Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Shihpoo.

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Collie Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Collie versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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

Collie versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Shihpoo

FactorCollieShihpoo
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/54/5
Life Span10 to 14 years13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/55/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
General Health3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Dog Friendly4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Does NOT Shed1/55/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$1480$1590
Price Range$1000 – $1800$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 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 Collie. 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 Collie and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Shihpoo

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

  • Collies 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Shihpoo

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

    Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Collies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Collies is 12.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Collies.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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 Collie.

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    Collie Shihpoo
    Average Price $1480 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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 Collie versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Collies, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Moochie is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Moochie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Collie and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Stripe is the name of another Collie (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Shihpoo

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Shihpoos?

    Collies 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 Collie or the Shihpoo

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Shihpoo

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

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies 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 Collie or the Shihpoo?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Collies 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 Collies and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Collie

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

  • Keeshond (84 percent match with Collie). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Keeshond.
  • 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 Collie vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Collie versus Scottish Deerhound     Collie versus Portuguese Pointer     Collie versus Labradoodle     Collie versus Bich Poo     Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog     Collie versus West Highland White Terrier     Collie versus Dalmatian     Collie versus Bedlington Terrier     Collie versus Chow Chow     Collie versus Pomsky     Collie versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Collie versus Papillon     Collie versus Lakeland Terrier     Collie versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Collie versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Collie versus Xoloitzcuintli     Collie versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Collie versus Fila Brasileiro     Collie versus Golden Retriever     Collie versus Weimaraner     Collie versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Collie versus Alaskan Malamute     Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Collie versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Collie versus Alaskan Malamute     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Bedlington Terrier     Shihpoo versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shihpoo versus Goldendoodle     Shihpoo versus Toy Poodle     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Great Dane     Shihpoo versus Great Dane     Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shihpoo versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus American Eskimo Dog     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Cavachon     Shihpoo versus American Foxhound     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Akita     Shihpoo versus Lakeland Terrier     Shihpoo versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shihpoo versus Mudi     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Frenchton     Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shihpoo versus Azawakh     Shihpoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Afador     

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