Neha Patil (Editor)

Shih poo

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Foundation stock
  
Poodle, Shih Tzu

Higher classification
  
Dog

Scientific name
  
Canis lupus familiaris

Rank
  
Breed


Variety status
  
Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club.

Similar
  
Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, Yorkipoo, Zuchon, Cockapoo

The Shih-poo is a small domestic dog. It is a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu. The name Shih-poo is a portmanteau of the two breed names.

Contents

Legitimate breed associations such as the AKC, the UKC, and the CKC, do not recognize the Shih-poo, or any other designer cross, as a breed in its own right. However, some major kennel clubs do accept registration of crossbreed and mixed-breed dogs for performance events such as agility and obedience.

Appearance

The Shih-poo is one of many named Poodle crossbreeds, bred in an attempt to combine the characteristics of the Poodle, such as its high intelligence and low-shed coat (desirable for people with pet allergies), with the desirable traits of another breed—in this case, the Shih Tzu. However, it is equally likely that undesirable traits from the parents will be produced as well, so puppies must be carefully selected. Some Shih-poos may have a longer, more Poodle-like muzzle than their Shih-Tzu parent, alleviating many breathing problems that Shih-Tzus can experience, such as Brachycephalic syndrome.

Size

The size varies, and depends on whether the Poodle parent is of the teacup, miniature, or standard breed. Typically, a shih-tzu and a miniature poodle are chosen for the parents, which results in average adult weights of 8-18 pounds. A shih-tzu and standard Poodle mix is extremely uncommon.

Colour

Shih-poos come in a wide variety of colors, such as all black, all white, cream, sable, and any mix and combination there of.

References

Shih-poo Wikipedia