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Shihpoo Puppies for Sale
About the Shihpoo
The Shih-Poo is a designer crossbreed of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle. As a hybrid it has no breed standard, so coat texture, adult size, and temperament are only estimates drawn from the parents and will vary from one puppy to the next. Owners are often attracted by the hope of a low-shedding, softer coat, but any hypoallergenic or non-shedding claim is not guaranteed in a Poodle cross. Most Shih-Poos are affectionate, playful, portable companions, though the Shih Tzu side can bring a flatter face and a stubborn streak that sometimes makes house training slower.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
Exercise needsLower than most
Energy levelTypical
TrainabilityTypical
Grooming effortHigher than most
SheddingLower than most
BarkingTypical
Apartment fitDefining trait
Good with childrenHigher than most
Good with other dogsHigher than most
First-time ownersHigher than most
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Available now in:Georgia (7)North Carolina (4)California (2)Maryland (1)Nebraska (1)Tennessee (1)Texas (1)Washington (1)Related breeds:Shih TzuPoodle
Where this breed shines
- Small, affectionate, and generally happy in apartments or smaller homes
- Coat is often lower-shedding than a pure Shih Tzu, though results are never guaranteed
- Playful and people-oriented, usually bonding closely with their family
Things to consider
- As a hybrid, coat, size, and temperament are not standardized and can vary widely within a litter
- If the Shih Tzu's flatter face is inherited, the dog may be more sensitive to heat and prone to eye and breathing issues
- Coat needs frequent brushing and regular grooming, and house training can take patience
History
The Shih-Poo rose in popularity through the late 20th and early 21st centuries as part of the wider designer-dog movement in the United States. Breeders crossed Shih Tzus with Toy or Miniature Poodles seeking a small companion with a softer, potentially lower-shedding coat. No major kennel club recognizes it as a standardized breed.
Temperament
Shih-Poos are generally affectionate, playful, and attached to their people, making lively small companions. The Shih Tzu influence can add a stubborn streak that calls for patient, reward-based training. Temperament varies by individual and generation.
Questions to ask a Shihpoo breeder
- Can you provide eye, patella, and dental or health clearances for BOTH the Shih Tzu and the Poodle parent?
- Is the litter F1, F1b, or multigenerational, and how does that influence coat type and muzzle length?
- How brachycephalic is the Shih Tzu parent, and have its airways and eyes been evaluated?
Health considerations to discuss
Hereditary eye conditions. Educational, non-diagnostic. Both parents can pass eye disease; ask for a current ophthalmologist eye exam and, on the Poodle side, prcd-PRA DNA testing.
Brachycephalic airway and eye issues from the Shih Tzu side. Educational, non-diagnostic. A shorter muzzle can raise heat and breathing sensitivity; ask about the Shih Tzu parent's airway and eye health.
Patellar luxation and dental crowding. Educational, non-diagnostic. Common in small parent breeds; look for an OFA patella evaluation and ask about parents' dental health.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: AKC Shih Tzu breed overview · AKC Poodle (Toy) breed overview · OFA health testing database — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Shihpoo litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Shihpoo puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Shihpoo listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How much do Shihpoo puppies cost?
Listed puppies currently range from $375 to $2,369. Each breeder sets their own price, which varies with the puppy's age, lineage, and location.
How can I tell if a Shihpoo breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.