Breed Guide
Shoodle
The ultimate low-shed lap dog — calm, cuddly, and surprisingly clever
Size
Small
Weight
4–9 kg
Lifespan
12-16 years
Origin
United States, 1990s
Did you know?The Shoodle — also called Shih-Poo — blends the Shih Tzu's royal lap-dog heritage with the Poodle's non-shedding coat.
4/10
Exercise
7/10
Trainability
9/10
Kid-friendly
8/10
Grooming
Personality at a glance
How this breed rates across key traits.
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
What it's actually like to own one
The Shoodle — Shih Tzu crossed with Poodle — is one of the most effortlessly charming small dogs you can own. They inherit the Shih Tzu's centuries-old instinct for companionship (they literally existed to warm royal laps) and the Poodle's sharp intelligence and low-shedding coat. The result is a gentle, affectionate, adaptable dog that slots into almost any living situation with ease. They're playful but not manic, happy with moderate exercise, and they genuinely love the people around them without being needy to the point of anxiety.
The honest caveat: that gorgeous coat is high maintenance. The Poodle-Shih Tzu cross tends to produce a soft, wavy coat that mats quickly without regular brushing and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Skip the maintenance and you'll have a dog in discomfort and a groomer with a dematting bill. They can also be stubborn during training — the Shih Tzu half did not historically feel the need to please anyone — so patience and high-value treats are essential tools.
🎓 Training snapshot
Shoodles have an independent streak — early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Shoodle right for you?
You'll love it if
- Apartment and unit dwellers — very low exercise requirements
- Retirees and seniors wanting a calm, devoted companion
- Allergy sufferers wanting a near-zero-shedding small dog
- Families with gentle children of any age
- First-time owners wanting a manageable, loving breed
Pause if
- Anyone who wants minimal grooming effort — the coat demands regular attention
- Owners wanting a highly energetic or athletic companion
- Families with very rough, boisterous play — Shoodles prefer gentle interaction
- Anyone who wants a highly obedient, responsive dog — the Shih Tzu stubborn streak is real
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Moderate — keep the coat clipped short in Australian summer; brachycephalic Shih Tzu features mean some Shoodles pant more than expected in heat
Tick Risk
Moderate on east coast — dense wavy coat hides ticks well; monthly prevention and thorough post-walk checks are essential
Apartment Fit
Outstanding — among the very best apartment breeds in Australia; quiet, compact, content with short daily walks and indoor play
Monthly Cost
$190–$300 AUD including food, vet, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Brachycephalic Issues
Shih Tzu-heavy Shoodles can inherit a flat face — watch for noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, and overheating; vet check if snoring is heavy
Eye Conditions
Large protruding Shih Tzu eyes are prone to scratches and infections — check for redness or discharge weekly, wipe gently around the eye area daily
Luxating Patella
Common in small breeds — watch for intermittent hopping or leg-lifting; ask breeder about parent joint health
Dental Disease
Small mouth = crowded teeth = early tartar; daily toothbrushing is the single biggest thing you can do for a Shoodle's long-term health
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
Introduce grooming from day one
Handle ears, paws, and face gently every day from the start — a Shoodle that tolerates grooming makes every future appointment easy
Patient, positive training only
The Shih Tzu half responds poorly to any frustration or force — short 5-minute sessions with high-value treats are far more effective than repetitive drilling
First full professional groom
Book before the coat gets long enough to mat — earlier introduction means a calmer dog for the 6-weekly appointments ahead
Dental check at the vet
Get a professional dental assessment at the 12-month check — early intervention prevents the costly procedures small breed dental disease leads to by age 5
What Shoodles need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
We may earn a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Pin Brush + Dematting Comb Set
Shoodle coats need gentle daily brushing to prevent matting. A pin brush for finishing and a dematting comb for knots is the essential two-tool combination for this coat type.
Calming Donut Bed — Small
Shoodles love to curl and burrow. A donut-style calming bed with raised edges replicates the cocooned feeling they love and dramatically improves sleep quality.
KONG Classic — Small
Even low-energy Shoodles need mental stimulation. A stuffed KONG provides quiet, satisfying occupation that prevents the boredom barking apartment neighbours notice.
Personalised for your dog
Start your Shoodle roadmap
A week-by-week guide tailored to your dog's breed, age, and life stage.
Build my Shoodle roadmap →