Breed Standard for Shih Poo:

General Appearance:

• The Shih Poo is a small to medium-sized dog with a compact and well-proportioned body.

• They should have a balanced and elegant appearance, combining traits from both the Shih Tzu and the Poodle.

• The overall appearance should convey intelligence, alertness, and charm.

Size:

• Shih Poos typically range in height from 8 to 18 inches (20 to 46 cm) at the shoulder, depending on the size of the Poodle parent.

• Weight can vary widely, but generally falls between 8 to 18 pounds (3.6 to 8.2 kg).

Coat:

• The coat of the Shih Poo can vary widely depending on the genetic contribution from the Poodle parent.

• It may be curly, wavy, or straight, and can be of various colors, including black, white, brown, cream, or a combination thereof.

• The coat should be of medium length, dense, and may be low-shedding or hypoallergenic, like the Poodle parent.

Head:

• The head should be proportionate to the body, with a slightly rounded skull.

• Eyes are typically large, round, and dark, expressing a warm and affectionate demeanor.

• Ears may be floppy or semi-prick in shape, and they should be set high on the head.

Body:

• The body of the Shih Poo should be well-muscled and compact, with a level topline.

• Chest should be deep and well-developed, providing ample room for lung capacity.

• Legs are straight and sturdy, providing agility and grace in movement.

Tail:

• The tail may be natural or docked, depending on individual preference and local regulations.

• When undocked, the tail is typically of medium length and may be carried gracefully over the back.

Temperament:

• Shih Poos are known for their affectionate, playful, and sociable nature.

• They are intelligent dogs that thrive on human companionship and enjoy spending time with their families.

• Shih Poos are typically good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.

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The Shih Poo (also spelled Shih-Poo and Shihpoo) is a popular designer breed created by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Poodle — most commonly a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Developed to combine the Shih Tzu's affectionate, calm temperament with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat, the Shih Poo quickly became one of the most sought-after small companion dogs in the United States. Coat type varies depending on the Poodle parent — ranging from curly to wavy to straight — and the Shih Poo is frequently described as hypoallergenic or low-shedding due to its Poodle genetics. Shih Poos typically stand 8–18 inches tall, weigh 8–18 pounds, and enjoy a lifespan of 10–15 years.

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Because the Shih Poo is a crossbreed — a mix of Shih Tzu and Poodle — the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register them. This applies to all Shih Poo, Shih-Poo, and Shihpoo varieties regardless of generation (F1, F1B, F2, or Multigen) or how well-documented the breeding is. AKC registers purebred Shih Tzus and purebred Poodles individually, but any Shih Tzu and Poodle cross is permanently ineligible for AKC registration. Designer Kennel Club (DKC) was built specifically to serve Shih Poo owners and breeders who need official registration papers and cannot obtain them through AKC.

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Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for Shih Poos, Shihpoos, and Shih-Poos with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Shih Poo without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register their puppy for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

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Registering your Shih Poo or Shihpoo with Designer Kennel Club establishes an official record of breed, ownership, and identification. DKC registration is accepted as official breed documentation for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, apartment and housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Whether you have a first-generation Shih Poo from a Shih Tzu and Poodle pairing or a multigenerational Shihpoo from an established DKC-registered breeding program — DKC registers them all. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.