Is the Boerboel Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Boerboel Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boerboel 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 Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Shihpoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel 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 Boerboel 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 Boerboel 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 Boerboel or the Shihpoo.

Boerboel versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Boerboel and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Boerboel versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Shihpoo

Factor Boerboel Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 8 to 18 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2660 $1590
Price Range $2225 – $3000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel 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 Boerboel is 70 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 Boerboel. 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 Boerboel and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Shihpoo

    Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are most different:

    • Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shihpoos do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Boerboels 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 Boerboel and the Shihpoo

    The Boerboel and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are most similar:

    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shihpoo are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Shihpoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the Shihpoo.

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches 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 Boerboel versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Boerboels.

    Price of Boerboel versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel 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. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. 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 Boerboel 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Shihpoo

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than Shihpoos?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Shihpoo

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Shihpoo?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Shihpoo

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Shihpoo?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels and Shihpoos?

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the Shihpoo?

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.