Which is Better between the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Labrador Retriever Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Labrador Retriever versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever 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.

Labrador Retriever versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo

FactorLabrador RetrieverShihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/55/5
Life Span10 to 12 years13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Height21 to 24 inches at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
Does NOT Drool3/55/5
General Health3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Dog Friendly5/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/55/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight1/52/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Does NOT chew on things1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight55 to 80 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$1290$1590
Price Range$850 – $1500$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo

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

  • Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Labrador Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Labrador Retrievers 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.
  • Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • Labrador Retrievers 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.
  • Labrador Retrievers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Shihpoo

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

    Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever.

    `
    Labrador Retriever Shihpoo
    Average Price $1290 $1590
    Price Range $850 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever named Arctic that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Labrador Retrievers like Arctic on pefinder.com.

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

    The Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    You can find more Labrador Retrievers and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Shihpoo

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shihpoo

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Shihpoo?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Shihpoo

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shihpoo?

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Shihpoos?

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 Labrador Retriever vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Labrador Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Labrador Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound     Labrador Retriever versus Japanese Chin     Labrador Retriever versus Whippet     Labrador Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres     Labrador Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Labrador Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Australian Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Bloodhound     Labrador Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Labrador Retriever versus Chorkie     Labrador Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Silky Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Labrador Retriever versus Beaglier     Labrador Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Boxerdoodle     Labrador Retriever versus English Setter     Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Bearded Collie     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Bullmastiff     Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Australian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Bordoodle     Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Mudi     Shihpoo versus Pomsky     Shihpoo versus Hovawart     Shihpoo versus Australian Cattle Dog     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Pomapoo     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Sealyham Terrier     Shihpoo versus Collie     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Pointer     Shihpoo versus Scottish Terrier     Shihpoo versus Australian Cattle Dog     Shihpoo versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Papillon     Shihpoo versus Stabyhoun     Shihpoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Manchester Terrier     

    Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.