrid that has emerged relatively recently. These cute pets are descendants of Shih Tzu and Poodles (usually toy poodles). They are also often named as “Shoodle.” The two breeds are somewhat similar as they are related, but in general, each breed has a unique set of qualities.

Shih Poo vs. Shih Tzu: a comparison of breeds

The temperament of both breeds makes them the best pets for apartment living. They rarely bark and get along well with children and other animals. Make sure that small children do not offend small dogs. It is also not recommended to live in the same house for dogs of small decorative breeds and large potentially aggressive ones.
Shih Tzus usually have character traits typical of their breed. They are calm, not too active, smart, and sometimes stubborn. If you pay due attention to education and training, this dog will become more accommodating and not so stubborn. Shi Pu can be unpredictable: it depends on which parent’s character traits they inherited. In general, they are stubborn and easy to train. These pets are very active and require more time to play. They are affectionate and accommodating. Both breeds are very attached to the owner, so they are sad when you leave them at home alone for more than a few hours.
With proper care, Shih Tzu lives a happy dog life of 10 to 16 years. It is important to visit the veterinarian regularly to check the health of the pet. This breed is prone to allergies and ear infections. The lifespan of Shih Tzu Poodle is about 13-17 years. On average, they live longer than Shih Tzu. Shih Poos are prone to overeating, so it is crucial to choose the right diet. Both breeds do not tolerate heat and may have breathing problems due to their short muzzle. Also a feature of small breeds is a problem with teeth, so regular cleaning is necessary.

The main differences between Shih Poo and Shih Tzu

These two breeds are related and very similar. But the differences are quite significant, both in appearance and in the characteristics of temperament. Read on to never confuse these cute little dogs.

Appearance

Shih Tzus have long, straight coats in a variety of colors and combinations: black, white, brindle, and gold are the most common. Since this is a purebred breed, these dogs have only black or brown markings, as well as a black mask on the muzzle.

What does a Shih Tzu Poodle look like? For non-purebred dogs, variations of colors and combinations can vary. The most common are: apricot, black, gray, gold, and white. Markings can be of any shade. The coat of Shoodles can be either straight or curly, depending on the inherited genes.

Sizes

Adult Shih Tzu dogs weigh 9-16 pounds and are 8 to 11 inches tall. How big do Shih Tzu Poodles get: Size may vary depending on the breed of the poodle parent. But traditionally, it is a Toy Poodle. Shoodles are usually larger than Shih Tzus, with a standard weight range of 8 to 18 pounds and a height of 8 to 15 inches.

Breed prevalence

The Shih Tzu is a more predictable breed with certain classic traits and is more commonly bred. Finding such a dog is not difficult. At the same time, Shih Poo is unpredictable, as they are a cross between two breeds. They may look like one of the parents or take a little bit from each breed. At the same time, the price of this pet is quite high because Shih Poo is considered a designer breed. If you fell in love with a Shoodle puppy, do not rush to look for a friend from dog breeders, puppies are often left in shelters.

FAQ on Shih Poos

Shih Tzu’s features are fairly standard due to its purebred. There is a lot of controversy about Shih Poo, and answers to popular questions vary everywhere. I tried to answer briefly about what interests you.

Do Shih Poos shed?

Although these dogs have a long coat, they shed it in minimal amounts. Shih Poo is also a non-slobbering breed. These characteristics, combined with visits to the groomer and daily brushing, minimize the manifestation of allergies in humans.

Is a Shih Poo high maintenance?

The Shih Poo is considered a low-maintenance breed. If you don’t take your dog to the groomer, brush it daily to avoid tangles. A short haircut can reduce the frequency of brushing. You need to bathe a pet as needed, but not more than once a week. Frequent bathing can cause skin irritation.

Do Shih Poos bark a lot?

Although the Shih Poos are essentially half Poodle half Shitzu, they certainly didn’t inherit the habit of frequently barking from their Poodle parents. In this matter, they are more like Shih Tzus, who rarely bark in cases where they are uncomfortable and want to tell you about it.

Ancient Breed or Designer?

Choose only for you. Pay attention to which of these cute puppies you can get along better with. Calm and affectionate Shih Tzu, or unpredictable and active Shih Poo? Both of these dogs can make you happy! They are the best companions and true friends of their owners. Hypoallergenic, friendly, and good with children and other pets, they have enough qualities to be one of the best decorative breeds.