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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Papillon Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Papillon versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Papillon 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.

Papillon versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Papillon 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 Papillon and the Shihpoo

Factor Papillon Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Weight 4 to 9 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1800 $1590
Price Range $1400 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Papillon 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 Papillon is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Papillon and the Shihpoo

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

  • Papillons are good for new dog owners. However, Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Papillons are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • Papillons require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Papillon and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Papillon 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 Papillon and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Papillon and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Papillon versus Shihpoo

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

    Papillons weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Papillons are 8 to 11 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 Papillon versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Papillons is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Papillons is 14.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Papillons.

    Price of Papillon versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Papillon puppy is $1800. The price of the Papillon typically ranges from $1400 – $2000. However, the price of a Papillon can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 108 Papillon 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 Papillon is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Papillon Shihpoo
    Average Price $1800 $1590
    Price Range $1400 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Papillons. 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 Papillon 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 Papillon versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

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

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Papillon versus Shihpoo

    Papillons do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Papillons shed more than Shihpoos?

    Papillons 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 Papillon or the Shihpoo

    Papillons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Papillons are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Papillons 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 Papillons Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Papillons 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 Papillons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Papillon vs. Shihpoo

    Papillons 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 Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Papillons can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Papillons get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Papillons good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Papillons 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 Papillons and Shihpoos?

    Papillons 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 Papillon Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Papillons are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Papillon Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Papillons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Papillons 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 Papillon

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

  • Bichon Frise (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cavachon.
  • Havanese (79 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Havanese.
  • Papipoo (86 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Papipoo.
  • 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 Papillon vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Papillon vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Papillon vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Papillon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Papillon versus Silky Terrier     Papillon versus Dachshund     Papillon versus West Highland White Terrier     Papillon versus West Highland White Terrier     Papillon versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Papillon versus Portuguese Pointer     Papillon versus Toy Poodle     Papillon versus Miniature Pinscher     Papillon versus Carolina Dog     Papillon versus Frenchton     Papillon versus Shichon     Papillon versus Pomapoo     Papillon versus Mountain Cur     Papillon versus Keeshond     Papillon versus Chinook     Papillon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Papillon versus Ibizan Hound     Papillon versus Siberian Husky     Papillon versus Golden Retriever     Papillon versus Coton de Tulear     Papillon versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Papillon versus Toy Fox Terrier     Papillon versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Papillon versus Australian Kelpie     Papillon versus Manchester Terrier     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Norwegian Buhund     Shihpoo versus Dalmatian     Shihpoo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shihpoo versus Whippet     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Afador     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Saint Bernard     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus American Eskimo Dog     Shihpoo versus Azawakh     Shihpoo versus Barbet     Shihpoo versus Bordoodle     Shihpoo versus Greyhound     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Dachshund     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus German Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Cockapoo     Shihpoo versus Airedale Terrier     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shihpoo versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shihpoo versus American Bulldog     

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