Aussiedoodle vs Shih-Poo
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Aussiedoodle
Also known as: Aussiepoo, Aussie Poodle, Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix
The Aussiedoodle, also called Aussiepoo, brings together two of the smartest dog breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. This designer breed is known for its exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, and stunning coat that often features the merle patterns of the Aussie parent. Aussiedoodles excel in agility, obedience, and as active family companions who thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Medium
High
10-14 yrs
35-58 cm
18-32 kg
Shih-Poo
Also known as: Shoodle, Pooshi, Shi-Poo, Shih Tzu Poodle Mix
The Shih-Poo combines the royal heritage of the Shih Tzu with the intelligence of the Poodle. This small, cuddly hybrid makes an excellent companion for apartment dwellers and families alike. Known for their affectionate nature and adaptable temperament, Shih-Poos thrive on human companionship and make wonderful lap dogs.
Small
Medium
10-18 yrs
20-33 cm
3.6-8.2 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | N/A | N/A |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Beginner (with caveats) |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who works from home or has flexible schedule. Experienced with high-energy breeds. Ready for significant grooming commitment. Enjoys training and dog sports. | Work-from-home individual or retiree who can provide constant companionship. Lives in apartment or small space. Patient with house training. Budget for professional grooming. |
Aussiedoodle Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a couch dog after a 20-minute walk
- Long work hours - 8+ hours away from home daily
- Budget constraints - $100/month grooming is a hardship
- No yard or outdoor space
Shih-Poo Dealbreakers
- Work long hours away from home
- Cannot afford $80+ monthly for grooming
- Expect instant potty training
- Want a jogging or hiking partner
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | High | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | He's too hyper - energy underestimated, He nips the kids - herding instinct, Grooming costs overwhelming, Cute puppy → High energy adolescent → Backyard isolation → Barking → Surrender | Grooming costs overwhelm owners when 'puppy cut' grows out, House soiling issues from difficult potty training, Separation anxiety behaviors misunderstood as spite |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Aussiedoodle Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly with dogs
Shih-Poo Social Traits
Low
Generally good with other dogs, but small size makes them vulnerable to rough play
Training
Aussiedoodle
- Use food motivation for rapid learning
- Keep sessions short and varied to maintain interest
- Channel herding instinct into controlled activities
- Start bite inhibition training early for nipping
Shih-Poo
- Use high-value treats (boiled chicken, freeze-dried liver)
- Treat them like a 100lb dog in terms of boundaries
- Harshness causes them to shut down - stay patient
- Make training feel like their idea
Aussiedoodle Considerations
Both parent breeds are 'Velcro' dogs selected for close human cooperation. Aussiedoodles often cannot tolerate isolation, leading to destructive chewing, self-mutilation, and incessant vocalization if left alone for standard workdays.
The Australian Shepherd's herding instinct manifests as nipping heels of running children, chasing bicycles, or attempting to control movement of other pets. Requires consistent training from puppyhood.
Without a 'job' (agility, advanced obedience, nosework), their intelligence turns inward, resulting in obsessive-compulsive behaviors like shadow chasing or flank sucking.
Unlike purebred Aussies, the coat grows continuously. Professional grooming is mandatory every 6-8 weeks at $100-150 per session. Matting can cause skin damage.
Shih-Poo Considerations
Shih-Poos do not tolerate isolation well. Owners working 8+ hours away from home often find their dog develops destructive behaviors, excessive howling, or self-mutilation due to distress. This is the primary behavioral failure mode for this breed.
Expect 4-8 months for potty training reliability. The combination of a tiny bladder and inherited Shih Tzu stubbornness means accidents will happen for months. This is significantly harder than most breeds.
While inheriting the Poodle's intelligence, they often get the Shih Tzu's independent thinking. They may know what you want but refuse to obey without clear incentive. This 'smart but stubborn' combination can frustrate owners expecting an obedient dog.
Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is non-negotiable. Their coat mats easily and if you miss a week of brushing, you may have to shave the dog down. Budget $80+ monthly for grooming.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | May harass by trying to herd them - can coexist if raised together | Generally safe with cats, especially if raised together |
| Small Mammals | Moderate risk - may harass guinea pigs/rabbits by poking/herding | High safety - usually safe with rabbits/guinea pigs if introduced properly |
| Birds / Reptiles | High risk - Poodle bird dog instinct + Aussie chase drive | Moderate caution - Poodle prey drive may cause fixation on fluttering birds |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | Moderate |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Aussiedoodle: Eye -> Stalk -> Chase sequence from Aussie, Poodle adds retrieval mouthing. Generally safe with family but chase instinct is strong.
Shih-Poo: Predatory sequence arrested at Orient -> Eye -> Chase. They chase for fun, not to kill. Alert barking is the default setting. The Poodle side wants to work; the Shih Tzu side wants to be pampered.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Easy | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Aussiedoodle: Combines mouthiness with herding nipping and high intelligence. Will outsmart novice owners. Harder than a Cavalier (2/10) but easier than a Malinois (9/10).
Shih-Poo: House training is the primary challenge - expect 4-8 months for reliability. Teething phase 6-12 months is intense. Crate training may be met with howling.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-24 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-4 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 35-58 cm | 20-33 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Small |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years | 10–18 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 3-5 |
Aussiedoodle Coat
Shih-Poo Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Designer companion combining intelligence and low-shedding coat | Designer companion dog combining Shih Tzu's lap dog nature with Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat |
| Origin | North America, late 1990s/early 2000s | United States, 1990s-2000s (Doodle boom era) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | 20-25% |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Medium | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.8m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Shih-Poo Health Issues
Aussiedoodle Suggested Tests
- MDR1 DNA test (MANDATORY)
- Hip Evaluation
- Eye Examination
- Adrenal Function Tests
- Skin Biopsy (if skin issues)
Shih-Poo Suggested Tests
- PRA-prcd (eye blindness)
- Von Willebrand's Disease (blood clotting)
- Patellar Luxation clearances (OFA)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains | No specific allergies documented |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Common |
Senior Care & Aging
Aussiedoodle Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Cognitive decline
- Vision loss (PRA)
Highly active brains can be prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Ramps may be needed for cars/beds.
Shih-Poo Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Dental problems
- Vision loss (cataracts)
- Cognitive decline (sundowning)
Provide ramps for furniture to protect back and joints. Cataracts common in senior years. Sundowning (confusion at night) can occur in very old age.
Grooming & Care
Aussiedoodle
high maintenanceShih-Poo
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Aussiedoodle Daily Life
Shih-Poo Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs (Mini) / Over 50lbs (Standard) | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200-3,500+ | $500-4,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,200–$3,500 | $800–$5,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $200–$300 | $180–$310 |
| Yearly Range | $2,400–$3,600 | $2,160–$3,720 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $30-50 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-90 | $30-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $70-100+ |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,000 | $600-1,200 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Aussiedoodle Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Shih-Poo Lifetime Cost
$25,000-55,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Aussiedoodle | Shih-Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | None |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | None |
Aussiedoodle Quirks
The Aussie Lean
Will lean their entire body weight against you as a sign of affection
Goose-ing
May nip the butts or heels of guests as they leave the house (herding instinct)
Counter Surfing
Intelligence allows them to solve 'kitchen puzzles' to get food
The Stare
Inherited from Aussie parent - intense eye contact to get your attention
Shih-Poo Quirks
The Zoomies
Daily explosions of energy where they run in circles with their butt tucked, usually lasting about 5 minutes
Coprophagia Risk
Inherited from Shih Tzu side - tendency to eat feces. Keep yard clean and monitor closely
Reverse Sneezing
A honking sound caused by soft palate spasms - scary but usually harmless
Bathroom Follower
Will follow you to the bathroom due to their velcro temperament
Frequently Asked Questions
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