Breed Comparison: German Pinscher Versus Shihpoo

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German Pinscher Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or the Shihpoo.

German Pinscher versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the German Pinscher 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.

German Pinscher versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Shihpoo

FactorGerman PinscherShihpoo
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 14 years13 to 17 years
Height17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Dog Friendly2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/54/5
Weight25 to 45 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/53/5
Kid-Friendly3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/55/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
General Health4/53/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander2/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$2040$1590
Price Range$1150 – $2688$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo

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

  • German Pinschers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • German Pinschers 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.
  • German Pinschers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Shihpoo

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

    German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 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.

    Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than German Pinschers.

    Price of German Pinscher versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

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    German Pinscher Shihpoo
    Average Price $2040 $1590
    Price Range $1150 to $2688 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers. 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 German Pinscher 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Pinschers shed more than Shihpoos?

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Shihpoo

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Shihpoo?

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Shihpoo

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Shihpoo?

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher

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

  • Australian Kelpie (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Mudi.
  • 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 German Pinscher vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus Norwich Terrier     German Pinscher versus Newfoundland     German Pinscher versus Mountain Cur     German Pinscher versus Fila Brasileiro     German Pinscher versus Belgian Malinois     German Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd     German Pinscher versus Shiba Inu     German Pinscher versus Fila Brasileiro     German Pinscher versus Cairn Terrier     German Pinscher versus Chinese Shar-Pei     German Pinscher versus Irish Setter     German Pinscher versus Patterdale Terrier     German Pinscher versus Bulldog     German Pinscher versus Greyhound     German Pinscher versus Norfolk Terrier     German Pinscher versus Maltese     German Pinscher versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus Finnish Lapphund     German Pinscher versus Dogo Argentino     German Pinscher versus Affenpinscher     German Pinscher versus Barbet     German Pinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     German Pinscher versus Tibetan Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Dogue de Bordeaux     German Pinscher versus Brittany     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Black Russian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Miniature Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Fila Brasileiro     Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon     Shihpoo versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Pointer     Shihpoo versus Havanese     Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon     Shihpoo versus Newfoundland     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Vizsla     Shihpoo versus American Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Cockalier     Shihpoo versus Manchester Terrier     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Irish Terrier     Shihpoo versus Dalmatian     Shihpoo versus Lancashire Heeler     Shihpoo versus Bichon Frise     Shihpoo versus Greyhound     Shihpoo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Bullmastiff     Shihpoo versus Boerboel     Shihpoo versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Conclusion: German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.