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

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Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pyrenean Shepherd 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.

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo

Factor Pyrenean Shepherd Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 15 to 17 years 13 to 17 years
Height 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 30 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 16.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo

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

  • Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shihpoos are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds 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.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.

    • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 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 Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Shihpoos.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Shihpoos?

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shihpoo

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shihpoo?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Shihpoo

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shihpoo?

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds and Shihpoos?

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Pomsky.

    • 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 Pyrenean Shepherd vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Papipoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomeranian     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasapoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Morkie     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Papipoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Goldador     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Tervuren     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Papillon     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bracco Italiano     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Black Russian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Puggle     Shihpoo versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shihpoo versus Mudi     Shihpoo versus Yorkipoo     Shihpoo versus Pomchi     Shihpoo versus American Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Siberian Husky     Shihpoo versus Boxerdoodle     Shihpoo versus Basset Hound     Shihpoo versus Chi-Poo     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shihpoo versus Skye Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shihpoo versus Maltese     Shihpoo versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shihpoo versus Sloughi     Shihpoo versus Briard     Shihpoo versus Cesky Terrier     Shihpoo versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Akita Chow     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.