Which is Better between the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo? A Very Detailed Review.

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Carolina Dog Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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

Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo

Factor Carolina Dog Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $500 $1590
Price Range $500 – $500 $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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo

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

  • Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs 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.
  • Carolina Dogs get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo

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

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Carolina Dogs.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Shihpoo
    Average Price $500 $1590
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog named A1135456 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like A1135456 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, 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 Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Mitch is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Carolina Dogs and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Shihpoos?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Shihpoo

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Shihpoo?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Shihpoo

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • 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 Carolina Dog vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Shihpoo compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Shihpoo to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Carolina Dog versus Pekingese     Carolina Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Cane Corso     Carolina Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Pomeranian     Carolina Dog versus Pyredoodle     Carolina Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Carolina Dog versus Greyhound     Carolina Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Carolina Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Great Dane     Carolina Dog versus Westiepoo     Carolina Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Carolina Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog     Carolina Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Westiepoo     Carolina Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Carolina Dog versus Giant Schnauzer     Carolina Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Pyredoodle     Shihpoo versus Pomchi     Shihpoo versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Cavapoo     Shihpoo versus Bolognese     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Black Mouth Cur     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Puli     Shihpoo versus Labradoodle     Shihpoo versus Boykin Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shihpoo versus French Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Basenji     Shihpoo versus Dalmatian     Shihpoo versus Clumber Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Lowchen     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus Puli     Shihpoo versus Standard Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.