Which is Better between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Shihpoo. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shihpoo.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Shihpoo based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 17 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1590
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shihpoo. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Shihpoo!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo

Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shihpoo is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Shihpoo
    Average Price $1140 $1590
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Shihpoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Shihpoo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Shihpoos are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Caine that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Caine on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Yoshi is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Yoshi that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Zorro is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Moochie is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    American Pit Bull Terriers and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Shihpoos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shihpoo

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shihpoo?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shihpoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Shihpoo

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shihpoo?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Shihpoos?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shihpoo?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shihpoo that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shihpoo:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Shihpoo compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Shihpoo to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog          American Pit Bull Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Beaglier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Whippet     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Field Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shiranian     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bolognese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Goldador     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Afador     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mudi     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Lowchen     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shihpoo versus Harrier     Shihpoo versus Havanese     Shihpoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Basset Hound     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Buhund     Shihpoo versus Schipperke     Shihpoo versus Belgian Malinois     Shihpoo versus Chow Chow     Shihpoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Chorkie     Shihpoo versus Barbet     Shihpoo versus Chorkie     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     Shihpoo versus Samoyed     Shihpoo versus Kishu Ken     Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon     Shihpoo versus Boykin Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shihpoo versus Valley Bulldog     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.