Shmoodle: Mal-Shi & Toy Poodle Mix

06/16/2023

Table of Contents

Shmoodle: Mal-Shi & Toy Poodle Mix

Height:	10-14 inches
Weight:	8-20 pounds
Lifespan:	12-16years
Colors:	Black, white, tan, brown, cream, red, sable, apricot
Suitable for:	Families and individuals that want a loving, low-shedding dog
Temperament:	Alert, active, loyal, smart, trainable, vocal, playful, affectionate

Small dogs standing less than 14 inches in height and weighing no more than 20 pounds, Shmoodles are excellent companion pets that are playful and fun without being overly energetic. Unlike many active dogs, Shmoodles only need moderate amounts of exercise and don’t require a lot of space. They’re very affectionate pups that want attention and love, though they do have a tendency to get a bit demanding and bossy if their needs are too freely met.

If you’ve never heard of a Shmoodle, you’re not alone. This is a designer breed that’s relatively new to the scene. You won’t find them on any registries, but if you manage to locate one for purchase, you’ll likely have an excellent pet with some very desirable qualities. If you want to learn more about this relatively unknown designer breed, keep reading as we discuss the ins and outs of caring for a Shmoodle.

What is a Shmoodle?

Shmoodles Are a Three-Way Mix

Most designer breeds are a specific cross of two purebred dogs. Shmoodles are a bit more unique. Instead of just two breeds involved in the mix, Shmoodles are made up of three distinct breeds: Poodles, Maltese, and Shih Tzus. Technically, the Shmoodle is a cross between a Mal-Shi and a Toy Poodle. Of course, Mal-Shi puppies are a cross between a Maltese and a Shih-Tzu, so if you want to breed your own Shmoodle, it’s going to take a few steps.

They’re Considered to Be Hypoallergenic

If you’re a person who suffers from dog allergies but you still love dogs, you might be looking for a hypoallergenic canine who you hope won’t have the same effect on your allergies. Luckily, Shmoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic pups, and it’s no surprise when you look at their lineage. All three parent breeds of a Shmoodle are hypoallergenic dogs.

Most Shmoodles will be shed little if at all, though some might be moderate shedders. Their coats can vary from short to moderately long, but most Shmoodles will have minimal impact on allergy sufferers. Still, if you’re hoping a Shmoodle will be the solution to your pet allergies, you should go and visit a Shmoodle before purchasing it to see how it will affect you.

They Tend to Be Quite Vocal

The small stature of the Shmoodle makes them a great candidate for apartment living. However, they have another trait that your neighbors won’t be too pleased about. Shmoodles tend to be quite vocal. They like to yap, bark, and whine rather loudly. You’ll see a Shmoodle making noise to voice pleasure and displeasure alike. You can definitely mitigate this issue with proper training from a young age, but it’s still a natural tendency shared by Shmoodles that you’ll want to be aware of before bringing one home.

How easy are Shmoodle to train?

One thing that draws many to the Shmoodle is how easy they are to train. These dogs are highly intelligent and really want to please their owners, which is a great combination when it comes time to train. Shmoodles are smart enough to know what’s being asked of them and they have the desire to do what their owner wants. Even for an inexperienced dog trainer, a Shmoodle is a great dog to get started with.

Diet and Nutrition

As a small breed, Shmoodles won’t eat too much. They also don’t have any particular dietary needs that you’ll need to meet. That said, they are prone to obesity due to their small size, so make sure that you don’t overfeed your Shmoodle. They’ll do well on high-quality dog food that’s specifically formulated for small breeds. Look for a blend with glucosamine and chondroitin in it or supplement them in the form of a joint chew since Shmoodles are susceptible to hip dysplasia.

How would you describe the temperament of Shmoodle?

The Shmoodle is an affectionate, boisterous and playful breed. They generally do well in any type of home and are quite happy around children as well as other dogs and pets, given they have been properly socialised as a puppy. They are a playful and intelligent breed, however training them requires patience and consistency on the owners behalf. Being a smaller breed, the Shmoodle can become fairly vocal.

It is important to teach them from an early age that unprovoked barking is not okay. If it is an issue that develops it is essential that it is dealt with before it becomes a habit. It is also important to remember not to ‘baby’ small breeds like Shmoodles, as they can become bossy and demanding – believing they are the top of the hierarchy in your home. This adorable little breed is suitable for all ages and most lifestyles, but do not make good running companions as they will struggle to keep up.

How healthy are Shmoodle?

One of the major benefits often afforded to designer breeds is a reduced susceptibility to particular health concerns that affected either parent breed. The idea is that if you mix two breeds that aren’t vulnerable to the same illnesses, you’ll reduce the chance of the offspring having the illnesses that commonly affect those breeds. In some cases, this seems to work, though, in the case of the Shmoodle, there are still quite a few health concerns that you’ll need to keep an eye out for.

