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

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Miniature Pinscher Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Miniature Pinscher versus Shihpoo: Overview

Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Miniature Pinscher 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.

Miniature Pinscher versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo

Factor Miniature Pinscher Shihpoo
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Life Span 10 to 14 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 8 to 11 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1470 $1590
Price Range $825 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher is 73 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 Miniature Pinscher. 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo

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

  • Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Miniature Pinschers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shihpoos are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Miniature Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Miniature Pinscher versus Shihpoo

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

    Miniature Pinschers weigh 8 to 11 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Pinschers are 10 to 12 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 Miniature Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers.

    Price of Miniature Pinscher versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Miniature Pinscher puppy is $1470. The price of the Miniature Pinscher typically ranges from $825 – $1500. However, the price of a Miniature Pinscher can be as low as $100 and as high as $50000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 159 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher.

    Miniature Pinscher Shihpoo
    Average Price $1470 $1590
    Price Range $825 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Pinschers. 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

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

    The Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Rece is the name of another Miniature Pinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    Miniature Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Pinschers shed more than Shihpoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Pinscher or the Shihpoo

    Miniature Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Pinscher or the Shihpoo?

    Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Miniature Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Pinscher vs. Shihpoo

    Miniature Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher or the Shihpoo?

    Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Pinschers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers and Shihpoos?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Miniature Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Miniature Pinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Miniature Pinscher

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Manchester Terrier (79 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Schipperke (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Schipperke.
  • 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 Miniature Pinscher vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Miniature Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Pinscher versus Chorkie     Miniature Pinscher versus Harrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Newfoundland     Miniature Pinscher versus Puggle     Miniature Pinscher versus Border Collie     Miniature Pinscher versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Miniature Pinscher versus Belgian Sheepdog     Miniature Pinscher versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Pinscher versus Clumber Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Miniature Pinscher versus Pharaoh Hound     Miniature Pinscher versus Great Dane     Miniature Pinscher versus Black Russian Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Patterdale Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Coton de Tulear     Miniature Pinscher versus Sussex Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Border Collie     Miniature Pinscher versus Dalmatian     Miniature Pinscher versus Hovawart     Miniature Pinscher versus Japanese Spitz     Miniature Pinscher versus Ibizan Hound     Miniature Pinscher versus Berger Picard     Miniature Pinscher versus Saint Berdoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Chi-Poo     Shihpoo versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon     Shihpoo versus Greyhound     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Norwich Terrier     Shihpoo versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shihpoo versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shihpoo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shihpoo versus Whoodle     Shihpoo versus Hovawart     Shihpoo versus Cavapoo     Shihpoo versus Labradoodle     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Toy Poodle     Shihpoo versus Samoyed     Shihpoo versus Sloughi     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Pekingese     

    Conclusion: Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.