If you’re looking for Poodle or Shiba Inu mixes, perhaps you’ve already seen a Poo Shi. This adorable pooch surely stands out with its charming looks, good nature, and intelligence.
The Shiba Inu Poodle mix is one of the designer dogs that has increased in popularity over the years. Besides its manageable size, this pup is also loved by many because it has most of the best qualities of its parent breeds.
Before you bring a Shiba Inu Poodle mix home, it’s crucial to have a grasp of what to expect and do in taking care of this dog. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this lovely canine.
What Is a Shiba Inu Poodle Mix?
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The Shiba Inu Poodle mix, also known as Poo Shi, Shiba Poo, Shibadoodle, or Shibapoo, is a cross between a purebred Shiba Inu and a purebred Poodle. This small to medium dog is known for being intelligent, confident, and affectionate.
The Poo Shi got its intelligence from its Poodle parent and its confidence from its Shiba Inu. Besides these two prominent traits, this pooch also has fun characteristics that any pet lover will love.
As a designer breed, the Poo Shi is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). But this Shiba Poodle mix can join other clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).
It is also recognized by designer dog registries like Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Poo Shi Come From?
The history of the Poo Shi is still unknown, just like many crossbreeds. There has not been any documentation of the first Shiba Poo ever created.
Although, it is believed that most likely, this mixed breed was created sometime within the past three decades.
Some even presume that this mix came into existence due to unintentional breeding. Then when they became popular, they were given a name and officially recognized as a crossbreed.
Meanwhile, others believe that the Shiba Poodle mix might have originated in the 1980s, as at that time, designer dog breeds became popular.
That was also when breeding Poodles with other dog breeds became common to produce low-shedding variations.
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Appearance: What Does a Poo Shi Look Like?
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When it comes to the physical appearance, a Poo Shi can take after either parent breed. It can inherit the Poodle parent’s curly hair and floppy ears or the Shiba Inu parent’s short-medium, double coat, and pointy ears.
But generally, the coats of Shiba Poo dogs are long with normal density. Just like the coat colors of its Poodle parent, Shiba Poo can come in different colors such as cream, white, apricot, brown, red, sable, black, and tan.
A Poo Shi usually has dark brown eyes and a black nose. It can have either the fox-like features of the Shiba Inu parent or the rounder, softer look of the Poodle parent.
Watch this video to see what Shiba Poos look like:
Shiba poo Puppies<a href="https://youtu.be/3uK6GtPc8zo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F3uK6GtPc8zo%2F0.jpg" alt="Shiba poo Puppies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Poo Shis Get?
Generally, Shiba Poodle mixes weigh around 14 to 20 pounds and stand between 10 and 20 inches tall. However, these dogs can vary in size depending on the size of their Poodle and Shiba Inu parents.
This pooch falls within the small to medium-sized range and is considered bigger than other Poodle mixes like the Shihpoo and other Shiba Inu mixes such as the Shiba Chi.
Gender also plays a role in the weight and size differences. Just like in Shiba Inu and Poodle breeds, a male Poo Shi tends to be slightly bigger and heavier than a female Poo Shi.
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Temperament: Do Shiba Poos Make Good Family Dogs?
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Shiba Poos are known for their loyalty, friendliness, and affectionate behavior. They are easy-to-care companion dogs that bond closely with their owners, families, and children.
Poo Shis also inherit their parents’ intelligence. This makes them very responsive and quick to learn. However, they can also be a little stubborn, so more patience is needed to train them.
This pooch also craves attention and prefers to be with people instead of being alone, unlike its Shiba Inu parent known for being independent. This is unsurprising as it can take after its Poodle parent’s attachment tendencies.
When they feel ignored for an extended period, they tend to act out and be quite destructive. You can prevent this behavior by devoting enough time and care.
They can also have toy and/or food aggression. This stems from their possessive trait. Though this doesn’t happen to all Poo Shis, it is still best to watch out for this behavior and train them to behave well.
Being a cross between two hunting dogs, Poo Shis are also inclined to have a prey drive and chase smaller animals. But generally, they get along with other dogs and felines pretty well.
Having a moderately active nature, Poo Shis are also great companions to older people and kids.
The alert nature of Shiba Poos enables them to be excellent watchdogs. They can be wary of strangers, stand their ground, and bark at intruders.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Shiba Inu: Which Is Better?
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Poo Shis Healthy Dogs?
Poo Shis have an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, similar to their Poodle parent and a bit shorter than their Shiba Inu parent. However, different factors affect a dog’s lifespan.
These factors include genetics and nutrition, among others. Mostly, a dog’s longevity and quality of life are anchored by its overall health and wellbeing. This is why you should be aware of the health issues a Poo Shi may encounter.
Here are some of the common health conditions of the Shiba Inu Poodle mix:
Addison’s Disease: Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s disease happens when a dog’s adrenal glands fail to produce the hormones needed for its internal organs and body system. This severe condition is not curable but can be managed with replacement hormones.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause severe damage to a dog’s eyes and can eventually cause blindness. It can be treated with proper medication, therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.
