Poo Shi (Poodle & Shiba Inu Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More!

The Perfectly Balanced Poo Shi: Your Guide to the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix

Are you looking for a dog that combines the regal intelligence of a Poodle with the bold spirit of an ancient Japanese breed? Meet the Poo Shi – an irresistible hybrid of the Toy or Miniature Poodle and the lively Shiba Inu. Also known as the Shibapoo or Shibadoodle, this relatively new mixed breed is capturing hearts with its cute looks and endearing personality.

As a blend of two popular purebreds, the Poo Shi exhibits a captivating mix of traits from both sides of its lineage. Poodles are famous for their sharp wits and hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats. The national dog of France, the Poodle actually originated in Germany as a waterfowl hunting dog before becoming the stylish companion of royals.

The fox-like Shiba Inu, on the other paw, is an ancient breed hailing from the mountainous regions of Japan. Bred to hunt small game, this compact canine is revered as a national treasure in its homeland. The Shiba nearly went extinct after World War II and distemper outbreaks, but was brought back from only three surviving bloodlines.

So what happens when you meld these two distinctive breeds together? Let‘s take a closer look at the lovable canine known as the Poo Shi and find out if one of these smart, sassy pups might be your ideal match.

Poo Shi Characteristics

With parents as eye-catching as the Poodle and Shiba Inu, you can bet the Poo Shi is one good looking dog. These designer dogs typically weigh 15-25 pounds and stand 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder. Their body is a bit longer than tall, but still sturdy and athletic.

The Poo Shi‘s coat is usually a plush, medium length with the characteristic Poodle curl and waviness. However, some may take after the Shiba Inu more with a short, dense double coat. Common coat colors include cream, red, black, brown, and particolor patterns.

A round, somewhat fox-like head with alert, almond shaped eyes and erect ears give these dogs an alert, intelligent expression. Their tail is fluffy and usually curves jauntily over the back. Overall, Poo Shis have an absolutely adorable appearance that turns heads and elicits smiles wherever they go.

Temperament and Personality

Many owners describe the Poo Shi as the perfect balance of its parent breeds‘ temperaments. From the Poodle side, they inherit a sharp intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong attachment to family. The Shiba Inu contributes a bold confidence, strong prey drive, and an independent spirit.

The result is an affectionate, loyal dog that bonds closely with its humans but isn‘t afraid to have a mind of its own. Poo Shis tend to be alert watchdogs and will bark to let you know if something is amiss. But they are usually accepting of strangers and other pets if socialized early.

These clever canines need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They excel at learning tricks and thrive with positive reinforcement training. Puzzle toys, agility courses, nose work, and other engaging activities are a great way to keep Poo Shi minds active.

While usually good with kids, Poo Shis may chase small children who are running around. They have a playful nature but won‘t hesitate to defend themselves if handled roughly. Interactions between little ones and dogs should always be supervised.

Some Poo Shis can have a stubborn streak, becoming selective about when they choose to listen. Start training early, keep sessions fun and upbeat, and be patient. Once a Poo Shi realizes you are a fair, consistent pack leader, they are more likely to cooperate.

Exercise and Activity Level

The compact but energetic Poo Shi requires moderate daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Thirty to sixty minutes of activity per day, broken up into a couple sessions, is usually sufficient. A few brisk walks, a game of fetch, or an off-leash romp in a securely fenced area are all great ways to keep your Poo Shi moving.

Despite their small size, Poo Shis are surprisingly athletic. Some enjoy hiking, running, agility training, and even swimming (all that Poodle heritage has to go somewhere!). However, these are not high-endurance dogs. Let your Poo Shi set the pace and be careful not to overdo it, especially in hot weather.

While they can adapt to apartment living, Poo Shis are prone to yappy barking if not given sufficient exercise and stimulation. A home with a securely fenced yard where they can patrol for squirrels and get their zoomies out is ideal.

Grooming and Care

Depending on which parent breed your Poo Shi most favors, grooming needs may vary. Those with more Poodle-like coats will need regular trimming every 6-8 weeks. Opt for a sporty cut that is short enough to avoid matting but still allows for some natural fluff.

Poo Shis with a denser undercoat like the Shiba Inu will "blow coat" once or twice per year, shedding profusely as seasons change. Manage this by brushing thoroughly several times per week. You‘ll still find some stray fluff, but nothing like the hair storm a purebred Shiba can unleash.

All Poo Shis need a good brushing at least 2-3 times per week, plus regular nail trims and ear cleanings. Dental care is also important for all dogs. Brush your pup‘s teeth a few times a week or provide vet-recommended dental chews.

Bathe your Poo Shi as needed with a gentle dog shampoo, but don‘t overdo it. Washing too frequently can strip away natural skin oils. With proper brushing and the occasional wipedown with a damp cloth, Poo Shis don‘t tend to get very dirty.

Potential Health Concerns

The Poo Shi is generally a hardy, healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years. However, they can be prone to some of the same health issues as their parent breeds, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecaps)
• Eye problems like glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy
• Skin allergies and sensitivities
• Addison‘s disease (insufficient adrenal hormones)
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Bloat (gastric torsion)
• Collapsing trachea

Not every Poo Shi will get any or all of these conditions. Choosing a puppy from health tested parents and ensuring lifelong veterinary care, quality nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or catch many issues early on.

Finding a Poo Shi

As adorable as they are, Poo Shis are still a relatively rare breed. You may need to spend some time searching for a responsible breeder and be prepared for a waitlist. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores at all costs. No reputable breeder will sell to a retail outlet.

Seek out breeders who health test all potential parents, provide a written health guarantee, and insist on meeting potential owners in person. They should be knowledgeable about both Poodles and Shibas and committed to preserving the best qualities of each breed.

Inquire about socialization practices and what kind of enrichment puppies receive before going to their new homes. Well-bred puppies are curious, confident, and already accustomed to household sights and sounds. Expect to pay $1000-$3000 for a quality Poo Shi pup.

You may occasionally find an adult Poo Shi through a breed specific rescue organization or animal shelter. Adopting an older dog allows you to skip the crazy puppy stage and see more of their adult personality right away. Plus, you get the joy of providing a forever home to a dog in need.

Final Thoughts

With their cute faces, lively personalities, and manageable size, Poo Shis can make wonderful companions for many types of households. Moderately active singles, couples, families with older children, and seniors who still like to get out and walk can all be a great match.

These spunky, smart little dogs do best with an owner willing to put in the time to train, exercise, and engage their bright minds. Poo Shis thrive on human interaction and aren‘t a breed to stick out in the yard and ignore. But for those seeking a loyal, entertaining sidekick, the Poo Shi just might be the perfect fit.