A Detailed Comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo

Factor Rhodesian Ridgeback Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 17 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 85 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1590
Price Range $1250 – $1900 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo

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

  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Shihpoo
    Average Price $1620 $1590
    Price Range $1250 to $1900 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback named Mufasa 21-12-102 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Rhodesian Ridgebacks like Mufasa 21-12-102 on pefinder.com.

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

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shihpoos?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shihpoo

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shihpoo?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shihpoo

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shihpoo?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shihpoos?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bracco Italiano.
  • 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Shepherd     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Brittany     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mountain Cur     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Miniature Schnauzer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Longhaired Pointer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pekingese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shihpoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kai Ken     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Yorkshire Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Weimaraner     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Redbone Coonhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Patterdale Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Vizsla     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lhasa Apso     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Hairless Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Bulldog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Springer Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bolognese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bordoodle     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shihpoo versus Silky Terrier     Shihpoo versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shihpoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Shihpoo versus Mal Shi     Shihpoo versus Basenji     Shihpoo versus Pointer     Shihpoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shihpoo versus Pug     Shihpoo versus American Foxhound     Shihpoo versus Pug     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Shihpoo versus Belgian Malinois     Shihpoo versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Chihuahua     Shihpoo versus Pomsky     Shihpoo versus Canaan Dog     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus French Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.