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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Hovawart Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shihpoo

Factor Hovawart Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 13 to 17 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 8 to 18 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Shihpoo

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Shihpoo

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Hovawarts.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Shihpoo

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Shihpoos?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Shihpoo

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Hovawarts 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.

    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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Shihpoo

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Shihpoo?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Shiloh Shepherd     Hovawart versus Pointer     Hovawart versus Boxerdoodle     Hovawart versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Hovawart versus Catahoula Bulldog     Hovawart versus Irish Terrier     Hovawart versus Lakeland Terrier     Hovawart versus Pomchi     Hovawart versus Chihuahua     Hovawart versus Affenhuahua     Hovawart versus Canaan Dog     Hovawart versus Schipperke     Hovawart versus Leonberger     Hovawart versus Bedlington Terrier     Hovawart versus English Setter     Hovawart versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Hovawart versus Toy Fox Terrier     Hovawart versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Hovawart versus Sussex Spaniel     Hovawart versus Vizsla     Hovawart versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Hovawart versus Schnoodle     Hovawart versus Puggle     Hovawart versus Afador     Hovawart versus Dachshund     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus American Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Pomapoo     Shihpoo versus Afador     Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Shihpoo versus Sloughi     Shihpoo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shihpoo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Cavachon     Shihpoo versus Fila Brasileiro     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus Pointer     Shihpoo versus Black Mouth Cur     Shihpoo versus Collie     Shihpoo versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Great Dane     Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Cairn Terrier     Shihpoo versus Saluki     Shihpoo versus Peek A Poo     

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