Harrier versus Shihpoo. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Harrier Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Harrier versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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

Harrier versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Shihpoo

Factor Harrier Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Harriers 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.
  • Harriers get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Harriers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Harriers 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.
  • Harriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.

    • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Harrier and the Shihpoo are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Shihpoo

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

    Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers 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 Harriers.

    Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Harriers, 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 Harrier and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Bailey is the name of another Harrier (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.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Shihpoo

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Harriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Shihpoo

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Shihpoo?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Shihpoo

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Harriers 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 Harriers and Shihpoos?

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

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

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bluetick 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 Harrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Schnoodle     Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Harrier versus Aussiedoodle     Harrier versus Akita Chow     Harrier versus Great Dane     Harrier versus Lhasapoo     Harrier versus Whoodle     Harrier versus Skye Terrier     Harrier versus Afghan Hound     Harrier versus French Bulldog     Harrier versus French Bulldog     Harrier versus Collie     Harrier versus Pomapoo     Harrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Harrier versus Goldendoodle     Harrier versus Standard Poodle     Harrier versus Pomapoo     Harrier versus Australian Kelpie     Harrier versus Irish Setter     Harrier versus Havanese     Harrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Harrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Harrier versus Pekingese     Harrier versus Golden Retriever     Harrier versus Fila Brasileiro     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Basset Hound     Shihpoo versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shihpoo versus Pug     Shihpoo versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shihpoo versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shihpoo versus Newfoundland     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     Shihpoo versus King Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shihpoo versus American Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Pharaoh Hound     Shihpoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Boerboel     Shihpoo versus Sealyham Terrier     Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shihpoo versus Cairn Terrier     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Afghan Hound     Shihpoo versus Great Pyrenees     Shihpoo versus Siberian Husky     Shihpoo versus Affenhuahua     

    Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.