Poo Shi! A cute name for one of the most adorable designer dog breeds, the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix. If you love both Shiba Inus and Poodles, now you can get the best of both worlds with the Shiba Poodle Mix.
Similar to the Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix‘s temperament and personality, the Shiba Poo also possesses a friendly, confident, and independent nature yet with a stubborn streak.
So is this hybrid breed the right canine companion for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix, including their health issues, ideal living conditions, dietary needs, and grooming and exercise requirements. If you’re still interested in the Poo Shi, we’ve included a list of breeders you can reach out to. For now, let’s start with a breed overview of the Poodle Shiba.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix: Breed overview
| Other Names | Pooshi dog, Shibapoo, Shiba-poo, Poo-shi, Shibadoodle |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Weight | 9 – 20 pounds |
| Height | 12 – 18 inches |
| Coat Colors | White, Brown, Cream, Fawn, Black, and Sable |
| Child Friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| Puppy Costs | $200 – $370 |
RECOMMENDED: White Shiba Inu (Complete Guide)
What is a Poo Shi?
A Poo-Shi is a Shiba Inu and Poodle Mix. It is a designer breed that combines the independent nature of the Shiba Inu and the intelligence of the Poodle.
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix: Parent breeds
One of the more popular Shiba Inu Mix breeds due to its mildly hypoallergenic coat, the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix is a small to medium-sized dog that is intelligent, confident, and friendly.
Both of his parents were bred to help hunters retrieve or flush out birds and other small game. They have a high prey drive and can exhibit stubbornness and independence.
The main difference between a Poodle and a Shibu Inu is their coat. Poodles have a single coat that is curly and hypoallergenic while the Shibu Inu has a straight outer coat and an undercoat that is thick and soft.
Shiba Inu history
The Shiba Inu existed in Japan since ancient times. They were mainly used to hunt and retrieve birds and rabbits. In the latter part of the 19th century, when western dogs were introduced and crossed with Shiba Inus, the purebred dogs diminished in numbers. And, by the end of the Second World War, due to food shortages and a distemper outbreak, it almost became extinct.
Initiatives were made to revive their numbers by breeding together three surviving bloodlines of Japanese dog breeds, namely, the San’in, Mino, and Shinshu to create the Shiba Inu we know today.
Read next: Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix (Complete Guide)
Poodle history
The Poodle originated from Germany and not from France as some may believe. The Standard Poodle was used to retrieve ducks and birds from the water. Their distinctive lion coat clip was developed to provide insulation against freezing waters and their leg coat was shorn to limit the drag.
It was in France that their size was bred down into miniature and toy sizes where they were utilized as circus performers that can be taught to perform tricks.
In the US, this breed first became popular in the 1930s when a Poodle won Best In Show in the Westminster Dog Show.
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix physical appearance
Shiba Inu mixed with Poodle can vary in appearance. They can either have fox-like features like the Shiba Inu or the more rounded skull of the Poodle. Eyes can be oval or triangular that slant upward. Ears are either erect or hang close to the head. The tail is straight or curled up towards the back.
Read next: Shiba Inu Lab Mix (Complete Guide)
Poo Shi size, height, and weight
The size of a Shiba Poo full grown depends on the size of the Poodle parent.
Poodles come in standard, toy, and miniature varieties.
Typically, a male Shiba Inu Poodle Mix full grown is slightly taller than a female. A Poo Shi full grown will reach its maximum height at around one year of age and may continue to fill out in weight until her second birthday.
Here is a growth chart of the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix:
| Age | Weight (Males) | Weight (Females) | Height (Males) | Height (Females) |
| 6 months | 8 – 15 pounds | 7 – 14 pounds | 7 – 10 inches | 7 – 10 inches |
| 9 months | 15 – 18 pounds | 14 – 16 pounds | 10 – 15 inches | 10 – 15 inches |
| 12 months | 18 – 20 pounds | 16 – 18 pounds | 15 – 18 inches | 15 – 16 inches |
Shiba Inu mini Poodle Mix
A Shiba Inu crossed with a Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized dog. She would stand smaller than a Shiba Inu Poodle mix that is crossed with a Standard Poodle.
| Weight (Males) | Weight (Females) | Height (Males) | Height (Females) |
| 15 – 18 pounds | 14 – 16 pounds | 14 – 16 inches | 13 – 15 inches |
Shiba Inu toy Poodle Mix
The smallest of the Shibapoo mix is a Shiba Inu crossed with a toy Poodle. The height and weight do not differ much between a male and a female.
| Weight (Males) | Weight (Females) | Height (Males) | Height (Females) |
| 12 – 15 pounds | 12 – 15 pounds | 9 – 12 inches | 9 – 12 inches |
Shiba Poodle Mix coat colors and types
A Poodle and Shiba Inu Mix can either have a single coat or a double coat. Typically, the texture of the coat is wavy and soft.
