Is the Irish Terrier Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet? Answer…

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Irish Terrier Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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

Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier and the Shihpoo

Factor Irish Terrier Shihpoo
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 17 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1280 $1590
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
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 Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Terrier 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 Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Irish Terriers 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 Terriers 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 Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 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 Terriers.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier.

    Irish Terrier Shihpoo
    Average Price $1280 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. 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 Terrier 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Shihpoo

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Irish Terriers 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 Terrier or the Shihpoo

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Shihpoo

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Irish Terriers 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 Terriers and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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 Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Collie     Irish Terrier versus Barbet     Irish Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Irish Terrier versus Vizsla     Irish Terrier versus Border Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Border Collie     Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Cockapoo     Irish Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Irish Terrier versus Dachshund     Irish Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Irish Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Irish Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Irish Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Irish Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Irish Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Terrier versus Collie     Irish Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Irish Terrier versus Sloughi     Irish Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Irish Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Irish Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Schipperke     Shihpoo versus Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Dutch Shepherd     Shihpoo versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shihpoo versus Akita Chow     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shihpoo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Bloodhound     Shihpoo versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shihpoo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shihpoo versus Akita     Shihpoo versus English Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Affenpinscher     Shihpoo versus German Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Finnish Lapphund     

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