A Detailed Comparison of the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Kuvasz Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Kuvasz versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Kuvasz 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.

Kuvasz versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shihpoo

Factor Kuvasz Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1630 $1590
Price Range $1438 – $1812 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is 66 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo

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

  • Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kuvaszs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shihpoos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Kuvaszs 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.
  • Kuvaszs 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.
  • Kuvaszs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Shihpoo

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

    Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 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 Kuvasz versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Kuvaszs.

    Price of Kuvasz versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of a Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Kuvasz Shihpoo
    Average Price $1630 $1590
    Price Range $1438 to $1812 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs. 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 Kuvasz 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: Kuvasz versus Shihpoo

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kuvaszs shed more than Shihpoos?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Shihpoo

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Shihpoo

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Shihpoo?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs and Shihpoos?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Kuvasz Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Kuvasz vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Kuvasz versus Great Pyrenees     Kuvasz versus King Shepherd     Kuvasz versus Cesky Terrier     Kuvasz versus Bedlington Terrier     Kuvasz versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Kuvasz versus Australian Kelpie     Kuvasz versus Cane Corso     Kuvasz versus Miniature Pinscher     Kuvasz versus Akbash     Kuvasz versus Coton de Tulear     Kuvasz versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kuvasz versus Beaglier     Kuvasz versus Akita Chow     Kuvasz versus Shih Tzu     Kuvasz versus Skye Terrier     Kuvasz versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kuvasz versus Bulldog     Kuvasz versus Manchester Terrier     Kuvasz versus Canaan Dog     Kuvasz versus Brussels Griffon     Kuvasz versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Kuvasz versus Sealyham Terrier     Kuvasz versus English Toy Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Afghan Hound     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Chinook     Shihpoo versus Canaan Dog     Shihpoo versus Goldendoodle     Shihpoo versus Chow Chow     Shihpoo versus Lhasa Apso     Shihpoo versus Bolognese     Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus Pomsky     Shihpoo versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Standard Poodle     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     Shihpoo versus Dachshund     Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Norfolk Terrier     Shihpoo versus Japanese Spitz     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     Shihpoo versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shihpoo versus Pekingese     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Briard     Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

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