Breed Comparison: English Setter Versus Shihpoo

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English Setter Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter 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 English Setter 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 English Setter 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 English Setter or the Shihpoo

English Setter versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English Setter 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.

English Setter versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Setter 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 English Setter Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 8 to 18 inches
Life Span 11 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1020 $1590
Price Range $800 – $1200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • 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 English Setter 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 English Setter is 74 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 English Setter. 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 English Setter and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Setter and the Shihpoo

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

  • English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • English Setters 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.
  • English Setters 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.
  • English Setters require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.

    • The Similarities Between the English Setter and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the English Setter 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 English Setter and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Setter and the Shihpoo are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus Shihpoo

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

    English Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. English Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 English Setter versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the English Setter puppy is $1020. The price of the English Setter typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a English Setter can be as low as $450 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 English Setter 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 Shihpoo is more expensive than the English Setter.

    English Setter Shihpoo
    Average Price $1020 $1590
    Price Range $800 to $1200 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Setters. 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 English Setter 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 English Setter versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like English Setters, 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 English Setter and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Porter is the name of another English Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Is the English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus Shihpoo

    English Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the English Setter or the Shihpoo

    English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    English Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Setters 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.

    Do English Setters shed more than Shihpoos?

    English Setters shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the Shihpoo?

    English Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    English Setters are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    Are English Setters good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    English Setters 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 English Setters and Shihpoos?

    English Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    English Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Does the English Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    English Setters 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. Shihpoo

    English Setters 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 English Setter

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

  • Irish Setter (83 percent match with English Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Irish Setter.

    • 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 English Setter vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Setter versus Labradoodle     English Setter versus English Toy Spaniel     English Setter versus Ibizan Hound     English Setter versus Standard Poodle     English Setter versus Maltese     English Setter versus Alaskan Klee Kai     English Setter versus Xoloitzcuintli     English Setter versus Bull Terrier     English Setter versus Bull Terrier     English Setter versus Italian Greyhound     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shihpoo versus Cairn Terrier     Shihpoo versus Australian Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Dutch Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Cockapoo     Shihpoo versus Shiba Inu     Shihpoo versus Affenpinscher     Shihpoo versus Chi-Poo     Shihpoo versus Akita Chow     Shihpoo versus Field Spaniel     

    Conclusion: English Setter 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 English Setter and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.