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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Japanese Chin Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Japanese Chin versus Shihpoo: Overview

Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Japanese Chin belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Japanese Chin versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo

FactorJapanese ChinShihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor5/55/5
Life Span10 to 14 years13 to 17 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
NOT Rambunctious4/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/54/5
Easygoing3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/53/5
Affectionate With Family3/55/5
Kid-Friendly3/53/5
Dog Friendly3/52/5
Does NOT Shed3/55/5
Easy To Groom3/52/5
General Health3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Easy To Train3/52/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
Does NOT chew on things2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Weight4 to 9 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/55/5
Height8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Average Lifespan12.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$1930$1590
Price Range$1500 – $2100$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 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 not better or worse than the Japanese Chin. So, you can get the Shihpoo or the Japanese Chin!

    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 Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Shihpoo

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

    Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins.

    Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $1930. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1500 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Chin can be as low as $600 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 71 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    `
    Japanese Chin Shihpoo
    Average Price $1930 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2100 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Japanese Chins, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Moochie is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Moochie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Fergus is the name of another Japanese Chin (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Shihpoo

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Chins shed more than Shihpoos?

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Shihpoo

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Shihpoo?

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Shihpoo

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin or the Shihpoo?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin

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

  • Pomapoo (77 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Peek A Poo.
  • 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 Japanese Chin vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Chin vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Chin versus Goldendoodle     Japanese Chin versus Saint Bernard     Japanese Chin versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Japanese Chin versus Boxer     Japanese Chin versus Pomapoo     Japanese Chin versus Pekingese     Japanese Chin versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Newfoundland     Japanese Chin versus Havanese     Japanese Chin versus Affenpinscher     Japanese Chin versus Bearded Collie     Japanese Chin versus Black Russian Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Black Russian Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Border Collie     Japanese Chin versus Scottish Deerhound     Japanese Chin versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Japanese Chin versus Rottweiler     Japanese Chin versus Brussels Griffon     Japanese Chin versus Shiranian     Japanese Chin versus Australian Kelpie     Japanese Chin versus Cavachon     Japanese Chin versus Yorkipoo     Japanese Chin versus Manchester Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Chin versus Cockalier     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus American Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Komondor     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Buhund     Shihpoo versus Plott     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus Sloughi     Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Pyredoodle     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Shihpoo versus Miniature Poodle     Shihpoo versus King Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Shihpoo versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Pomapoo     Shihpoo versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shihpoo versus American Foxhound     Shihpoo versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shihpoo versus Patterdale Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Chow Chow     Shihpoo versus Briard     Shihpoo versus Mountain Cur     Shihpoo versus Redbone Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.