Shih-Poo puppies for sale in Miami

Shih-Poos are true companion dogs. The Shih Tzu side brings a calm, affectionate, people-loving nature, and the Poodle side adds intelligence and a playful spark. Most Shih-Poos are cheerful, cuddly, and happy to go wherever you go.

They tend to be friendly with visitors, children, and other pets, and they are usually less yappy than many small dogs. They enjoy a short walk and a game of fetch, then are just as happy to nap on the couch next to you.

Because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like being left alone for long. Some can also inherit a little Shih Tzu stubbornness, so patience pays off in training.

A Shih-Poo can inherit health issues from either parent breed. Knowing what runs in each side helps you ask the right questions.

• Shorter face and breathing Some Shih-Poos get the flatter Shih Tzu face. A shorter muzzle makes it harder to cool down by panting, so heat, exercise, and stress hit these dogs harder. Snoring is common, but loud, noisy breathing while resting is worth a vet check.
• Eye problems Large, prominent eyes can be scratched or dry out more easily. Both parent breeds can also carry inherited eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.
• Dental disease Small mouths crowd teeth, and a shorter jaw can make crowding worse. Daily brushing helps a lot.
• Luxating patella A kneecap that slips out of place is common in small dogs. You may notice skipping or holding up a back leg.
• Ear infections Hairy, floppy ears trap moisture, which is a real issue in a humid climate.

Ask about health testing for both parents. Ask about eye exams, patella checks, and a PRA DNA test for the Poodle parent. If you are worried about breathing, ask to see the parents and how they handle a short walk.

Size depends on the Poodle parent. A Shih Tzu bred to a toy Poodle usually makes a smaller Shih-Poo, while a miniature Poodle parent usually makes a larger one. Ask which type of Poodle was used.

Call your vet if you notice: noisy or labored breathing at rest, gums that look blue or gray, a red or cloudy eye, squinting, pawing at the face, bad breath or red gums, limping or skipping, head shaking, or a bad smell from the ears.

Pet insurance is worth pricing out while your puppy is young and healthy, before any condition can be listed as pre-existing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian knows your dog best. You can also read about your rights under Florida law.

Heat and humidity. This is the big one. If your Shih-Poo has a shorter face, Miami heat can be dangerous. Walk only early in the morning or after sunset, keep outings short, bring water, and let your dog rest in the AC on hot afternoons. Test the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws. Never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes. Signs of heatstroke include heavy or noisy panting, drooling, bright red or bluish gums, weakness, vomiting, and collapse. Move your dog somewhere cool and call a vet right away.

Pool and beach safety. Many small, short-faced dogs are weak swimmers. Supervise closely around pools, use a dog life jacket on boats and at the beach, and rinse off salt water and sand afterward.

Ear and eye care. After baths, swims, or muggy days, dry the ears gently. Sand and wind at the beach can irritate prominent eyes, so rinse them with a vet-approved eyewash if needed.

For the Miami basics every dog owner needs, like hot pavement, parked cars, year-round parasites, cane toads and hurricane prep, see our Miami puppy care guide.

Shih-Poos come in many colors, including black, white, cream, apricot, brown, gray, gold, and parti (white with patches), often with mixed markings. Coats can be wavy, curly, or straighter and silky, and puppies in the same litter can look quite different. Curlier coats usually shed less but need more brushing.

Shih-Poos are often called hypoallergenic, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic. Allergens come from skin, saliva, and dander, not just hair. If someone in your home has allergies, spend time around the breed before deciding.

Many owners keep a short "teddy bear" cut, which is cooler in summer and much easier to maintain.

Your first week checklist:

• Get supplies ready: small-breed puppy food, bowls, a soft harness and leash, ID tag, crate, bed, chew toys, a slicker brush, a comb, and a puppy toothbrush
• Book a first vet visit within a few days of coming home, and ask your vet to check the eyes and breathing
• Keep the vaccine schedule going and bring your puppy's records to the vet
• Start a crate and potty routine from day one, with frequent trips outside
• Practice short alone time early to help prevent separation anxiety
• Begin gentle socialization with new people, sounds, and places once your vet says it is safe
• Get your puppy used to brushing, face wiping, and having teeth, paws, and ears handled

Ask us about our Shih-Poo puppies or learn about our financing options.