Dachshund versus Shihpoo. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Dachshund Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Shihpoo? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Shihpoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the Shihpoo

Dachshund versus Shihpoo: Overview

Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Dachshund and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dachshund 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.

Dachshund versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dachshund 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.

Factor Dachshund Shihpoo
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Weight 16 to 32 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
General Health 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Height 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1730 $1590
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Temperament Score 69.4 percent No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the Dachshund. 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 Dachshund and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Shihpoo

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

  • Dachshunds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shihpoos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dachshunds 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.
  • Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shihpoos are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Dachshunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Shihpoo

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

    Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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.

    Price of Dachshund versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund 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 a 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 Dachshund is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Dachshund Shihpoo
    Average Price $1730 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. 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 Dachshund 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dachshunds 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 Dachshund named Easley (Needs A Foster) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dachshunds like Easley (Needs A Foster) on pefinder.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Shihpoo

    Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Dachshunds are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Shihpoo

    Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Shihpoo?

    Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dachshunds shed more than Shihpoos?

    Dachshunds shed moderately.

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

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

    Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Shihpoos?

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

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

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

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Shihpoo

    Dachshunds 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Lhasa Apso (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Manchester Terrier (75 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Miniature Pinscher (72 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • 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 Dachshund vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dachshund versus Harrier     Dachshund versus Gordon Setter     Dachshund versus Kishu Ken     Dachshund versus Bullmastiff     Dachshund versus Toy Fox Terrier     Dachshund versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Dachshund versus Boxer     Dachshund versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Dachshund versus Dalmatian     Dachshund versus Pug     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Australian Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Sheepadoodle     Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Bernedoodle     Shihpoo versus Valley Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Siberian Husky     Shihpoo versus Aussiedoodle     Shihpoo versus Border Terrier     

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