https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/shih-poo
Shih poos are a cross between a shih tzu and a toy poodle. While some shih tzu breeders breed a poodle to a shih tzu to create first-generation shih poos, it’s also common practice to breed shih poos to one another to create multigenerational dogs. As cross-breeds, shih poos are not an officially recognized breed, and there is no breed standard regarding appearance or temperament. Even shih poo puppies born to the same litter may take after one parent more than the other and appear vastly different in coat texture and coloring, says PetGuide.
Shih poos fall in the small to tiny range, typically standing between eight and 18 inches at the withers and weighing anywhere from eight to 18 pounds. Their coat may be long, straight and silky like that of the shih tzu, shorter and curly like that of a poodle or it may fall somewhere in between. Despite the appearance, the shih poo’s coat barely sheds, making these dogs a good fit for someone with mild pet allergies.
Coloring can take after either parent breed. While poodles have solid coats that are typically black, white, gray, brown or apricot, shih tzu coats may be solid or come in various color patterns and combinations. Shoodle coats may mimic the coloring pattern of either parent.
Personality
Often, mixed-breed dogs develop a temperament that balances the qualities of their parent breeds. Shih tzus tend to be highly affectionate and extremely charming, but possess a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Poodles, on the other hand, while equally charming with playful and comedic personalities, are highly intelligent dogs who are more eager to please and easier to train. Shih poos, as a result, are often playful, affectionate and quick-witted little charmers, although they may inherit their shih tzu parent’s willfulness. Because of this, they often need a firm but patient guide in training, and might not be the best choice for first-time dog parents.
What shih poos may lack in trainability, they more than make up for in love and affection. They love to play with toys and get along wonderfully with older children, although due to their small size and hair that’s easy to grab and pull, they should be closely supervised around small children. While friendly and great at getting along well with other pets, especially if introduced as puppies, older shih poos might not love having other dogs around. They often do well as only dogs. Even so, these fluffy pups love being close to their people and don’t tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. If work or school takes you away from home for long hours, you may need to consider doggie daycare to keep your shih poo happy.
A liver-nosed Shih Poo is a hybrid dog (Shih Tzu x Poodle) distinguished by brown pigmentation—specifically a chocolate-brown nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads, rather than the standard black. These dogs are often referred to as “chocolate” or “liver” and are considered rare and highly desirable for their unique look, which often includes lighter hazel or amber eyes rather than dark eyes. [1, 2]
Key Characteristics of Liver-Nosed Shih Poos
- Pigmentation: The defining feature is the liver pigment, which is brown (ranging from light cocoa to dark chocolate) instead of black.
- Coat Color: While they have brown noses, their fur can be various shades, including chocolate, brown, white, or red.
- Eyes: They frequently possess lighter-colored eyes (amber or hazel) to match their pigment.
- Rarity: True liver-pigmented dogs are considered rare in the breed community, making them often more sought-after.
- Genetics: The liver color is produced by a set of recessive genes that eliminate any black pigment from the dog, meaning a true liver dog cannot have any black hairs
What Is the History of Shihpoos?
The shihpoo is a mixed breed, and their origins are hard to identify. While shihpoo mixes have likely existed for decades, the purposeful breeding of this mix likely began in the late 1990s, when designer breeds first surged in popularity.
It’s possible that designer breed enthusiasts were attempting to create a dog who had the affectionate and loving nature of the shih tzu with the healthier, more robust physical build of the poodle.
To better understand the potential traits of the shihpoo, it’s important to take a close look at the history of their parent breeds. The poodle was first developed in Germany and was selectively bred to retrieve downed waterfowl for hunters. Many of the traits seen in the breed, including their water-resistant coat, quick wits, and agile physique, are what allowed them to excel in this line of work.
Poodles later found popularity in France, where people were quickly enamored with the breed’s high trainability and captivating looks. Poodles were used as companions and served various roles over the years, including even as circus dogs. Toy and miniature size varieties were developed, and the poodle as a breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887.
In comparison, the shih tzu is an ancient breed that has been around for centuries. They are believed to have originated from Tibet, and they were particularly prized in China because they resembled a lion, an animal considered sacred under Buddhism. They were often gifted to Chinese royalty in the Ming Dynasty.
The “shih tzu” breed name actually pays homage to their lion-like looks, with “shih tzu” translating to “little lion.” Of course, their looks alone weren’t the only reason they were considered such a blessing. They had a dignified, friendly, and affectionate temperament that made them wonderful companions. These very same qualities have made them popular family pets worldwide today.
What Do Shihpoos Look Like?
Unlike a purebred dog, there isn’t an official breed standard for the shihpoo. Their exact appearance will depend on the combination of physical traits they inherit from their parents. Generally, you can expect a shihpoo to be a small-to-medium dog with a compact physique, long coat, and an alert yet warm expression.
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