A Detailed Comparison of the Samoyed and the Shihpoo.

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Samoyed Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Samoyed versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Samoyed belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Samoyed versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Shihpoo

Factor Samoyed Shihpoo
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Life Span 12 to 14 years 13 to 17 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2460 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $3000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 1 year
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (X-L PRA) DNA Test
  • RD/OSD
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Samoyed 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 Samoyed is 71 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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Samoyed and the Shihpoo

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

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

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

  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Samoyed and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Samoyed versus Shihpoo

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

    Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Samoyeds are 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet 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 Samoyed versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Samoyeds.

    Price of Samoyed versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Samoyed puppy is $2460. The price of the Samoyed typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of a Samoyed can be as low as $800 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Samoyed 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 Samoyed is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Samoyed Shihpoo
    Average Price $2460 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $3000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Samoyeds. 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Samoyeds 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 Samoyed named We Have No Dogs Available At This Time. that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Samoyeds like We Have No Dogs Available At This Time. on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Chester is the name of another Samoyed (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Samoyed versus Shihpoo

    Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Samoyeds shed more than Shihpoos?

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyed or the Shihpoo

    Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyed Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shihpoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Samoyed vs. Shihpoo

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyed or the Shihpoo?

    Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Samoyeds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Samoyed Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Samoyed Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyed

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

  • English Setter (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs English Setter.
  • Siberian Husky (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Siberian Husky.
  • 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 Samoyed vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Samoyed vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Samoyed vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Samoyed versus Bracco Italiano     Samoyed versus Bernedoodle     Samoyed versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Samoyed versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Samoyed versus Saint Berdoodle     Samoyed versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Samoyed versus Miniature Poodle     Samoyed versus Papillon     Samoyed versus Boston Terrier     Samoyed versus Pomeranian     Samoyed versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Samoyed versus Puggle     Samoyed versus Puggle     Samoyed versus Maltipoo     Samoyed versus Clumber Spaniel     Samoyed versus Bull Terrier     Samoyed versus Bichon Frise     Samoyed versus Shiba Inu     Samoyed versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Samoyed versus Havanese     Samoyed versus Miniature Schnauzer     Samoyed versus American Foxhound     Samoyed versus Barbet     Samoyed versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Samoyed versus Biewer Terrier     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Saluki     Shihpoo versus Havanese     Shihpoo versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Airedale Terrier     Shihpoo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shihpoo versus Saint Berdoodle     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shihpoo versus Bouvier des Flandres     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Shih Tzu     Shihpoo versus Bracco Italiano     Shihpoo versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Boxer     Shihpoo versus Frenchton     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     Shihpoo versus Gordon Setter     Shihpoo versus Toy Poodle     Shihpoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus American Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Biewer Terrier     

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