Entropion: Another eye condition common among the Shiba Poos is entropion. It happens when a dog’s eyelid grows inward, rubbing against the cornea and causing irritation. It can get worse if left untreated and can permanently damage the dog’s eyes.
Mitral Valve Disease: A condition that leads to degeneration of the heart valve, mitral valve disease (MDV) affects older, small to medium-sized dogs. This can progress into congestive heart failure. There are different treatment plans depending on the stage of this disease.
These health issues can be frightening, but in general, Shiba Poos are healthy dogs. Their risk of developing genetic diseases is minimal. But it is your duty to know about these issues ahead of time if you want to take care of a Poo Shi.
How to Take Care of Your Shiba Inu Poodle Mix
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Owning and looking after a Shiba Inu Poodle mix is relatively easy. This pooch is quite low-maintenance compared to other designer dog breeds.
From its food and diet requirements, cleaning and grooming needs, and training and exercise, you will notice that a Shiba Poo can be a convenient pet for anyone.
Food and Diet
As a small to medium-sized dog that is moderately active, the Poo Shi doesn’t need that much food. But it is highly recommended to feed this pooch with premium quality dry dog food.
Make sure that the food is formulated with lots of nutrients for their size and activity level. Opt for a dog food that is high in protein and dietary fiber too. Typically, around 2 cups of food each day are enough for a Poo Shi.
You may adjust your dog’s diet accordingly depending on its physical activities as you would want to replenish its energy. You can ask your vet’s advice to find the proper food portion and balance of meals for your pup.
Cleaning and Grooming
Surprisingly, Poo Shis are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. To keep their coat neat and healthy, two to three times of brushing per week is enough. If you keep your pup’s hair longer, brush it daily to prevent tangles.
If your Poo Shi takes after its Shiba Inu parent, you will need more regular brushing to maintain its thick double coat. You can also take your pooch to a professional groomer every few months.
Usually, Poo Shis don’t like taking baths and getting wet. Though they do not drool at all and are mostly odor-free, you can bathe them as needed and wipe their faces daily to prevent tear staining.
Inspect their ears regularly and brush their teeth with canine toothpaste. Clip their nails, too, when needed. Their weekly cleaning routine isn’t as demanding as compared to other dogs, so it won’t be hard for anyone to follow it.
Training and Exercise
While Poo Shis are energetic dogs, they do not need intense exercise. Around 25 to 30 minutes of exercise a day should be enough. As they are fun-loving dogs, making them happy and satisfied is not hard.
You can take them for a walk around the neighborhood or play indoors with them. They can do longer physical activities but be careful in engaging them in faster-paced activities as their natural endurance isn’t that high.
When taking your Poo Shis outdoors, remember that though they can tolerate heat and cold, they should not be left outside for long periods. During summertime, don’t let your dogs exercise when it is too hot.
Typically, this smart pooch is easy to train, but if it has its Shiba Inu parent’s stubborn tendencies, then you will need to exert more patience.
How Much Does a Poo Shi Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Poo Shi puppies usually have a reasonable price of around $400 to $1,000. Compared to other designer dogs, a Poo Shi is not as expensive. Though its price may increase depending on where you get your puppy from.
Before getting a Poo Shi puppy home, you also need to consider the initial costs that come with it. This includes the necessary items you need to buy for your little pooch.
To help you work on your pet budget, here’s a table with a list of the initial expenses for your Poo Shi:
The cost of owning a Poo Shi is affordable enough, especially if you compare it to other dog breeds. Since they are considered low-maintenance, you won’t have to worry that much about food and grooming expenses.
With Poo Shis being small to medium-sized dogs, you also won’t have to spend so much. They don’t need bigger space and items, so you won’t have to shell out more money on supplies.
Places to Find Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Knowing the good qualities plus the reasonable price of the Shiba Poo must have enticed you to get one right away. Luckily, we’re here to help you with your search!
Before purchasing, you need to check the breeder’s reputation. You can get recommendations from people you trust or ask people who already own a Poodle Shiba Inu mix.
To kick off your quest for this pup, we prepared a list for you. Here are some trusted advertising sites where you can find Poo Shi puppies for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a digital platform that helps connect buyers with reputable breeders, including that of a Poo Shi. They make sure that their breeders only sell healthy puppies with good genetics.
Buckeye Puppies – This site provides puppy buyers with a direct and convenient way to connect with local Poo Shi breeders in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Buckeye Puppies regularly scans listings and monitors feedback from users to ensure the safety of the puppy buying process.
Infinity Pups – Infinity Pups is an advertising source for reputable breeders, including those that produce Poo Shi. They ensure health guarantees, including deworming and vet exams. On top of this, they also have safe and hassle-free delivery options.
Keystone Puppies – This online advertising source of Poo Shis has health guarantees on all their puppies for sale. They also have a verification process for their breeders and offer stress-free delivery services to buyers.
