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

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Mastiff Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Mastiff versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Mastiff 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.

Mastiff versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mastiff 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 Mastiff and the Shihpoo

Factor Mastiff Shihpoo
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Weight 130 to 220 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
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
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Life Span 6 to 10 years 13 to 17 years
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1740 $1590
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Minimum age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PennGen
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mastiff 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 Mastiff is 72 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mastiff and the Shihpoo

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

  • Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shihpoos do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Mastiff and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mastiff 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 Mastiff and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mastiff versus Shihpoo

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

    Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 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 Mastiff versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Mastiffs.

    Price of Mastiff versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of a Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff 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 Mastiff is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Mastiff Shihpoo
    Average Price $1740 $1590
    Price Range $1100 to $2200 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs. 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 Mastiff 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 Mastiff versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Mastiffs, 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 Mastiff and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Midnight is the name of another Mastiff (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mastiff versus Shihpoo

    Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mastiffs shed more than Shihpoos?

    Mastiffs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Mastiff or the Shihpoo

    Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mastiff vs. Shihpoo

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiff or the Shihpoo?

    Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Mastiff Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiff

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

  • Black Russian Terrier (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • Leonberger (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Leonberger.
  • 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 Mastiff vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mastiff versus Patterdale Terrier     Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog     Mastiff versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Mastiff versus Bulldog     Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mastiff versus Maltipoo     Mastiff versus Mountain Cur     Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mastiff versus Chihuahua     Mastiff versus Canaan Dog     Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd     Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Mastiff versus Chorkie     Mastiff versus Skye Terrier     Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Mastiff versus Welsh Terrier     Mastiff versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mastiff versus Hovawart     Mastiff versus German Shepherd Dog     Mastiff versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mastiff versus American Hairless Terrier     Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer     Mastiff versus Black Mouth Cur     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Gordon Setter     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     Shihpoo versus Briard     Shihpoo versus Pharaoh Hound     Shihpoo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Affenhuahua     Shihpoo versus Kishu Ken     Shihpoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Puli     Shihpoo versus Field Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Golden Retriever     Shihpoo versus Biewer Terrier     Shihpoo versus Cockalier     Shihpoo versus Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Shihpoo versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Mudi     Shihpoo versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shihpoo versus Finnish Spitz     Shihpoo versus King Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Border Terrier     

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