Coat colors can range from brown, white, black, red, and gray. Some would exhibit white markings on the mouth and cheeks that is typical among Shiba Inus.
RELATED: Red Poodle (Complete Guide)
Shibapoo temperament
The Shiba Inu Mix Poodle is a confident and intelligent breed that likes to be around the family. She is a mixture of the Shiba Inu’s independent spirit that exhibits stubbornness and moderate sociability, and the Poodle’s smart and outgoing nature.
Does Pooshi make great family pet?
With early socialization, Shiba Doodles can get along well with children and other pets. They may have a tendency to nip or bite softly as a way to get your attention, but this can be corrected by ignoring the behavior and giving them enough exercise to release their energy.
Shiba Doodles can also be good watchdogs since they can be territorial and alert you of any strange noises or people by barking.
Are Shiba Poo affectionate dogs?
Yes, Shiba Poos can be very affectionate but they are also independent-minded. They may sometimes crave your cuddles and can follow you around most of the time, but there are also times when they just want to be on their own.
Poodle Shiba training
Since the Poodle Shiba is a bit independent, so you have to be consistent and persistent with your training. She responds well to praises and treats but would ignore you if she senses that you are getting frustrated. Training her at an early age is ideal to avoid the stubborn streak from rearing in her head.
RELATED: How to Crate Train A Puppy in 6 Steps
Shiba Poodle exercise requirement
The Shiba Poodle is a moderately active dog that needs around 30 minutes of exercise daily. Not many strenuous activities are required except for their morning walks or regular indoor games with the family. Be sure to use a retractable dog leash when walking your Shiba Poodle to keep her safe and walking nicely next to you.
Shiba Doodle living conditions
Being small to medium-sized dogs, the Shiba Doodle can adapt to any type of dwelling. They can tolerate warm summers and cold winters, but they should not be left outside for too long when the temperature goes to the extreme.
Many Shiba Doodle owners will let their Shiba Poodle roam freely outside in the backyard during the day. This allows their Poo-Shi dog to get some fresh air and sun as well as some much-needed playtime. If you also let your Shiba Doodle play in the backyard, make sure the yard is fully fenced to keep your pooch safe.
Some towns or counties may have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If this is the case, a great alternative is to install a wireless dog fence to contain your pups. Many pet owners who live on hilly or mountainous terrains actually prefer the invisible dog fence because it is adaptable to any type of terrain. Best of all, you can still enjoy your beautiful scenic mountain view!
But before that, you’ll want to install an electronic dog door first if you allow your Poo Shi to head out to the backyard or patio on his own. What’s great about the automatic doggy door is that you can program it and set curfew hours. This way, your Shiba Poodle Mix can enjoy the outdoors during the day and stay safe indoors at night.
The best part is that you’ll no longer need to open and close the door every time your canine friends head out or come back into the house.
Poo-Shi grooming and cleaning
The grooming needs of a Poo-Shi depend on which gene is more dominant. If it’s the Poodle gene, she won’t shed as much but because of the nature of her curly coat, she has a higher chance of collecting debris.
The best way to deal with this is to brush your Poo-Shi’s coat more frequently. We highly recommend a de-shedding tool like Furminator because of its proven effectiveness in getting rid of loose hair by as much as 90%.
On the one hand, if the Shibapoo inherits the coat of a Shiba Inu, she would shed more. So again, a product like Furminator does an amazing job in controlling shedding.
If you’re getting a lot of fur or dander around the house due to your Shiba Poo’s shedding, it’s a good idea to invest in a powerful and durable vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner should be able to easily vacuum between hardwood floors and carpet and be quiet so it doesn’t scare your furry friends.
Regardless of which coat she inherited, bathe her once a month using a dog shampoo that is organic and easy to rinse.
