Are you Looking for a smart, friendly, and a bit fancy dog? You’ve got to meet the Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix, also known as the Golden Shih-Poo!
In this article, dog expert Kevin dives into what makes this mix a dog lover’s dream come true. The Golden Shih-Poo is the perfect blend of two iconic breeds, from their incredibly friendly demeanor to their quick-as-a-whip intelligence.
Get ready to fall in love with this fantastic mix that offers cuddles, smarts, and lots of personality!
Breed Summary
The Goldendoodle Shih Tzu mix, also known as the Golden Shih-Poo, is a hybrid breed created by crossing a purebred Poodle with a purebred Golden Retriever and a Shih Tzu.
This designer breed is highly adaptable and makes an excellent companion for a wide range of people. They are loving, friendly, and obedient pups that inherit the intelligence and looks of their parents.
It is a hypoallergenic dog with a curly or wavy coat, which is soft to the touch and comes in various colors such as white, cream, black, brown, and gray.
Here are some key characteristics of the Golden Shih-Poo:
- Size: The Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix can come in different sizes, depending on the size of the Goldendoodle parent. They can range from small to medium.
- Temperament: This hybrid breed is known for being friendly, loving, and obedient. They are great family pets and are very loyal.
- Exercise Needs: They are an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and other activities that allow them to burn off energy.
- Grooming: Their coat requires regular grooming. They do not shed much, which makes them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Their coat can be curly or wavy and may require professional grooming to keep it looking its best.
Below is an infographic showing this mixed breed’s different traits and characteristics.
History of the Parent Breeds
In this section, I will briefly cover the histories of both parent breeds.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a fascinating history that melds ancient Chinese lore with modern affection. Originating more than a thousand years ago, this petite breed was a fixture in China’s Imperial Court, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Created through a blend of Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, the Shih Tzu was a gem of Chinese royalty, often featured in artworks and given as diplomatic gifts.
By the early 20th century, the breed had made its way to the Western world, thanks to soldiers returning from China. Quickly captivating the hearts of dog lovers and show enthusiasts, it gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1934.
Nowadays, it ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds globally. Known for their long, flowing coats and charming faces, Shih Tzus are also prized for their cheerful and affectionate nature.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed first developed in the 1990s. This breed is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and it has quickly become a favorite among dog lovers.
The Goldendoodle is a brilliant and affectionate dog known for its hypoallergenic coat and friendly demeanor.
The Mini Goldendoodle is a smaller version that is also gaining popularity. This breed is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever, and it is known for its small size and playful personality.
The origin of the Goldendoodle is not well-documented, but it is believed that the breed was first developed in North America. The first intentional breeding of a Goldendoodle was recorded in 1969 by Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens.
Appearance
The Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix is a small to medium-sized dog with a unique appearance that combines the physical traits of both parent breeds.
This adorable hybrid dog is known for its low-shedding, curly coat, which is often hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Coat Type
The Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix has a curly coat that can be either long or short, depending on which parent breed they take after. This low-shedding coat is easy to maintain, and regular grooming is necessary to keep it looking its best.
Coat Colors
The coat of the Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix can come in various colors. Below is a list of possible colors:
- Cream
- Gold
- Black
- White
- Apricot
- Red
- Brown (Chocolate)
- Blue
- Silver
- Gray
- Tan
- Brindle
The genes of the parent breeds determine the color of the coat, and it can be solid or have a combination of colors.
Coat Patterns
The coat of the Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix can also have different patterns, such as:
- Solid: One color all over.
- Parti: White with color patches.
- Tuxedo: Main color with white accents.
- Phantom: Lighter “points” on a dark coat.
- Brindle: Streaky or striped.
- Sable: Dark tips on lighter coat.
- Merle: Marbled look with diluted patches.
Again, these are just potential patterns your Golden Shih-Poo could have, depending on the genetic lottery from its Goldendoodle and Shih Tzu parents.
Size
In this section, I will cover the size of the Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix.
Height
The Goldendoodle Shih Tzu mix is a small to medium-sized dog breed with a height ranging from 10 to 20 inches.
Generally, they are smaller than a standard Goldendoodle but larger than a purebred Shih Tzu.
However, it is essential to note that the height of a Goldendoodle Shih Tzu mix can vary depending on the size of its parents.
Weight
The weight of a Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix can range from 10 to 40 pounds. This is also dependent on the size of its parents.
Here are some factors that can affect the weight of a Goldendoodle Shih Tzu mix:
- Diet: Feeding them a balanced diet is essential to maintain their weight.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help them maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- Genetics: Their parents can play a role in determining their weight.
Temperament
The Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix is a fascinating blend of two distinctly different yet complementary breeds.
Based on the traits of its parentage, this Doodle breed is likely to exhibit a high degree of intelligence and a keen aptitude for learning. These characteristics stem from the Goldendoodle side, a breed renowned for its quick wit and trainability.
Affection and loyalty are also hallmark traits of this mix, reflecting the Shih Tzu’s well-known devotion to its human companions. This creates a dog that craves human interaction and forms strong bonds with its family members.
The Shih Tzu’s social nature will likely carry over, making the mix a dog that gets along well with children and other pets.
One can anticipate a moderate to high degree of playfulness regarding energy levels. The Goldendoodle’s active tendencies are balanced by the Shih Tzu’s more laid-back approach to life, resulting in a dog that enjoys play but is equally content with relaxed companionship.
Lastly, one could expect a watchful disposition. While not as protective as other breeds, the Shih Tzu does tend to bark at unfamiliar sounds or people, adding a layer of alertness to the mix’s overall temperament.
Overall, the Golden Shih-Poo is expected to be a well-rounded, engaging pet suitable for families and individuals.
The blend of intelligence from the Goldendoodle and the loving nature of the Shih Tzu could create a balanced, adaptable dog that thrives in diverse living conditions.
Health Issues
The Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix generally enjoys good health, thanks partly to being a mixed breed, which decreases the likelihood of inheriting specific breed-related diseases.
However, like any dog, they’re not entirely immune to health issues. Potential concerns for this mix include a variety of diseases and illnesses. See below for more details:
Allergies
Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mixes may suffer from allergies. Allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including skin irritation, excessive scratching, and digestive issues.
Various factors, such as food, pollen, dust, or insect bites, may trigger these allergies. Treatment often involves identifying the allergen, followed by medication or lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and enhance the dog’s quality of life.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition that affects many dog breeds, including the Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix. This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop correctly, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. This condition can cause lameness and pain in the affected leg.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure within the eye, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. This condition can be managed with medication, but it is essential to catch it early to prevent permanent damage.
Cancer
Like all dogs, the Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix is at risk of developing cancer. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect cancer early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures. While it is not curable, it can be managed with medication.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic condition that causes gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. This condition has no cure, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Goldendoodle-Shih Tzu mix is between 10 to 15 years.
Some dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.
Check out this pup!
If you liked the Golden Shih-Poo, you will love the Goldendoodle-Schnauzer mix!
