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

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Pug Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Pug versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pug 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.

Pug versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pug 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 Pug and the Shihpoo

Factor Pug Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
General Health 1/5 3/5
Height 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Weight 14 to 18 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1590
Price Range $1200 – $1875 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pug 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 Pug is 80 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 Pug. 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 Pug and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pug and the Shihpoo

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

  • Pugs 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.
  • Pugs are good for new dog owners. However, Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Pugs are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Pug and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Pug 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 Pug and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pug and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pug versus Shihpoo

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

    Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 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 Pug versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs 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 Pugs.

    Price of Pug versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of a Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 654 Pug 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 Pug is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Pug Shihpoo
    Average Price $1620 $1590
    Price Range $1200 to $1875 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pugs. 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 Pug 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 Pug versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

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

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

    Mr Man is the name of another Pug (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.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pug versus Shihpoo

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pugs shed more than Shihpoos?

    Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Pug or the Shihpoo

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Pugs 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 Pugs Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pug vs. Shihpoo

    Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pugs 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 Pug or the Shihpoo?

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Pugs good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Pugs 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 Pugs and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Pug Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Pug Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pugs 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 Pug

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

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs French Bulldog.
  • 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 Pug vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Sussex Spaniel     Pug versus Basset Hound     Pug versus Komondor     Pug versus Afghan Hound     Pug versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Pug versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Pug versus Goldador     Pug versus Weimaraner     Pug versus Keeshond     Pug versus Fila Brasileiro     Pug versus Keeshond     Pug versus Golden Retriever     Pug versus Shih Tzu     Pug versus Chinese Crested     Pug versus Samoyed     Pug versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pug versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pug versus Border Terrier     Pug versus Lowchen     Pug versus French Bulldog     Pug versus Lhasapoo     Pug versus Hovawart     Pug versus English Setter     Pug versus Shiranian     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Bedlington Terrier     Shihpoo versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Chihuahua     Shihpoo versus Cavapoo     Shihpoo versus Labrador Retriever     Shihpoo versus English Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Morkie     Shihpoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Yorkipoo     Shihpoo versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Shihpoo versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Spinone Italiano     Shihpoo versus Scottish Terrier     Shihpoo versus Kooikerhondje     Shihpoo versus Chinook     Shihpoo versus Belgian Malinois     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Cane Corso     Shihpoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Borzoi     Shihpoo versus German Longhaired Pointer     

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