We also recommend that you brush her teeth to prevent tartar buildup. Be sure to use an enzymatic dog toothpaste with a non-foaming agent for effective plaque removal and tartar control, and to promote healthy gum and teeth.
Lastly, don’t forget to maintain short nails in dogs. Long nails can affect your dog’s walking gait. For a more pleasant nail trimming experience, you’ll want to use a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor and a precision motor.
Below is a table to help you know the grooming needs and frequency of your Poo-Shi Mix dog:
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Bathing | Once a month. |
| Hair Brushing | Three to four times a week. |
| Nail Trimming | As needed. |
| Teeth Brushing | Three to four times a week. |
Do Poo Shi Dog shed?
Yes, the Poo Shi Dog do shed moderately especially if they have an undercoat. If your Poo Shi dog has curly hairs like the Poodle, she would not shed as much and seasonal shedding would not be an issue.
Is Shiba Inu Poodle Mix hypoallergenic?
Thanks to the Poodle gene, the Shiba-Poo is a mildly Shiba Inu hypoallergenic mix. Some may still shed their undercoats during the fall and spring, but the spread of allergens could be minimized if you brush their coats regularly.
Shiba Inu Poodle food and diet
Depending on the size, age, and physical activity, a Shiba-Poo would need between 1.5 cups to 2 cups of food daily that is split into two or three meals. Splitting her meals prevents bloating and allows her blood sugars from dropping too low.
RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix health issues
Since both the parents of the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix are healthy, it follows that this mixed dog breed is healthy, too. And, since a Shiba Inu Poodle Mix is not a purebred, the risk of inheriting the gene-specific diseases is minimized, more so if the breeders use the DNA home testing kit.
But, of course, no living things are completely immune from health issues. To discover and prepare for the potential illnesses that your pooch may have inherited, you can perform a doggy DNA test from the comfort of your home.
What are these possible health issues? We’ve listed ten (10) below:
1. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
If your pooch inherited the deep-chested characteristic of his Poodle parent, he is likely to suffer from GDV or bloat. This occurs after eating a large meal that causes the stomach to expand as a result of gas accumulation. Signs to look for are sudden restlessness and panting.
2. Addison’s Disease
Quite common among Standard Poodles, this is a hormone-related disease wherein the adrenal glands fail to produce a healthy level of corticosteroid hormone. The signs are increased water intake and hair loss.
3. Hip Dysplasia
A skeletal condition, hip dysplasia is when there is an abnormal development in the hip socket area. The signs you need to look for are lameness and refusal to go up and down the stairs.
4. Patellar Luxation
Both the parents of a Shiba Inu Poodle Mix are prone to this type of skeletal disease. It affects the kneecap, thereby, resulting in limping and incessant licking of the knee.
5. Epilepsy
The exact cause of epilepsy is unknown but numerous studies blame it on genetics. In fact, seizures are seen more frequently among Poodles, so common that there was a study conducted called, ‘The Poodle Epilepsy Project,’ and was seen that the Standard Poodles are genetically predisposed to this disease. The signs you need to watch out for are intermittent seizures and drooling.
6. Hypothyroidism
A hormonal health issue wherein the thyroid gland fails to produce the right amount of thyroxine. The two (2) signs to look for are ear infections and slow wound healing.
7. Hypoglycemia
A condition wherein there is a sudden drop in blood glucose levels. It usually begins with a low energy level. If not treated, the other signs are increased thirst and urination.
8. Mitral Valve Disease
Unchecked high blood pressure could lead to mitral valve damage. This damage results in insufficient mitral valve closure and blood leakage. A heart murmur is the initial sign of this heart disease.
9. Glaucoma
This eye disease is not uncommon among Shiba Inus, thus, it’s likely that your Shiba Inu Poodle Mix may inherit this condition. This happens when there is increased pressure in the eye that causes fluid build-up. Signs are watery and bulging eyes.
RELATED: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
10. Heinz Body Anemia
Japanese breed dogs and Shiba Inus are more susceptible to this disease. This is hemolytic anemia that causes severe damage to the red blood cells. Loss of appetite and pale gums and tongue are the initial signs.
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix lifespan
On average, a Shiba Inu Poodle Mix has a life expectancy between 12 and 15 years.
Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Breeder
There’s no doubt that dog breeding is a lucrative business. That said, be careful because there are plenty of unscrupulous breeders who’d pose themselves as experts in the field.
