Is the Norfolk Terrier Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet? Answer…

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Norfolk Terrier Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo: Overview

Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Norfolk Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo

Factor Norfolk Terrier Shihpoo
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Weight 11 to 12 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2500 $1590
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Shihpoo. So, you should get the Norfolk Terrier!

    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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Norfolk Terriers 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.
  • Norfolk Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Norfolk Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo

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

    Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Norfolk Terriers.

    Price of Norfolk Terrier versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Norfolk Terrier puppy is $2500. The price of the Norfolk Terrier typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. However, the price of a Norfolk Terrier can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Norfolk Terrier Shihpoo
    Average Price $2500 $1590
    Price Range $2500 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers. 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 Norfolk Terrier 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: Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo

    Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier or the Shihpoo

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shihpoo?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Shihpoo

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shihpoo?

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers and Shihpoos?

    Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier

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

  • Boston Terrier (77 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cockapoo.
  • 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 Norfolk Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus Harrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Mal Shi     Norfolk Terrier versus Border Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Beagle     Norfolk Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Afador     Norfolk Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Norfolk Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Norfolk Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Mal Shi     Norfolk Terrier versus Chihuahua     Norfolk Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Norfolk Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Cockalier     Norfolk Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Norfolk Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomapoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Cesky Terrier     Shihpoo versus Labrador Retriever     Shihpoo versus Kuvasz     Shihpoo versus Silky Terrier     Shihpoo versus Harrier     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon     Shihpoo versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Bloodhound     Shihpoo versus Bloodhound     Shihpoo versus Harrier     Shihpoo versus Basset Hound     Shihpoo versus Boerboel     Shihpoo versus Miniature Poodle     Shihpoo versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shihpoo versus Clumber Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shihpoo versus Canaan Dog     Shihpoo versus Bich Poo     Shihpoo versus English Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus English Setter     Shihpoo versus Great Dane     

    Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.