Breed Comparison: Leonberger Versus Shihpoo

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Leonberger Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Leonberger versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Leonberger 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.

Leonberger versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shihpoo

Factor Leonberger Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
General Health 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Weight 120 to 170 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $870 $1590
Price Range $300 – $1150 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Shihpoo

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

  • Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Leonbergers 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.
  • Leonbergers 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Shihpoo

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

    Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers.

    Price of Leonberger versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of a Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger 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 Leonberger.

    Leonberger Shihpoo
    Average Price $870 $1590
    Price Range $300 to $1150 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers. 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 Leonberger 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: Leonberger versus Shihpoo

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Leonbergers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonberger or the Shihpoo

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Shihpoo

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonberger or the Shihpoo?

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Shihpoos?

    Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Leonbergers 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 Leonberger

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Mastiff.

    • 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 Leonberger vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Leonberger versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Sealyham Terrier     Leonberger versus Belgian Malinois     Leonberger versus Sealyham Terrier     Leonberger versus Labrador Retriever     Leonberger versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Leonberger versus Bulldog     Leonberger versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Leonberger versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Welsh Terrier     Leonberger versus Finnish Lapphund     Leonberger versus Harrier     Leonberger versus Beaglier     Leonberger versus Boston Terrier     Leonberger versus Cockapoo     Leonberger versus Sheepadoodle     Leonberger versus Lakeland Terrier     Leonberger versus Dutch Shepherd     Leonberger versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Leonberger versus Norwich Terrier     Leonberger versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Leonberger versus Irish Water Spaniel     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Golden Retriever     Shihpoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Barbet     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Morkie     Shihpoo versus Bedlington Terrier     Shihpoo versus Clumber Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Whoodle     Shihpoo versus Pharaoh Hound     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Kuvasz     Shihpoo versus Aussiedoodle     Shihpoo versus Spinone Italiano     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Terrier     Shihpoo versus Kooikerhondje     Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shihpoo versus Chinese Crested     Shihpoo versus Standard Schnauzer     

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