Shihpoo Characteristics: The self-reliant and watchful Shihpoo is a breed of Small to Medium dog is a Hybrid / Mix crossbreed, bred from a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. The Shihpoo, is characterized by its cute, sturdy, alert appearance with its friendly and appealing expression. This "designer dog" hybrid breed exhibits the combination of characteristics, and a temperament mix, associated with the Shih Tzu and a Poodle. The goal of crossing the two breeds was to create 'Shihdoodle' puppies that incorporated the abundant coat and majestic carriage Shih Tzu with the devotion, high intelligence and non-shedding coat of the Poodle. The temperament of the Shihpoo can be described as Adaptable, Fearless, Alert. The coat type of the Shihpoo is described as varied coat type depending on hereditary traits in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Shihpoo demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Companion and Pet dog and is known by its nick name the "Zupoo". The origin of the Shihpoo dog breed was in United States where it was developed in the mid to late 1900's. Fast Facts about the Shihpoo: The following facts provide fast information about the Shihpoo breed. Size: Small to Medium *** Breed Group: Hybrid / Mix: Shih Tzu / Poodle *** Nick name: "Zupoo" *** Origin: United States *** Male Height: 8 to 15 inches *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 7 to 20 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: varied coat type depending on hereditary traits *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3 to 5 puppies *** Health Problems: Inherited, genetic *** Lifespan: 13 to 17 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Shihpoo Dog Type - Hybrid / Mix (Unrecognised as a breed): Shih Tzu / Poodle: The Shihpoo is one of the many types of dogs described as a Hybrid / Mix, bred from the Shih Tzu and Poodle. Other names for the Shihpoo: The Shihpoo is known by the nickname of the "Zupoo". Other names for this breed of dog include the Shih-Doodle, Shihdoodle and Shi-Poo Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Shihpoo" derives from a combination of the names of the dog's parents. Shihpoo History and Origin: The country of origin of the Shihpoo breed was in United States during the mid to late 1900's. The lineage of the hybrid Shihpoo is a combination of two dog breeds. The Poodle, the "Caniche", began as a water dog, specifically as a duck retriever, in Germany during the 1500's. The Shih Tzu, the "Lion Dog", originated in China as a lapdog dating back to time immemorial. During the 1990's dog breeders began to create the so-called 'Designer Dogs" and began to develop a new breed based on the combined qualities of the Poodle and the Shih Tzu. The breeding programs resulted in the Shihpoo, an adorable dog that exhibited the profuse coat and majestic carriage of the Shih Tzu with the faithfulness, high intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle. The hybrid Shihpoo was a great success with new owners and sparks interest wherever he goes. The cross-breed Shihpoo is currently recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC). Shihpoo Height: This breed is classified as a Small to Medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 8 to 15 inches. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Shihpoo Weight: In this Small to Medium sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 7 to 20 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Shihpoo Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as varied coat type depending on hereditary traits and the Shihpoo coat can therefore be short or long soft or silky hair that can be a loose wavy coat, a tight curly / ringlet coat or a straight coat. Shihpoo Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of apricot, brown, cream, red, black, black and tan, sable and white. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Sable is a dark brown color. Shihpoo Grooming Requirements: The grooming needs of the Shihpoo is dependent on the type of coat it has inherited from its parents, either the Shih Tzu or the Poodle. The Shih Tzu has either moderate or high grooming requirements, depending on the length of the coat and the Poodle has high grooming needs. The grooming needs and requirements of the Shihpoo should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular checks of the teeth, nails, eyes and ears. Shihpoo Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3 to 5 puppies. Shihpoo puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Shihpoo puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Shihpoo Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the Shihpoo dog breed is described as Self-reliant, Adaptable, Fearless, Alert and Watchful. Shihpoo Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Shihpoo requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes every day. This small dog has a smooth, flowing gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Shihpoo Diet: A fully grown Shihpoo should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Shihpoo Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Shihpoo breed have not yet been fully established, but there is the possibility of inherited, genetic health issues. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Shihpoo dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Shihpoo Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Shihpoo breed is 13 to 17 years. Shihpoo Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Shihpoo breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Shihpoo names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Rufus *** George *** Bruno *** Baxter *** Gus *** Lucky *** Charlie *** Jack *** Cooper *** Oscar *** Rocco. Shihpoo Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Shihpoo girl dog. Our top choice of good female Shihpoo names are Zoey *** Abby *** Sasha *** Lulu *** Pepper *** Missy *** Belle *** Riley *** Sandy *** Kona. Fast Facts about the Shihpoo: The following facts provide fast information about the Shihpoo . Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Type: Hybrid / Mix: Shih Tzu / Poodle *** Shihpoo Size: Small to Medium *** Country of Origin: United States *** History / Date: mid to late 1900's *** Male Shihpoo Height: 8 to 15 inches *** Male Shihpoo Weight: 7 to 20 pounds *** Coat Type: varied coat type depending on hereditary traits *** Litter Size: 3 to 5 puppies *** Shihpoo Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Shihpoo Lifespan: 13 to 17 years *** | 