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

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Puli Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Puli versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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

Puli versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Puli 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 Puli and the Shihpoo

Factor Puli Shihpoo
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 35 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2250 $1590
Price Range $1875 – $2750 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Puli 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 Puli is 74 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 Puli. 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 Puli and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Puli and the Shihpoo

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

  • Pulis get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Pulis 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.
  • Pulis 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.
  • Pulis require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Puli and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Puli 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 Puli and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Puli and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Puli versus Shihpoo

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

    Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 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 Puli versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Pulis.

    Price of Puli versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of a Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Puli 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 Puli is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Puli Shihpoo
    Average Price $2250 $1590
    Price Range $1875 to $2750 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis. 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 Puli 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: Puli versus Shihpoo

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pulis shed more than Shihpoos?

    Pulis 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 Puli or the Shihpoo

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Pulis 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 Puli Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Pulis 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 Pulis Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Pulis 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 Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Puli vs. Shihpoo

    Pulis 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 Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pulis 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 Puli or the Shihpoo?

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Pulis good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Pulis 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 Pulis and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Puli Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Pulis are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Puli Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli

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

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Scottish Terrier.
  • 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 Puli vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Westiepoo     Puli versus Norwich Terrier     Puli versus Affenhuahua     Puli versus American Hairless Terrier     Puli versus Afador     Puli versus Great Dane     Puli versus Weimaraner     Puli versus Bouvier des Flandres     Puli versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Puli versus German Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Puli versus Toy Fox Terrier     Puli versus Basset Hound     Puli versus Lowchen     Puli versus Akita Chow     Puli versus Keeshond     Puli versus Shiranian     Puli versus Dachshund     Puli versus Borzoi     Puli versus Samoyed     Puli versus English Toy Spaniel     Puli versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Puli versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Border Collie     Shihpoo versus Havanese     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Westiepoo     Shihpoo versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Papipoo     Shihpoo versus Chinook     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Pointer     Shihpoo versus Shichon     Shihpoo versus Mal Shi     Shihpoo versus Skye Terrier     Shihpoo versus Valley Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Bullmastiff     Shihpoo versus Azawakh     Shihpoo versus Whoodle     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Black Mouth Cur     Shihpoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Bloodhound     Shihpoo versus Affenhuahua     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     

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