Differences and Similarities between the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo.

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Norwich Terrier Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Norwich Terrier versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Norwich 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.

Norwich Terrier versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo

Factor Norwich Terrier Shihpoo
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Weight Up to 12 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2140 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2650 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier is 83 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 Norwich Terrier. 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 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Norwich 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.
  • Norwich Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwich Terrier versus Shihpoo

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

    Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up 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 Norwich Terrier versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Norwich Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers.

    Price of Norwich Terrier versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Norwich Terrier puppy is $2140. The price of the Norwich Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2650. However, the price of a Norwich Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Norwich Terrier Shihpoo
    Average Price $2140 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2650 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norwich 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 Norwich 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.

    Adopting the Norwich Terrier versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Norwich Terriers, 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwich Terrier versus Shihpoo

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwich Terriers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier or the Shihpoo

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

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

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwich Terrier vs. Shihpoo

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier or the Shihpoo?

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwich Terriers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terriers and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Norwich Terrier Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norwich Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwich Terrier

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

  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lowchen.
  • 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 Norwich Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Harrier     Norwich Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Norwich Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norwich Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Norwich Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Greyhound     Norwich Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Norwich Terrier versus Puggle     Norwich Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Norwich Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Norwich Terrier versus Sloughi     Norwich Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Akita     Norwich Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Norwich Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Norwich Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Norwich Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Norwich Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwich Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Frenchton     Norwich Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shihpoo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Mountain Cur     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Buhund     Shihpoo versus Italian Greyhound     Shihpoo versus Briard     Shihpoo versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Field Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus American Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus Puggle     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Pyredoodle     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Lakeland Terrier     Shihpoo versus Airedale Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pomapoo     

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