Differences and Similarities between the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo.

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Irish Wolfhound Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Irish Wolfhound versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound 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.

Irish Wolfhound versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Shihpoo

Factor Irish Wolfhound Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
General Health 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Weight 115 to 180 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Height 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 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
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Life Span 6 to 8 years 13 to 17 years
Average Lifespan 7.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1930 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2400 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is 82 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 Wolfhound. 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Shihpoo

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

  • Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Wolfhounds get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Wolfhounds 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Shihpoo

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

    Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 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 Wolfhound versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 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 Wolfhounds.

    Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Irish Wolfhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Irish Wolfhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. However, the price of a Irish Wolfhound can be as low as $720 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 91 Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Irish Wolfhound Shihpoo
    Average Price $1930 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2400 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Wolfhounds. 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

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

    Action Jackson is the name of another Irish Wolfhound (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.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Shihpoo

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Shihpoos?

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Shihpoo

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Shihpoo

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound

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

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cavapoo.
  • 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 Wolfhound vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus Scottish Deerhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Irish Wolfhound versus Afghan Hound     Irish Wolfhound versus Toy Poodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Norwich Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Brittany     Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Wolfhound versus Cavapoo     Irish Wolfhound versus Pomeranian     Irish Wolfhound versus Mountain Cur     Irish Wolfhound versus Fila Brasileiro     Irish Wolfhound versus Airedale Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Gordon Setter     Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Wolfhound versus Manchester Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Bordoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Wolfhound versus Chow Chow     Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Wolfhound versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Wolfhound versus Maltese     Irish Wolfhound versus Norwich Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Valley Bulldog     Irish Wolfhound versus Scottish Deerhound     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Shiba Inu     Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Spinone Italiano     Shihpoo versus Havanese     Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Chow Chow     Shihpoo versus Affenpinscher     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Alaskan Malamute     Shihpoo versus Vizsla     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Norfolk Terrier     Shihpoo versus Akita Chow     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Bordoodle     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus Border Collie     Shihpoo versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Pointer     Shihpoo versus Canaan Dog     Shihpoo versus Bernedoodle     Shihpoo versus Bracco Italiano     

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