What to Expect as They Grow

When you’re thinking about bringing a Shih Poo into your family, there’s one question that often stands out: “How big will my puppy be when they grow up?” What is the typical Shih Poo size when they reach adulthood? These are common questions because their answers can help you make important decisions.

Based on data received from over 300 other Shihpoo families, here’s the trend line of Shihpoo puppy weights by week over their first year.

Knowing the size of your Shih Poo isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about making sure your new furry friend fits well into your life. It affects things like where they’ll live, how you’ll care for them, and how they’ll fit into your daily routines. In this guide, we’ll help you understand Shih Poo sizes, from what’s typical to the variations you might find. By the end, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right-sized Shih Poo to be a perfect fit for your family. So, let’s get started and unravel the mystery of Shih Poo sizes!

Expected Shihpoo Sizes

When it comes to Shih Poos, there are some general expectations for their sizes. Shih Poos are a delightful mixed breed of Shih Tzu and Poodle parents. Based on data collected from Shih Poo owners who shared information on our website, we can provide some insights into their typical size as they grow.

At just 8 weeks old, Shih Poo puppies usually weigh around 3 to 4 pounds. They are tiny and adorable at this age. As they age through the first year, you can expect them to gain more weight. By the time they reach 16 weeks, their weight increases to about 6 to 7 pounds. They are still small and cuddly but growing quickly.

When Shih Poos are about 20 weeks old, their average weight is approximately 7 to 8 pounds. They are becoming more active and playful by this stage. At 30 weeks, they typically weigh around 10 pounds, and by 40 weeks, their weight ranges from 12 to 13 pounds. They are turning into young adults at this point.

Finally, when Shih Poos reach 52 weeks (one year) of age, their average weight is about 14 pounds. This is the time when they have pretty much reached their full-grown size. It’s important to remember that these numbers are just averages, and individual Shih Poos may vary in size.

Also, unlike larger dog breeds that don’t peak in weight until their second year, most Shih Poos will reach their maximum dog weight by 11-12 months of age. This does not take into consideration adult Shih Poo weight gain due to excessive eating and lack of exercise.

It’s also interesting to note that there are some differences between male and female Shih Poos when it comes to weight. At 16 weeks, male Shih Poos tend to be about 1 pound heavier on average than their female counterparts. By the time they reach 30 weeks, this difference increases to about 3 pounds. At 40 and 52 weeks, males are generally about 4 pounds heavier than females.

It’s essential to keep in mind that these are general trends, and every Shih Poo is a unique and special individual. Additionally, Shih Poos don’t have a standardized weight range because they are not officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. The weight of a Shih Poo can vary significantly, especially depending on whether the Poodle parent was a mini or a toy Poodle. So, embrace the diversity and uniqueness of Shih Poos as they come in all shapes and sizes!

Factors Influencing Shih Poo Size

Have you ever wondered why Shih Poos come in different sizes? Well, there are a few important factors that play a role in determining how big or small a Shih Poo can be. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.

Genetics and Parent Breeds

Shih Poos are a mix of two adorable dog breeds: the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. These parent breeds bring their own genetic characteristics into the mix, influencing the Shih Poo’s size.

Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed, with a standard adult weight between 9 and 16 lbs. Shih Tzus are known for their compact and cute stature, which often translates into the smaller size of Shih Poo puppies.

Poodle: Poodles, on the other hand, come in different sizes. There are standard, mini, and toy Poodles. Most Shih Poo’s Poodle parent will be a mini Poodle (5-10 lbs) or toy Poodle (6-10 lbs). The smaller the Poodle parent, the smaller the Shih Poo in most cases.

Keep in mind, though, that genetics can be a bit unpredictable, and you might find some significant weight variations even within the same litter of Shih Poo puppies.

Nutrition and Diet

What a Shih Poo eats can also play an important role in their growth and size. Proper nutrition is essential for puppies to develop properly.

Puppy Food: During the puppy stage, they need specific puppy food that provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Feeding your Shih Poo the right amount of food and ensuring they get the nutrients they need is crucial.

Overfeeding: While we all love to spoil our furry friends, overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, which may result in a larger size, not to mention health problems. We have some recommended food guidelines, but always consult your veterinarian for advice on portion sizes.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Just like humans, staying active is important for a Shih Poo’s health and proper growth. Exercise and physical activity can affect a Shih Poo’s size in a few ways.

Muscle Development: Regular exercise helps build strong muscles, and it can contribute to a leaner and more muscular body. A Shih Poo that gets plenty of exercise may have a more toned physique.

Weight Management: Exercise also helps with weight management. Keeping your Shih Poo at a healthy weight can prevent them from becoming too large or overweight.

So, if you expect your Shih Poo to top out at a specific size, I’m sorry to tell you that you may not get exactly what you want. Our Shih Poos’ mamas were both 12-lb Shih Tzus with 6-lb Toy Poodle papas, and both topped out at 14 lbs. We were expecting 8-10 lb adult Shih Poos.

It’s essential to consider these factors and provide them with a balanced diet and an appropriate amount of exercise. However, remember that every Shih Poo is unique, and their size may vary despite your best efforts. The most important thing is to ensure they are healthy, happy, and loved, regardless of their size.

For more information about the various growth stages of your Shih Poo, see our page here

Choosing the Right Shih Poo Size for Your Home

When choosing a Shih Poo to join your family, consider factors beyond just the dog’s potential adult size. Will a smaller or larger Shih Poo fit your lifestyle and preferences? If, for example, you want a Shih Poo who will accompany you on jogs around the neighborhood or on hikes in the mountains, you should consider a Shih Poo whose Poodle parent is a Mini Poodle or even a Standard Poodle. A teacup Shih Poo may not have the size to keep up with your activities.

Are there toddlers in the home? Young children can be rough on small dogs. Shih Poos can be sturdy adults and are quite loving with most children, but as a puppy, they can be vulnerable to accidental mishandling and mistreatment by children.

Your Final Answer

Choosing a Shih Poo solely on the basis of their size may not be the best approach. There are many teacup, toy, and mini dog breeds available. You might even consider rescuing a Shih Poo or other small dog rather than buying from a breeder.

We love our Shih Poos. They are loyal, playful, content to be a lap dog or happy to chase a ball. We think they’re the ideal inside family dog. But, that’s our opinion. We’d love to know yours. Please share your thoughts and experiences with your own Shih Poo if you’re already a Shih Poo Mama, Shih Papa Papa, or Shih Poo Sib. The comments section below is open for you.