Shih Tzu Poodle Mix: Your Complete Guide

The shih tzu poodle mix is a cross between the purebred shih tzu and the toy or miniature poodle. This breed is small, loving, and friendly, and they often make great companions for individuals who want a lap dog that still loves to spend a lot of time playing.

As a designer breed, the shih tzu poodle mix does vary in appearance and personality, which is why it’s important to learn all you can about this dog.

Below, our complete guide gives you an overview of what your shih tzu poodle mix might look like and their overall temperament and care needs. Review this information to learn everything you can about what life will be like when you add a shih tzu poodle mix to your home.

Quick Look at the Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes?

The exact origins of the shih tzu poodle mix are hard to pin down, but it’s suspected that this dog was first created in the 1990s after a wave of designer dog breeds rose in the breeding world. This wave was created by the emergence of the labradoodle, a cross between the poodle and a Labrador retriever that maintains its immense popularity to this day.

The shih tzu poodle mix is created by crossing a purebred shih tzu with a purebred toy or miniature poodle. The resulting mix may vary greatly in personality and appearance due to the lack of standardization among this breed. This is something that is common with designer dogs that haven’t been recognized as new breeds or found a strong foothold in popularity.

Today, the shih tzu poodle mix is known as a friendly and affectionate small dog that requires a high amount of socializing and attention from its family. These dogs are loving and playful, and they are sure to add a certain sense of charm to individuals looking for a loyal companion.

What Do Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Look Like?

The appearance of shih tzu poodle mixes does vary quite a bit due to a lack of breed standardization among this mixed breed dog. The shih tzu poodle mix will either appear more like its poodle parent, more like its shih tzu parent, or like a perfect mix of both dogs depending on specific genetic expression.

On average, you can expect your shih tzu poodle mix to be on the smaller side. They will have a coat that’s either straight, wavy, or curly, and their fur may be short or medium in length. The shih tzu poodle mix will have a cute, almost teddy bear-like, face, and dark alert eyes. Their coat will be white, black, or shades of brown, and they are often a solid color or bi-color.

What Size Is a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix?

The shih tzu poodle mix is a small dog, though their exact size does vary quite a bit. This dog will stand between 8 and 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds.

What Is a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix’s Coat Type and Length?

Depending on whether or not your shih tzu poodle mix takes more after its poodle or shih tzu parent, it may have a straight, wavy, or curly coat; curly coats are more genetically similar to the coat of a poodle.

The length of a shih tzu poodle mix’s coat will be short or medium, and their coats might be hypoallergenic if they have a strong expression of poodle genetics.

What Is a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix’s Temperament?

Shih tzu poodle mixes are friendly and affectionate, and they love to spend time with their families. This dog breed is playful and energetic, but due to their smaller size, their energy and exercise needs aren’t particularly extensive.

Shih tzu poodle mixes need a fair amount of attention from their families, as they tend to get separation anxiety or become destructive when left alone for long periods of time.

Your shih tzu poodle mix will be intelligent and willing to learn, but they are generally only trained on their terms. This dog breed often has a streak of stubbornness that requires consistency and patience with training to work around. Overall, this dog is loving, loyal, and dedicated to their families.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Good With Kids?

The shih tzu poodle mix is generally tolerant with children, as long as the children know how to properly interact with them. This dog is small and they may easily be injured, so very young children or children that play roughly are not recommended to be around this breed. T

he shih tzu poodle mix does love to play, so older or calmer children that are willing to run around in the yard with them do make a good match.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Good With Other Animals?

The shih tzu poodle mix may be good with other animals, especially if they are brought up alongside another dog or a cat, or if they are introduced to another small animal slowly.

However, this dog does enjoy being the center of attention. So, introducing other animals too quickly or bringing them into a home with larger dogs may intimidate them or allow them to develop behavioral issues. Proper training and supervision are necessary to avoid these problems when introducing a shih tzu poodle mix to a home with other animals.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Aggressive?

Shih tzu poodle mixes aren’t known for being particularly aggressive, though they may growl or snap when they feel threatened.

This dog does have the potential for developing anxiety issues without the proper mental and physical stimulation, so it’s important to monitor their happiness and make any changes in your home gradually. You should also train your dog and avoid leaving them home alone for long hours.

Do Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Bark?

The shih tzu poodle mix can be quite vocal, and this may be a problem if you are living in an apartment complex. These dogs love to share their excitement or joy via their barks, and they often alert their owners to things they see passing too close to their window. However, with proper training, unnecessary barking habits can be tempered in this breed.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Affectionate?

Shih tzu poodle mixes are wonderful companions, and they tend to be affectionate with their families. These dogs are loving and faithful, and they generally want to spend as much time as possible with their owners.

Your shih tzu poodle mix will likely warm up to strangers easily after a bit of barking. Once they’ve gotten their energy out for the day, they will enjoy cuddling up with their families on the couch or taking a long relaxing nap.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Intelligent?