You may try to look at reputable Poodle or Shiba Inu breeders, too, and see if they do cross-breeding. It’s best to inquire and have sufficient research first, whichever source you will get your pup from.
If you prefer adopting a Shiba Poo instead, here are a few rescues you can check out:
Poodle Rescue of Houston – For over 20 years, Poodle Rescue of Houston has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for homeless Poodles, Poodle mixes like the Shipoo, and Poodles with special medical needs. This rescue has 50 dogs in their program at one time and often collects many dogs in a single day.
Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue – This nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixes in Colorado. All their dogs have health guarantees such as vaccinations and heartworm prevention, among others. They also provide post-adoption training and have an all-volunteer staff saving Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixes, including the Shipoo.
NorCal Poodle Rescue – This rescue is the third-largest Poodle rescue in the United States. They have been rescuing and rehoming Poodles and Poodle mixes since 1985. All their dogs have health guarantees and are microchipped when they are ready for their new homes.
To extend your search, check out our articles on the best Poodle rescues and Shiba Inu rescues for adoption. You might get lucky finding a Shiba Poo as some of the organizations listed also rescue Shiba Inu and Poodle mix dogs.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Poodle Shiba Inu Mix
If you are still undecided or unconvinced about owning a Poo Shi, take time to think it over and weigh the pros and cons.
The advantages of taking care of a Poo Shi include the following:
Good behavior: Shiba Poos are affectionate dogs that are loyal to their owners. They also love spending time with families and children. Their kind nature and fun-loving behavior make them great canine companions.
Intelligent and confident: Having two of the best qualities of its parent breeds, Poo Shis are fast learners and self-assured because of their intelligence and confidence. They’re able to pick up good habits easily once provided proper training and socialization.
Low grooming needs: This dog’s grooming and cleaning routine isn’t a difficult task. They are low-shedding dogs that don’t have specific bathing needs. It won’t be hard to take care of them, even for first-time dog owners.
Ideal for apartment living: With their manageable small to medium size, Poo Shis don’t need huge spaces. If you have a tiny home or apartment, then a Poo Shi fits right into your life. As long as your heart has enough space to love this pooch!
Meanwhile, here are the cons of owning a Shiba Inu Poodle mix:
Stubborn tendencies: Poo Shis can inherit the stubborn behavior of their Shiba Inu parents, but this isn’t always the case. However, if your dog starts to act out or has a stubborn streak, manage it with patience, love, and support.
Inclination towards prey drive: As a result of two hunting dog breeds, Poo Shis are also inclined to chase after smaller animals. Training and early socialization can help your pooch be familiar with other pets.
Aggressive tendencies: Poo Shis can display food and toy aggression due to their possessive trait. Though not all Poo Shis can have aggressive behavior, it is necessary to engage them with early socialization and proper training.
Dependency issues: As attention lovers, Shiba Poos may develop clingy behaviors and be emotionally dependent on their owners. They might act out or cause destruction due to a lack of attention for long periods.
Just by looking at the number of the pros and cons, you’ll get the idea that having a Poo Shi has a lot of good things to offer. But the decision will solely be in your hands if this pooch is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Shiba Inu Poodle Mixes Shed?
As a cross between two low-shedding dog breeds, the Poo Shi doesn’t shed a lot. If the pup takes after its Poodle parent, it is likely to shed far less than if it takes after the Shiba Inu parent.
This pooch can inherit various fur types because its parents have different fur types as well. It is recommended to use a slicker brush when you comb their coats.
Are Shiba Inu Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
As low-shedding dogs, Shiba Poos are considered hypoallergenic, just like their Poodle parents. On top of all the great qualities of this pooch, this is a huge, good thing for allergy sufferers.
So if you’ve been wanting to get a dog but have a pet allergy, then having a Poo Shi might be the one you’ve been waiting for. But it is best to get tested first or consult an expert before bringing this pooch home.
Are Poo Shis Easy to Potty Train?
As intelligent dogs, Poo Shis are easy to potty train. Just as long as you train them properly with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. There are potty training guides that you can follow and try.
Moreover, both the parent breeds of the Poo Shi have no issues with potty training. Poodles learn fast as they are highly intelligent, while Shiba Inus are usually fussy and tend to clean after themselves.
Final Thoughts: Is a Poo Shi the Right Dog for You?
A Poo Shi is a wonderful designer dog to own. It has an amazing personality, low shedding coat, and low grooming needs. Plus, this dog is suitable for apartment living and a moderately active lifestyle.
If these are the boxes you need to tick, this dog is for you! But consider all the pros and cons, health issues, and expenses first before getting one. Use both your mind and heart in deciding as it will be a lifetime commitment.
After all, it will all boil down to your preferences. But who doesn’t want an intelligent and spunky dog like the Poo Shi? Affordable and easy to care, a Poo Shi will surely be a great pet to have!
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