A Shih-poo is a mixe breed dog that is produced by mating a Poodle and a Shih Tzu. It is one of many Poodle hybrids that have been bred in an attempt to combine the characteristics of the Poodle, such as its intelligence and low-shed coat, with the desirable traits of another breed- in this case the Shih Tzu. Some owners prefer Shih-Poo's over Shih Tzus because the snout of the dog is less pushed in, therefore alleviating many breathing problems that shih-tzus can experience. The Shih-poo is also known as the Pooshih, not to be confused with the Poo-shi, which is a Poodle and Shiba Inu cross. Shih-poos have notable references in popular culture .