Is the Great Pyrenees Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet? Answer…

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Great Pyrenees Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Great Pyrenees versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Great Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees and the Shihpoo

Factor Great Pyrenees Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 85 to 160 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $830 $1590
Price Range $500 – $1000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Auburn
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Optigen
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees is 63 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 Pyrenees. 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 Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees and the Shihpoo

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

  • Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Pyreneess 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 Pyreneess 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.
  • Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shihpoos are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Great Pyreneess 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 Pyreneess 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 Pyrenees and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Shihpoo

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

    Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 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 Pyrenees versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Great Pyreneess is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess.

    Price of Great Pyrenees versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Great Pyrenees puppy is $830. The price of the Great Pyrenees typically ranges from $500 – $1000. However, the price of a Great Pyrenees can be as low as $195 and as high as $2825. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 352 Great Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees.

    Great Pyrenees Shihpoo
    Average Price $830 $1590
    Price Range $500 to $1000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess. 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 Pyrenees 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 Pyrenees versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Great Pyreneess, 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 Great Pyrenees and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    A625726 is the name of another Great Pyrenees (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.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Shihpoo

    Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Shihpoos?

    Great Pyreneess 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 Pyrenees or the Shihpoo

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Great Pyreneess 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 Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Shihpoo

    Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Pyreneess 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 Pyrenees or the Shihpoo?

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Great Pyreneess 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 Pyreneess and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Great Pyreneess 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 Pyrenees

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

  • Black and Tan Coonhound (73 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (72 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (75 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • 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 Pyrenees vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Pyrenees versus Bordoodle     Great Pyrenees versus Newfoundland     Great Pyrenees versus Silky Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Pug     Great Pyrenees versus Sealyham Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Chinook     Great Pyrenees versus Border Collie     Great Pyrenees versus Yorkipoo     Great Pyrenees versus Finnish Lapphund     Great Pyrenees versus Boston Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Goldador     Great Pyrenees versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Great Pyrenees versus Weimaraner     Great Pyrenees versus Kuvasz     Great Pyrenees versus Toy Poodle     Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Great Pyrenees versus English Springer Spaniel     Great Pyrenees versus French Spaniel     Great Pyrenees versus Kuvasz     Great Pyrenees versus German Pinscher     Great Pyrenees versus Shichon     Great Pyrenees versus Welsh Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Beagle     Great Pyrenees versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Welsh Terrier     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Standard Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Mal Shi     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus American Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Skye Terrier     Shihpoo versus American Eskimo Dog     Shihpoo versus Dalmatian     Shihpoo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shihpoo versus Border Collie     Shihpoo versus Cairn Terrier     Shihpoo versus Bloodhound     Shihpoo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Affenhuahua     Shihpoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Kai Ken     Shihpoo versus Aussiedoodle     Shihpoo versus Redbone Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Morkie     Shihpoo versus Rottweiler     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

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