Breed Guides
Shihpoo Grooming Guide: Complete Care for Your Shih Tzu Poodle Mix
Jan
Meta description: Master Shihpoo grooming with this Australian groomer’s guide. Covers coat types, daily routines, face care, professional grooming schedules, and common coat problems.
The Shihpoo face is what sells people on the breed. Those big eyes, that button nose, the perpetual “I’m adorable” expression. But that face? It’s also the reason your groomer has opinions about Shihpoo maintenance.
Shihpoos combine two breeds notorious for coat challenges — the flowing Shih Tzu coat and the curly Poodle coat. What you get is unpredictable and almost always high-maintenance.
We see Shihpoos regularly at WoofSpark. The well-cared-for ones are stunning. The neglected ones arrive with faces so matted we can’t see their eyes. This guide covers everything you need to know to land firmly in the first category.
Understanding Shihpoo Coats
The Genetics Game
When you cross a Shih Tzu with a Poodle, you’re mixing two very different coat types:
- Shih Tzu: Long, flowing, silky double coat
- Poodle: Curly, dense, single coat
What your Shihpoo inherits depends on genetic luck. Even puppies from the same litter can have dramatically different coats.
The Four Shihpoo Coat Types
Curly (Poodle-Dominant)
Dense, tight curls. Minimal shedding but maximum mat potential. The curls trap dead hair and debris.
Maintenance level: Very high. Daily brushing non-negotiable.
Wavy (Balanced)
Soft waves, not quite curly, not quite straight. The most common Shihpoo coat. Moderate shedding, moderate matting.
Maintenance level: High. Daily brushing strongly recommended.
Straight/Silky (Shih Tzu-Dominant)
Longer, flowing coat similar to a Shih Tzu. Beautiful but tangles easily. Shows dirt more quickly.
Maintenance level: High. Daily detangling essential.
Wiry (Less Common)
Rougher texture, sometimes patchy density. Usually easier to maintain than other types.
Maintenance level: Moderate-high. Still needs regular attention.
The Shihpoo Face Challenge
Here’s what nobody mentions when you fall in love with a Shihpoo puppy: that adorable face is a grooming commitment.
Shihpoos inherit facial furnishings from both parent breeds. This means:
– Hair that grows into the eyes (constantly)
– Beards that collect food and water
– Tear staining on light-coloured dogs
– Wrinkle folds that trap moisture
The face needs daily attention. Not optional. Miss a few days and you’re dealing with crusty eyes, stained fur, and potential skin irritation.
Grooming Frequency: The Honest Truth
Daily: 10-15 Minutes
Every day, without fail:
– Face wipe (eyes, beard, any folds)
– Slicker brush through the body
– Comb through the ears and behind them
– Check the sanitary area
This is the minimum. Skip this and you’ll pay for it in mats and groomer bills.
Weekly: 30-45 Minutes
Once per week, do a deeper session:
– Section the coat and brush to the skin
– Full comb-through everywhere
– Ear cleaning (Shihpoos are prone to ear infections)
– Trim hair blocking vision if needed
– Sanitary area trim
Professional Grooming: Every 4-6 Weeks
Shihpoos grow coat quickly and mat quickly. Stretching beyond 6 weeks almost always means:
– Dematting charges
– More coat removal than you wanted
– Stressed dog during extended groom
– Potential skin issues hidden under mats
The Daily Face Care Routine
If you take one thing from this guide: the face care matters more than the body brushing.
Morning Routine (5 Minutes)
1. Eye cleaning
Use a damp cotton pad or eye wipe. Start from the inner corner and wipe outward. If tear stains are forming, use a tear stain specific product.
Check for:
– Discharge (should be clear or minimal)
– Redness
– Hair poking into the eye
– Crusty buildup
2. Face fold check (if your Shihpoo has them)
Some Shihpoos inherit the Shih Tzu’s flatter face with skin folds. These trap moisture and can develop yeast or bacterial infections.
Wipe folds with a dry cloth. If they’re consistently moist, talk to your vet about medicated wipes.
3. Beard wipe
Especially if your Shihpoo ate breakfast. Food particles + moisture + hours = matted, smelly beard.
Evening Routine (5 Minutes)
Same as morning. Yes, twice daily on the face. The difference between maintained and disaster is often just 48 hours of neglect.
Essential Grooming Tools
The Must-Haves
Slicker brush (soft pins)
Your daily driver. Get one sized for small dogs. Hard pins can scratch their skin.
Metal comb (dual-tooth)
Wide teeth on one side, fine on the other. The comb tells you the truth — if it doesn’t glide through, you’re not done brushing.
Detangling spray
Never brush a dry Shihpoo coat. Mist with detangler first to reduce breakage and make brushing easier.
