Which is Better between the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo? A Very Detailed Review.

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Golden Retriever Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Shihpoo.

Golden Retriever versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Retriever versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo

Factor Golden Retriever Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Height 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
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
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 75 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1870 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (evaluations annually for the dog`s lifetime)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is 73 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo

    Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo are most different:

  • Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shihpoos do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Golden Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Golden Retrievers are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • Golden Retrievers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Shihpoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo.

    Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 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 Golden Retriever versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Golden Retrievers.

    Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of a Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Golden Retriever Shihpoo
    Average Price $1870 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2200 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever named D837 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Golden Retrievers like D837 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Golden Retrievers, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Maui is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Maui that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Archie is the name of another Golden Retriever (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Golden Retrievers and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Golden Retrievers and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Shihpoo

    Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Shihpoo

    Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Shihpoo?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Shihpoo

    Golden Retrievers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Retrievers 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Shihpoo?

    Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Shihpoos?

    Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Shihpoo?

    Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever:

  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Irish Setter (72 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Irish Setter.
  • Labrador Retriever (75 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Labrador Retriever.
  • 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 Golden Retriever vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Retriever versus Bracco Italiano     Golden Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Golden Retriever versus Chorkie     Golden Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Boykin Spaniel     Golden Retriever versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Golden Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Golden Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Italian Greyhound     Golden Retriever versus Gordon Setter     Golden Retriever versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Bolognese     Golden Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Retriever versus American Foxhound     Golden Retriever versus Akita Chow     Golden Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Golden Retriever versus Schnoodle     Golden Retriever versus Mudi     Golden Retriever versus Azawakh     Golden Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel     Golden Retriever versus Standard Poodle     Golden Retriever versus Redbone Coonhound     Golden Retriever versus Basset Hound     Golden Retriever versus Australian Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Border Collie     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shihpoo versus Brittany     Shihpoo versus Shih Tzu     Shihpoo versus English Toy Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus West Highland White Terrier     Shihpoo versus Komondor     Shihpoo versus Afghan Hound     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shihpoo versus Sloughi     Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus English Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Goldendoodle     Shihpoo versus Chihuahua     Shihpoo versus Vizsla     Shihpoo versus Stabyhoun     Shihpoo versus Labrador Retriever     Shihpoo versus Manchester Terrier     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.