Breed Comparison: Dogo Argentino Versus Shihpoo

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Dogo Argentino Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Shihpoo

Dogo Argentino versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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

Dogo Argentino versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 8 to 18 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo

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

  • Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dogo Argentinos 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.
  • Dogo Argentinos 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino versus Shihpoo

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

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 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.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Dogo Argentino Shihpoo
    Average Price $2510 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Dogo Argentinos, 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Max is the name of another Dogo Argentino (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Shihpoos?

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Shihpoo

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Shihpoos?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Shihpoo

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Shihpoo?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Shihpoo

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

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

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Australian Cattle Dog     Dogo Argentino versus Belgian Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Dogo Argentino versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Westiepoo     Dogo Argentino versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Dogo Argentino versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus English Springer Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Frenchton     Dogo Argentino versus Bloodhound     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Chow Chow     Shihpoo versus Dogo Argentino     Shihpoo versus Shichon     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus French Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Maltese     Shihpoo versus Irish Setter     Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.