Eye wipes or cotton pads
For daily face cleaning. Tear stain removers if your Shihpoo is prone to staining.
Ear cleaner
A vet-approved solution. Drop ears plus hair in canals equals infection risk.
Nice to Have
Small round-tip scissors
For trimming hair away from eyes between grooms. Only if you’re confident — accidents near eyes are serious.
Pin brush
Better for longer, silkier coats. Gentler than a slicker.
Grooming comb for face
Smaller teeth for delicate facial areas.
Skip These
Furminator-style deshedding tools
Wrong coat type. These are for double-coated shedding breeds.
Rubber curry combs
Won’t do anything useful on a Shihpoo coat.
Body Grooming Step by Step
Daily Brush Routine
Step 1: Prep the coat (30 seconds)
Light mist with detangling spray. Don’t soak it — just enough to add slip.
Step 2: Legs first (2-3 minutes)
Start at the feet and work up. Shihpoo leg hair mats where the leg bends. Inside of legs is a hidden mat zone.
Step 3: Body sides (2-3 minutes)
Work in sections. Lift a layer, brush beneath it, let it fall, repeat upward. The undercoat needs brushing, not just the topcoat.
Step 4: Chest and underbody (2 minutes)
Have them stand or lie on their back. This area gets friction from lying down and is a prime mat location.
Step 5: Back and topline (1-2 minutes)
Usually the easiest area. Still needs attention.
Step 6: Ears and head (2-3 minutes)
Be gentle. The ear hair mats where it meets the head. Behind the ears is another common problem spot.
Step 7: Comb check
Run your comb through everywhere you just brushed. If it catches, you’ve found something to address.
Professional Grooming: What Happens
A Standard Shihpoo Groom
When your Shihpoo visits WoofSpark, here’s the typical process:
Assessment (5 minutes)
We check coat condition, skin health, ear health, and discuss what you want.
Bath (20-30 minutes)
Appropriate shampoo for their coat type. Conditioning treatment. Thorough rinse. Shihpoo coats hold product residue, so rinsing is critical.
Drying (30-45 minutes)
Complete dry is essential. Damp Shihpoo coat + hours = mat city. We use high-velocity dryers and finish with fluff drying.
Haircut (30-45 minutes)
Clip or scissor to desired length. Face shaping. Ear trimming. Paw rounding. Sanitary trim.
Finishing touches (10 minutes)
Nail trim. Final ear clean. Cologne spritz or bow if requested.
Total time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on coat condition
Popular Shihpoo Cuts
Puppy Cut / Teddy Bear
Even length all over (usually 10-15mm), rounded face. The most practical and popular choice.
Asian Fusion Style
Longer legs, shorter body, full rounded head. Requires more maintenance between grooms.
Short Summer Cut
Body clipped short (5mm or less), face kept fuller. Easier maintenance, better for hot weather.
Longer Flowing Style
More Shih Tzu inspired. Beautiful but high-maintenance. Only for dedicated brushers.
What Affects Grooming Price
- Coat condition: Mats = more time = higher cost
- Size: Shihpoos range from 3-8kg
- Temperament: Some dogs need slower, more patient handling
- Style complexity: Detailed scissor work takes longer
Expect $75-$110 for a Shihpoo in good condition at WoofSpark.
Common Shihpoo Problems
Tear Staining
The number one cosmetic complaint. Those reddish-brown streaks under the eyes.
Why it happens:
– Porphyrin (natural compound in tears) stains light fur
– Excess tear production (genetics, irritation, blocked ducts)
– Eye shape inherited from Shih Tzu parent
– Diet and water quality can contribute
Management:
– Daily eye wiping (prevents stains from setting)
– Keep hair trimmed away from eyes (irritation increases tears)
– Use stainless steel food/water bowls
– Consider filtered water
– Tear stain specific products for stubborn cases
– Vet visit if excessive tearing (could indicate blocked ducts)
Complete prevention isn’t always possible. Consistent management keeps it controlled.
Face Matting
The face furnishings mat fast because they contact food, water, and your Shihpoo’s own tears constantly.
Prevention:
– Daily face brushing and combing
– Wiping after meals
– Shorter face styles if maintenance is overwhelming
– Regular beard trims to prevent excessive length
Ear Infections
Drop ears + hair in ear canals + moisture = infection paradise.
Signs:
– Head shaking
– Scratching at ears
– Redness inside ear
– Odour
– Brown or yellow discharge
Prevention:
– Weekly ear cleaning with vet-approved solution
– Dry ears after baths or swimming
– Regular hair removal from ear canals (discuss with groomer/vet)
– Prompt vet attention at first signs of infection
Matting Under the Collar/Harness
Anywhere equipment rubs creates friction. Friction creates mats.
