Shih-poo

Shih-poo

A Shih-poo
Foundation stock Poodle, Shih Tzu
Variety status Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club.
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Shih-poo is a small domestic dog. It is a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Shih Tzu.[1][2] The name Shih-poo is a portmanteau of the two breed names.

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, 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 colours, such as all black, all white, cream, sable, and any mix and combination thereof.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shih-poos.


References

  1. Planet Dog: A Doglopedia, by Sandra Choron and Harry Choron, Houghton Mifflin (2008), ISBN 0-618-51752-9
  2. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designer Dogs by Margaret H. Bonham, ISBN 1-59257-369-X
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