The Shmoodle Dog: A Complete Guide to the Adorable Hybrid Companion
Dogs have long been man’s best friend, and in recent years, hybrid breeds have become increasingly popular among pet lovers for their unique looks, tempered personalities, and often hypoallergenic coats. Among these hybrids, the Shmoodle stands out not just for its tongue-in-cheek name but for its winning combination of traits that make it a fantastic companion for individuals and families alike.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Shmoodle—its origin, appearance, temperament, size, care needs, and everything in between. Whether you're already a proud Shmoodle owner or considering adding one to your home, this article will provide a detailed overview of this lovable breed.
Breed History: Origins of the Shmoodle
The Shmoodle is a designer dog, meaning it’s the product of crossing two or more purebred dogs to achieve certain desirable traits. Specifically, the Shmoodle is a cross between the Shih Tzu, the Maltese, and the Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle). This triple mix creates a small, friendly, intelligent dog with a hypoallergenic coat and a cheerful disposition.
Designer breeds like the Shmoodle began to gain traction in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as breeders looked to combine the best characteristics of two or more breeds. The goal in creating the Shmoodle was to blend the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, the Shih Tzu's affectionate nature, and the Maltese's gentle charm.
Although not recognised by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Shmoodle is gaining popularity in households around the world, especially among those who want a small, low-shedding dog with a lot of personality.
Breed Group
Because it’s a hybrid or designer dog, the Shmoodle does not belong to a traditional breed group recognised by kennel clubs. However, based on its parentage, the Shmoodle would fit best in the Companion Dog Group.
All three contributing breeds—the Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Poodle—were bred to be close human companions, and that legacy continues with the Shmoodle. These dogs thrive in environments where they can be close to their owners, whether in a bustling family home or with a solo individual looking for a loyal furry friend.
Breed Size
The size of a Shmoodle depends somewhat on the size of the Poodle used in the breeding process (usually Toy or Miniature), but in general, they are considered a small breed.
Typical Size Ranges:
- Height: 20 to 30 cm at the shoulder
- Weight: 2.7 to 5.4 kg
Despite their small stature, Shmoodles have big personalities and are often surprisingly agile and athletic for their size. Their manageable size also makes them well-suited to apartment living, provided they get enough mental and physical stimulation.
Breed Coat
One of the most appealing features of the Shmoodle is its soft, wavy to curly coat, which is often low-shedding and hypoallergenic, thanks to the Poodle lineage. This makes the breed particularly attractive for allergy sufferers or those who prefer not to deal with excessive dog hair around the house.
Common Coat Characteristics:
- Texture: Soft, wavy, sometimes curly
- Length: Medium to long, depending on grooming habits
- Maintenance: Moderate to high. Requires regular brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4–8 weeks.
Owners should also pay special attention to ear care, as floppy-eared breeds like the Shmoodle can be prone to ear infections if not properly cleaned and maintained.
Colour and Appearance
Shmoodles come in a wide variety of colours, reflecting the diversity of their parent breeds. This mix of genetics gives them a delightful unpredictability in appearance.
Common Coat Colours:
- White
- Cream
- Apricot
- Black
- Tan
- Silver
- Brown
- Parti-colour (a mix of colours)
Their faces often have a cute, teddy bear-like quality, with expressive eyes, a short muzzle, and a slightly rounded skull. Some Shmoodles inherit the Maltese's silky locks, others the Shih Tzu's more plush coat, and many get the Poodle's signature curl. No two Shmoodles look exactly alike, which adds to their charm.
Temperament and Personality
The Shmoodle’s personality is where it truly shines. Bred from three companion-focused breeds, the Shmoodle is affectionate, intelligent, playful, and social. They tend to get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers when properly socialised.
Key Personality Traits:
- Affectionate: Loves cuddles and companionship
- Intelligent: Quick learners, especially with positive reinforcement training
- Sociable: Generally gets along well with people and other animals
- Alert: May bark to alert owners of new arrivals, but not excessively yappy
- Playful: Enjoys games, short walks, and interactive toys
Because they are so attached to their humans, Shmoodles can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They do best in households where someone is home most of the day or where they can have plenty of stimulation.
Common Health Issues
As a hybrid breed, Shmoodles benefit from hybrid vigour, which can make them more resilient than their purebred parents. However, they may still inherit some genetic predispositions from the Shih Tzu, Maltese, or Poodle.
Potential Health Concerns:
- Dental issues (common in small breeds)
- Eye problems (tear staining, cataracts)
- Hip dysplasia (rare but possible)
- Allergies
- Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)
Routine veterinary care, a proper diet, and regular grooming are key to keeping your Shmoodle healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shmoodle
What is a Shmoodle?
A Shmoodle is a designer dog breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu, a Maltese, and a Poodle. It’s a small, fluffy, affectionate companion dog known for its adorable looks, friendly demeanour, and hypoallergenic coat. It’s ideal for those seeking a low-shedding, people-oriented pet.
What breed of dog is a Shmoodle?
The Shmoodle isn’t a single pure breed but a hybrid breed. It blends traits from three popular companion breeds:
- Shih Tzu: Known for its loyalty and regal coat
- Maltese: Gentle and loving with a luxurious white coat
- Poodle (Toy or Miniature): Intelligent, agile, and hypoallergenic
Together, these breeds create a dog that is affectionate, intelligent, and easy to live with—perfect for many different lifestyles.
How big does a Shmoodle grow to?
Shmoodles are considered a small-sized dog, typically growing to:
- 20 to 30 cm heights at the shoulder
- 2.7 to 5.4 kg in weight
Their compact size makes them excellent for apartments and small homes, and they are easily portable for travel or on-the-go adventures.
Conclusion: Is the Shmoodle Right for You?
The Shmoodle is a fantastic choice for those seeking a small, affectionate, and intelligent companion. Its friendly nature, combined with its adorable looks and manageable size, makes it an excellent fit for singles, families, and seniors alike. With the right care, socialisation, and grooming, a Shmoodle can be a joyful and loyal member of the household for many years.
Whether you're charmed by its teddy-bear appearance or its lively, loving nature, the Shmoodle is a breed that continues to capture hearts—and it just might steal yours, too.
Continue reading our Shmoodle in-depth articles
- Shmoodle Temperament and Behaviour
- Shmoodle Training and Socialisation
- Shmoodle Toilet Training
- Shmoodle Barking Habits
- Shmoodle Grooming Requirements
- Shmoodle Shedding Behaviour
- Shmoodle Sleeping Behaviour
- Shmoodle Diet and Feeding Requirements
- Shmoodle Average Lifespan
- Shmoodle Exercise Requirements
- Shmoodle Common Health Issues
- Shmoodle Suitability Guide
- Shmoodle Advantages
- Shmoodle Disadvantages
- Shmoodle Cost to Buy and Own
- Shmoodle Clubs and Links
- Selling Shmoodle Puppy Litters and Dogs
- Buying Shmoodle Puppies and Dogs
- Shmoodle Alternatives