Fila Brasileiro versus Shihpoo. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Shihpoo

Fila Brasileiro versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Fila Brasileiro versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 8 to 18 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1590
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo

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

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shihpoos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Fila Brasileiros 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.
  • Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Shihpoo

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Shihpoo
    Average Price $1270 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

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

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Shihpoo?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Shihpoos?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Shihpoo

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Shihpoo

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Shihpoo

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Shihpoo?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

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

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

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus German Longhaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Barbet     Fila Brasileiro versus Black Mouth Cur     Fila Brasileiro versus Chihuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus Sealyham Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus German Longhaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Boxerdoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Silky Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Bullmastiff     Fila Brasileiro versus Leonberger     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Giant Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Basset Hound     Shihpoo versus Pyredoodle     Shihpoo versus Azawakh     Shihpoo versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shihpoo versus Papillon     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     Shihpoo versus Pomapoo     Shihpoo versus Boxerdoodle     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.