To help you find out if Shiba Inu Poodle Mix breeders can be trusted or not, here’s a short list of how to identify trusted dog breeders:
- Ethical breeders usually have a waiting list. This is because they avoid overbreeding their dogs for the sake of profit.
- They’d ask you questions because they only want to sell their pups to responsible dog lovers.
- They’d allow you to look around their kennels.
- They’d introduce you to the parents and present you with health certificates like DNA testing.
- Shiba Inu Poodle Mix breeders will only release the pups at 8 weeks of age because they know the importance of social interactions with littermates and their parents.
Pooshi Puppies
While observing Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Puppies, always look at the physical and the behavioral aspects of the puppies such as:
- Clear eyes and skin.
- No foul-smelling ear discharge.
- The puppies should be actively engaging with their littermates.
- Eating and drinking well.
- Not too shy or afraid of strangers.
- No signs of limping or difficulty in moving.
Poodle Shiba Inu Mix price
The great news is that a Poo Shi puppy is not as expensive compared with other mixed dog breeds. You can buy a Poodle Shiba Inu Mix for an average price of $200 to $370.
Places to find Poo Shi puppies for sale
The best place to find Shiba Inu Poodle Mix puppies for sale is from responsible breeders. We found two breeders who may have the Poo Shi puppy you are eyeing.
Are you asking where you can find Poo Shi puppies for sale near me? Then why don’t you check out Greenfield puppies (greenfieldpuppies.com/shiba-inu-mix-puppies-for-sale/)? They have Shiba Inu Mix pups for sale. No matter where you are located, the puppy of your choice can be delivered to you.
Another one is Buckeye Puppies. The main purpose of Buckeye Puppies (buckeyepuppies.com) is to connect legitimate dog breeders with dog buyers. Feel free to send them a message to see if they have upcoming Shiba Inu Poodle Mix puppies for sale.
Finding a healthy Shiba Inu Poodle Mix for sale
Are you more interested in looking for an adult Shiba Poo for sale? You can try your luck at Lancaster Puppies (lancasterpuppies.com). All the dogs that they sell are covered by the Dog Purchaser Protection Act, meaning, you have the right to return the dog and get a full refund in case you were given a sickly dog.
You may also try your luck at Shibainirus (shibainurus.com) located in California if they have available Shiba Poodle Mix for sale. Since they are in the business of breeding Shiba Inus for the past 15 years, they may refer you to a breeder who has Shiba Poo for sale.
Shiba Inu Doodle: Pros and Cons
In a nutshell, here is what you can expect from a Shiba Inu Doodle. If you feel like you cannot deal with some of the not-so-pleasant traits, it is better to look for another dog breed that may be more compatible with you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pet and kid-friendly. | Can be stubborn. |
| Not too expensive to buy. | Needs a moderate level of physical activity in order not to get destructive. |
| Good for apartment dwellers. | Does not tolerate being left alone. |
| Loves being cuddled. | Difficult to train. |
| Low shedder. | Not ideal for first-time dog owners. |
| Loves human companionship. | Tends to be possessive of his toys. |
Is the Shiba Inu Poodle Mix right for me?
If you are a first-time dog owner, a Shiba Inu Poodle Mix may not be the right dog for you. This dog may be intelligent but can be difficult to handle because she can be stubborn. If she does not want to listen to your commands, she won’t. This is why a Shiba Inu Poodle Mix is ideal for someone who has had previous experience in disciplining dogs.
Related Questions
Yes, there is a Shiba Poodle Mix. This small to medium-sized designer dog breed goes by several names including Pooshi dog, Shibapoo, Shiba-poo, Poo-shi, Shibadoodle.
Yes, Shiba Poos do shed and they shed moderately. If your Shiba Poos inherit more of the Poodle’s curly coat, then they would not shed as much since Poodles are known to be hypoallergenic.
The ShibaPoos are mildly hypoallergenic. That’s because one of their parents, the Shiba Inu tends to shed a lot while the other parent, the Poodle is hypoallergenic. The ShibaPoos may have either a double coat or a single coat and will shed moderately. If your ShibaPoos have an undercoat, they may shed heavily during the spring and fall season.
ShibaPoos can weigh between 9 and 20 pounds and reach a height of 12 to 18 inches.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiba_Inu
https://www.britannica.com/animal/poodle
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
