Differences and Similarities between the Great Dane and the Shihpoo.

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Great Dane Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Shihpoo.

Great Dane versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Great Dane 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.

Great Dane versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Shihpoo

Factor Great Dane Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Weight 100 to 200 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
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
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 7 to 10 years 13 to 17 years
Average Lifespan 8.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1560 $1590
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Shihpoo

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Shihpoo are most different:

  • Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shihpoos do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Great Danes 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.
  • Great Danes are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Great Danes are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • Great Danes 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.
  • Great Danes require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Dane versus Shihpoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Shihpoo.

    Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 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 Great Dane versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Great Danes.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane.

    Great Dane Shihpoo
    Average Price $1560 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes 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 Great Dane named Ramsey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Ramsey on pefinder.com.

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

    The Great Dane and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Nolan is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Great Danes and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Great Danes and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Shihpoo

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Shihpoos?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane or the Shihpoo

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Shihpoo?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Shihpoo

    Great Danes 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.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane or the Shihpoo?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes and Shihpoos?

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Shihpoo?

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Dane

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (70 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 Great Dane vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Dane versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Great Dane versus Scottish Deerhound     Great Dane versus Schnoodle     Great Dane versus Ibizan Hound     Great Dane versus Akita Chow     Great Dane versus Labradoodle     Great Dane versus Welsh Terrier     Great Dane versus Clumber Spaniel     Great Dane versus Saluki     Great Dane versus Dutch Shepherd     Great Dane versus Bracco Italiano     Great Dane versus Brittany     Great Dane versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Great Dane versus Pomapoo     Great Dane versus Barbet     Great Dane versus Akita     Great Dane versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Great Dane versus Pharaoh Hound     Great Dane versus Welsh Terrier     Great Dane versus Kooikerhondje     Great Dane versus Australian Terrier     Great Dane versus Plott     Great Dane versus Puli     Great Dane versus Sealyham Terrier     Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Cairn Terrier     Shihpoo versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shihpoo versus Australian Shepherd     Shihpoo versus German Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Norwich Terrier     Shihpoo versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shihpoo versus Great Pyrenees     Shihpoo versus Standard Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Shih Tzu     Shihpoo versus Goldador     Shihpoo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shihpoo versus Saluki     Shihpoo versus Alaskan Malamute     Shihpoo versus Standard Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus French Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Golden Retriever     Shihpoo versus Australian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Barbet     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Whoodle     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.