Both the shih tzu and the poodle are intelligent dog breeds, and the shih tzu poodle mix is no exception. These dogs are alert and observant, and they do have the capability for learning new things and being trained.

They can be a little stubborn and independent, so it does take consistency and patience to keep them focused and access their intelligence when it comes to training.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Energetic?

Shih tzu poodle mixes are energetic and playful, though their smaller size ensures that they don’t need a very intensive amount of exercise each day.

You should be taking your shih tzu poodle mix on at least two walks per day in addition to giving them 30 minutes to an hour of dedicated playtime each day. You can also provide your shih tzu poodle mix with plenty of interactive toys that they can use when you’re not at home to keep them active and happy.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Easy to Train?

Shih tzu poodle mixes have the potential to be easy to train, but this does depend on their personality. These dogs are intelligent, and they might be eager to learn or spend time training with their owners.

Some shih tzu poodle mixes do have a stubborn streak, and some might be more strong-willed than others which results in a need for very patient and consistent training.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Good Watchdogs?

The shih tzu poodle mix is typically a good watchdog, as they are watchful and have no problem barking to alert their owners of a threat or stranger outside. These dogs are brave when it comes to protecting their home, but they do tend to warm up to strangers quickly when shown affection, which might not make them the best guard dogs.

Are Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Good Service Dogs?

The majority of service dog tasks require dogs larger than the shih tzu poodle mix – these dogs are too small to easily guide an individual, retrieve items, or use their strength to open and close doors or provide mobility support.

However, the shih tzu poodle mix may make good therapy and emotional support animals, as they enjoy affection and attention, and they are known for being faithful companions to their owners.

How to Care for a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix?

The shih tzu poodle mix isn’t the most high-maintenance dog breed out there, but they do require a certain set of care routines to keep them both happy and healthy.

Your shih tzu poodle mix will need at least two medium-length walks per day in addition to dedicated playtime each day. You can take them to a dog park or other open area regularly to ensure they have ample time to run around and socialize with other dogs.

Your shih tzu poodle mix will need to be brushed often to keep their fur soft and free of tangles or mats, and they will need regular trims, especially if their fur is very curly and dense. Your shih tzu poodle mix shouldn’t be left alone for more than six to eight hours at a time as they do have a tendency to develop separation anxiety.

Make sure your shih tzu poodle mix has their own space in your home complete with a bed and toys and feed them a quality diet of wet or dry food. Take your shih tzu poodle mix to the vet on an annual basis or as needed to ensure they stay in top healthy and as happy as possible.

Do You Need to Groom a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix?

Shih tzu poodle mixes require regular brushing and professional grooms to keep their coats in good shape, especially if they take more after their poodle parent. These dogs will need to be brushed every few days to keep their coats free of tangles. They will also need professional trimming every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast their fur grows and the texture of their coat.

Do Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Shed?

The shih tzu poodle mix is considered a low shedder, and dogs with very curly coats will shed less than those with wavy or straight fur. If a shih tzu poodle mix takes more after its poodle parent, their fur might be considered hypoallergenic.

What Health Problems Do Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Have?

Many dog breeds are prone to certain health issues, as this is often a matter of genetics and inherited traits. As a mixed breed, the shih tzu poodle mix might have a higher chance of health problems related to both the shih tzu and poodle sides of their lineage.

Common health problems that shih tzu poodle mixes may encounter include hip dysplasia, eye disorders, patellar luxation, dental issues, and breathing problems if they inherit a short snout.

Make sure you monitor your shih tzu poodle mix’s behavior and take them for regular veterinary visits to catch any health issues before they become more serious problems for your dog.

How Long Do Shih Tzu Poodle Mixes Live?

On average, the shih tzu poodle mix will live to be between 10 and 15 years old. You can ensure your dog lives the happiest and healthiest life possible by providing them with proper care and regular veterinary visits.

What Should a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix Eat?

How much your shih tzu poodle mix eats depends on their exact size and their caloric needs. This dog breed will need between a half of a cup and a cup of food per day on average. It’s important to consider your dog’s activity levels and the caloric content of its wet or dry food to properly feed your dog.

Speak with a veterinarian if you have any questions about proper feeding measures for your shih tzu poodle mix.

Is a Shih Tzu Poodle Mix the Right Dog for Me?

The shih tzu poodle mix is an affectionate and friendly crossbreed that comes from the mix of the shih tzu and the toy or miniature poodle. They are playful and energetic, and they enjoy spending time with their owners.

The shih tzu poodle mix makes a great lap dog once they’ve expended all of their energy for the day, and they enjoy cuddling up with their owners after an exhausting day playing.

This mix is right for anyone who wants a fun-loving companion, who doesn’t have extensive exercise needs. Shih tzu poodle mixes are great for anyone who is happy to spend the evening on a couch or out at the park playing with their pup.