Serious Conditions

Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a relatively common condition in dogs that starts when they’re young. It causes the hip and femur to form incorrectly, and the hip joint becomes loose. Over time, the bone and cartilage wear down, atrophying the muscles, reducing mobility, and even causing arthritis. While it is highly common in larger breeds, hip dysplasia is still quite prevalent in small breeds as well.
Bloat: Bloat is the common name for a condition known medically as gastric dilatation-volvulus complex or GDV. This is a serious emergency for any affected canine that causes the stomach to fill with air, building pressure until blood flow from the rear of the dog is prevented and the dog goes into shock. Sometimes, the stomach can even flip. This causes the spleen and pancreas to be dragged out of place, and the pancreas will become oxygen-starved, forcing it to produce toxic hormones that can stop the heart, killing the dog.
Epilepsy: Affecting nearly 1% of the canine population, epilepsy is the most common neurological order that dogs suffer. This disease causes unprovoked and recurring seizures due to a brain abnormality.

Minor Conditions

Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Dogs with hypoglycemia will experience massive decreases in energy levels and could even pass out. They may have a loss of appetite or increased hunger. Anxiety, shivering, heart palpitations, and seizures are also possible signs of hypoglycemia.
Hypothyroidism: The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism with a hormone called thyroxine. A dog with hypothyroidism has a thyroid that isn’t functioning properly and can’t produce enough thyroxine to meet the demands of the metabolism. You might first notice symptoms of hair loss, a dull coat, flaky skin, weight gain, muscle loss, slow movement, and ear infections. Luckily, it can be easily treated and controlled with oral medications that your dog will need to take for the remainder of its life.
Patellar Luxation: Small breeds are most susceptible to patellar luxation, which is a kneecap that can slip out of place. While it doesn’t always have a serious impact on the affected animal, it can lead to arthritis and lameness. For dogs with serious luxation, surgery might be necessary, though pain-relievers and joint supplements are generally the only necessary treatment for most dogs.

How active are Shmoodle?

While Shmoodles have plenty of energy, they’re not overly energetic. They have just enough energy to be playful and active, but not so much that you need to spend an hour each day wearing them out. Rather, you’ll be fine with one or two short walks during the day. All your Shmoodle needs is a chance to stretch its legs. It doesn’t even need a large yard. Because they’re so small, Shmoodles do well even in smaller living situations such as apartments and even tiny homes.

How long will Shmoodle live?

Shmoodle’s are the offspring of a purebred Mai-Shi (Maltese/Shih Tzu mix) and a designer-bred Toy Poodle. They have an expected life span of 12 to 16 years and are a hypoallergenic breed.

Grooming

Shmoodles can have a range of coats. Yours could have a coat that’s wavy or locked into tight curls. The coat could be short, long, or anything between. Most of them are low shedders, though some might shed a moderate amount. Still, their upkeep isn’t as bad as you might think from appearances. Just brush your Shmoodle’s coat a few times a week to prevent matting and tangling. You’ll also want to make sure to regularly wipe your Shmoodle’s tears as their prone to tear staining.
Aside from that, all your Shmoodle will require are the basics. Keep its nails trimmed and make sure its ears get cleaned out from time to time. These dogs don’t require too much in the way of grooming and maintenance.

Male vs Female

Physically, there is very little difference between male and female Shmoodles. With a three-way mix like the Shmoodle, there’s a lot of variances between individuals; more so than between sexes. However, temperamentally, there are some notable differences between males and females.
Females tend to be the more intelligent Shmoodles. This is accompanied by a more independent nature. They’re also generally more protective and less affectionate than males. While females can be playful, males are usually far more playful than females. Males will also seek out attention and give it more freely. You also won’t often see those independent or stubborn qualities in a male that are quite common in females.

Final Thoughts

Shmoodles are a bit rare and few people even know what they are. Even so, they make great companion pets. These dogs are loving, affectionate, smart, and trainable. They tend to be alert and active without being overly energetic, so you won’t have to spend too much time exercising your Shmoodle and they don’t need large yards to roam around. Shmoodles will do fine in apartment-sized spaces, but their tendency towards being vocal might annoy your neighbors. Still, a bit of training can reduce the noise your Shmoodle is making, turning it into an excellent apartment pooch.

There’s a lot to love here, so long as you aren’t hoping for a running companion or a guard dog. Shmoodles are neither of these, but they are amiable and enjoyable canines that make great pets for individuals and families that want a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog with lots of love and a playful demeanor.

Shmoodle: Mal-Shi & Toy Poodle Mix