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

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Irish Setter Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Setter 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.

Irish Setter versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Shihpoo

Factor Irish Setter Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 8 to 18 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
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
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
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
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1680 $1590
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo

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

  • Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Setters 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.
  • Irish Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Setters 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.
  • Irish Setters 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.
  • Irish Setters require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Shihpoo

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Irish Setters.

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Irish Setter Shihpoo
    Average Price $1680 $1590
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter named Oliver & Maggie Together Only that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Oliver & Maggie Together Only on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Irish Setters, 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 Irish Setter and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Shihpoo

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Shihpoos?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Shihpoo

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Shihpoo?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Shihpoo

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Shihpoo?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Shihpoos?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs English Setter.
  • 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 Irish Setter vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Setter versus Beagle     Irish Setter versus Pug     Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Plott     Irish Setter versus Canaan Dog     Irish Setter versus Sloughi     Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Boykin Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Border Collie     Irish Setter versus Boykin Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Portuguese Water Dog     Irish Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Irish Setter versus Schnoodle     Irish Setter versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Alaskan Malamute     Irish Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Setter versus Cairn Terrier     Irish Setter versus Yorkshire Terrier     Irish Setter versus Skye Terrier     Irish Setter versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Setter versus Australian Shepherd     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus Pomchi     Shihpoo versus Spanish Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Kai Ken     Shihpoo versus Bedlington Terrier     Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Skye Terrier     Shihpoo versus Mal Shi     Shihpoo versus Papillon     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Lakeland Terrier     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Cairn Terrier     Shihpoo versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Maltese     Shihpoo versus Scottish Terrier     Shihpoo versus German Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Frenchton     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     

    Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.