Which is Better between the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo? A Very Detailed Review.

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English Springer Spaniel Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel or the Shihpoo.

English Springer Spaniel versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo

Factor English Springer Spaniel Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 8 to 18 inches
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1310 $1590
Price Range $950 – $1600 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Canine Good Citizen Certification
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • DNA Bank
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • FUCOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PFK
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel is 78 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 English Springer Spaniel. 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 Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo

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

  • English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Springer Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • English Springer Spaniels are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • English Springer Spaniels 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 Springer Spaniels 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 Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Springer Spaniel versus Shihpoo

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

    English Springer Spaniels weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. English Springer Spaniels are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 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.

    Lifespan of English Springer Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of English Springer Spaniels is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniels.

    Price of English Springer Spaniel versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the English Springer Spaniel puppy is $1310. The price of the English Springer Spaniel typically ranges from $950 – $1600. However, the price of a English Springer Spaniel can be as low as $500 and as high as $3300. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 334 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel.

    English Springer Spaniel Shihpoo
    Average Price $1310 $1590
    Price Range $950 to $1600 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Springer Spaniels. 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 Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like English Springer Spaniels, 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Doc is the name of another English Springer Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Springer Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    English Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do English Springer Spaniels shed more than Shihpoos?

    English Springer Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Shihpoo

    English Springer Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Springer Spaniel or the Shihpoo?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    English Springer Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Springer Spaniel vs. Shihpoo

    English Springer Spaniels 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.

    Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    English Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 Springer Spaniels and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the English Springer Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    English Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the English Springer Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    English Springer Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Springer Spaniel

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

  • Australian Shepherd (81 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Field Spaniel (84 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Field Spaniel.
  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (82 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
  • 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 Springer Spaniel vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the English Springer Spaniel vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the English Springer Spaniel vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Springer Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     English Springer Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     English Springer Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     English Springer Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     English Springer Spaniel versus Doberman Pinscher     English Springer Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     English Springer Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     English Springer Spaniel versus Bolognese     English Springer Spaniel versus Komondor     English Springer Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     English Springer Spaniel versus Irish Setter     English Springer Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     English Springer Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     English Springer Spaniel versus Akita Chow     English Springer Spaniel versus Papillon     English Springer Spaniel versus Puggle     English Springer Spaniel versus Kai Ken     English Springer Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     English Springer Spaniel versus Mastiff     English Springer Spaniel versus Lowchen     English Springer Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     English Springer Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     English Springer Spaniel versus Bulldog     English Springer Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano     English Springer Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Finnish Spitz     Shihpoo versus Pointer     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Schipperke     Shihpoo versus Lakeland Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Labrador Retriever     Shihpoo versus Bichon Frise     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shihpoo versus English Toy Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shihpoo versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Vizsla     Shihpoo versus Kai Ken     Shihpoo versus Spinone Italiano     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Coton de Tulear     Shihpoo versus German Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Cane Corso     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Bernedoodle     Shihpoo versus Basenji     

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