Solutions:
– Remove collar/harness when at home
– Check and brush these areas daily
– Consider breakaway collars for indoor wear
– Wider harnesses distribute pressure better
The Puppy Coat Transition
Around 8-12 months, Shihpoo coats change from puppy fluff to adult coat.
What to expect:
– Increased matting (old and new coat tangle together)
– Possible texture change
– A few months of challenging grooming
How to manage:
– More frequent professional grooms (every 4 weeks during transition)
– Increased home brushing
– Consider a shorter cut to get through the awkward phase
– Patience — this is temporary
Seasonal Shihpoo Care
Summer
- Shorter cuts help with heat (Shihpoos can overheat)
- Watch for grass seeds in coat and paws
- Check for hot spots in humid weather
- More frequent baths may be needed
- Keep hydrated — those flat faces sometimes struggle in heat
Winter
- Coat will thicken — increase brushing
- Dry indoor heating can dry out coat and skin
- May need moisturising products
- Some Shihpoos need jumpers despite their coat
- Watch for static (use conditioning spray)
Allergy Season
- Pollen collects in that coat
- Wipe paws and face after outdoor time
- More frequent bathing during high pollen periods
- Watch for increased scratching
Training Your Shihpoo for Grooming
Start Early
Puppies should experience grooming handling from 8 weeks:
– Touch paws, ears, face
– Short brush sessions (even if not needed yet)
– Positive associations with grooming tools
– Early professional groom experiences (after vaccinations)
For Reluctant Adult Dogs
If your Shihpoo hates grooming:
– Short sessions (3-5 minutes) more frequently
– High-value treats throughout
– End before they get stressed
– Never brush mats aggressively (it hurts)
– Professional desensitisation sessions
What Not to Do
- Force it through tears and struggles
- Wait until mats are painful then brush
- Skip grooming entirely to avoid conflict
- Use grooming as punishment
Contact us for difficult grooming consultations
Quick Reference Schedule
Daily (10-15 mins):
– Morning face wipe
– Evening face wipe
– Body brush
– Ear/collar area comb check
Weekly (30-45 mins):
– Full sectioned brushing
– Ear cleaning
– Vision-blocking hair trim
– Sanitary check
Monthly (professional):
– Full groom every 4-6 weeks
– Don’t stretch beyond 6 weeks
As needed:
– Bath (every 2-4 weeks typically)
– Nail trim (if not included in groom)
– Tear stain treatment
FAQ
How often should I bathe my Shihpoo?
Every 2-4 weeks is typical. Always brush thoroughly before bathing — wet mats become cement. Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Dry completely.
What’s the best haircut for a low-maintenance Shihpoo?
A short puppy cut (10mm or less on the body). Face can stay slightly fuller for that cute factor while being easier to keep clean than a full-length style.
My Shihpoo’s eyes water constantly. Is this normal?
Some tearing is normal for the breed due to eye shape. Excessive tearing could indicate blocked tear ducts, eye irritation, or allergies. If it’s constant and heavy, see your vet.
Can I shave my Shihpoo completely?
You can clip them very short. Some owners prefer this for summer or if home maintenance isn’t happening. It’s not harmful. The coat will grow back. However, very short cuts may change coat texture temporarily.
How do I stop tear stains?
Complete prevention isn’t always possible — it’s partly genetic. Daily wiping prevents stains from setting. Keep eye hair trimmed. Use stainless steel bowls. Tear stain products can help established stains. Accept that some staining may be permanent on white dogs.
At what age do Shihpoo coats change?
Around 8-12 months, puppy coat transitions to adult coat. This is often the most challenging grooming period. More frequent professional grooms and shorter lengths help get through it.
Should I get my Shihpoo’s ear hair plucked?
This is debated. If your Shihpoo gets recurring ear infections and has significant hair in the ear canals, plucking may help. If ears are healthy, it may not be necessary. Discuss with your vet and groomer based on your individual dog.
Why does my Shihpoo smell between baths?
Usually: beard collecting food/moisture, ear issues, or skin fold bacteria. Daily face maintenance helps. If odour persists with good hygiene, see your vet — could indicate skin or ear infection.
How long does a Shihpoo grooming appointment take?
1.5-2.5 hours depending on coat condition, size, and style. Severely matted dogs take longer. Budget for 2 hours typically.
My Shihpoo won’t let me brush their face. Help?
Start with just touching the face while giving treats. Progress to holding the muzzle, then introducing the brush near the face (not touching), then light brushing. Tiny steps, lots of rewards. If anxiety is severe, consider professional help with desensitisation.
Every Shihpoo is different. If your dog has specific challenges we haven’t covered, get in touch — we’re happy to provide personalised advice.