Is the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo better for families with children?

Both the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?

The Shih Tzu and Shihpoo shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Shih Tzu or Shihpoo bigger?

Shih Tzu and Shihpoo are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Shih Tzu or Shihpoo?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Shih Tzu or Shihpoo?

For apartment or flat living, Shihpoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Shih Tzu vs Shihpoo: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Shih Tzu vs Shihpoo: full comparison

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shihpoo
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Very High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Shih Tzu is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Shihpoo is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Shih Tzu wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Shihpoo does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Shih Tzu is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds very little. The Shihpoo needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Shih Tzu picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Shihpoo picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Shih Tzu shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Shihpoo announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Shihpoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Shih Tzu has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Shih Tzu has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Shih Tzu and Shihpoo are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Shih Tzu and Shihpoo are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Shih Tzu if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Shihpoo if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo better for families with children?: Both the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?: The Shih Tzu and Shihpoo shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Shih Tzu or Shihpoo bigger?: Shih Tzu and Shihpoo are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Shih Tzu or Shihpoo?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Shih Tzu or Shihpoo?: For apartment or flat living, Shihpoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Shih Tzu vs Shihpoo