Poo-Shi Basics

The Poo-Shi is a great family dog who brings the low-shed qualities of a Miniature Poodle together with the confident spirit of the Shiba Inu to create an affectionate, easy-to-care for companion dog that will bond closely with his owner. His moderately active nature makes him a great choice for singles or seniors who may not have the time or energy for marathon walks while his alert nature makes him quick to bark at strangers – so while a great watchdog not necessarily a good fit for apartments.

The Poo-Shi brings the low-shed qualities of a Miniature Poodle together with the confident spirit of the Shiba Inu.

Origin

While the Poo-Shi likely originates from the 1980s when Designer dogs first became popular, his parent breeds go back much further. The Poodle dates back to the 1500’s and was used as a hunting dog in Germany while the Shiba Inu harkens from Japan where it was used for hunting small game and birds. Because many of these dogs died during the World War II bombings, breeding programs were set up to preserve the breed.

Pedigree

Your Poo-Shi is considered a cross-breed so doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC), though both parents were members. The Shiba Inu joined the “non-sporting” group back in 1992 and is described as “alert, active, and attentive” while the Poodle joined the “sporting group” back in 1887 and is pegged as being “very smart, proud and active”.

Food/Diet

Your Poo-Shi is considered a small- to medium-sized dog so requires a food that is specifically designed for his age, size and activity level. Because he may have a tendency to gain weight, is not known to be an overly active dog and may inherit a digestive disorder known as bloat from the Poodle side of the family, you should feed him 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day versus free feed. Food quality should be low in fillers that will cause him to over-eat and be geared to a less active dog.

The Poo-Shi thrives on human companionship and bonds quickly.

Training

Though Poo-Shi’s are highly intelligent and can be relatively easy to train, the Shiba Inu is known to have a stubborn streak and this trait may be passed along to your pooch. So patience will be required as well as a rewards-based approach with lots of praise and treats to keep him motivated and on track. Early socialization of this dog will help ensure he gets along well with kids, other animals and strangers right from the go-get.

Weight

Your Poo-Shi will weigh in at no more than 13 to 20 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

Your Poo-Shi is an affectionate cuddler who thrives on companionship and bonds quickly to his human pack. He can become destructive or barky if left for long periods and can be overly cautious around strangers. He gets along well with other pets when properly socialized but doesn’t always like to share toys so kids and other dogs need to be aware that grabbing is a no-no. His confident nature can make him a bit stubborn so while he is quick to learn commands, from time to time he may decide he doesn’t want to follow them.

Common Health Problems

Designer dogs will frequently side-step health issues that may plague their parent breeds however it’s important to know what your pooch could inherit. With the Poo-Shi, this could include Cushings, Addison’s disease, epilepsy, bloat and joint issues.

Life Expectancy

Your Poo-Shi has a lifespan of between 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Poo-Shi is not an overly active dog and because of his love of all things family, active playtime in the backyard or at a dog park might be the ideal way to get him moving. An above-average tendency to wander means an off-leash park may not be your best bet.

Your Poo-Shi is an affectionate cuddler who thrives on companionship and bonds quickly to his human pack.

Recognized Clubs

The Poo-Shi is also known as the Shiba-poo, Shibapoo and Shibadoodle. While not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), he is a member of the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Poo-Shi is a big dust-mop of a dog that is surprisingly low-maintenance. The hypo-allergenic properties of the Poodle make him a low shedding dog that requires his soft, curly coat be brushed 2-3 times per work and clipped or stripped from infrequently to keep him looking his best. Bathing can be done as needed however his face should be wiped daily to prevent tear staining. If you keep his hair longer it should be brushed daily to keep his coat tangle-and matt-free. Because he is a floppy eared dog, ear inspection and cleaning should be part of his weekly grooming ritual.

Puppies

Poo-Shi puppies come from two highly intelligent breeds and will be ready for training at a very young age. Because he comes from breeds that can experience joint issues, take it easy on walks and exercise that may over-exert his tiny bones and cause problems later in life. A tendency to become overweight means this little guy’s food intake needs to be monitored and doled out according to your vet’s instructions.

Photo credit: Sophie Scharnberg/Flickr; TobiT./FLickr