Breed Comparison: Shetland Sheepdog Versus Shihpoo

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Shetland Sheepdog Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Shetland Sheepdog versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo

Factor Shetland Sheepdog Shihpoo
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Height 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight Starts at 20 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1590
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Shihpoo. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!

    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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo

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

  • Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Shetland Sheepdogs 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.
  • Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    • The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Shihpoo

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Shetland Sheepdog versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shihpoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are sold for about the same price.

    Shetland Sheepdog Shihpoo
    Average Price $1590 $1590
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

    Also, like Shetland Sheepdogs, 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    ~Courtesy~Simon And Shu Shu is the name of another Shetland Sheepdog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shetland Sheepdog versus Shihpoo

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Shihpoos?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Shihpoo

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shihpoo?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Shihpoo

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Shihpoo?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs and Shihpoos?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky     Shetland Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Puggle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Shetland Sheepdog versus Beagle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mastiff     Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Komondor     Shetland Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Shetland Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shetland Sheepdog versus Havanese     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise     Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Basenji     Shetland Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus Great Pyrenees     Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus Schipperke     Shihpoo versus Mountain Cur     Shihpoo versus Finnish Lapphund     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Toy Poodle     Shihpoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Dutch Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Stabyhoun     Shihpoo versus King Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Komondor     Shihpoo versus Basenji     Shihpoo versus Silky Terrier     Shihpoo versus Chinese Crested     Shihpoo versus Saint Berdoodle     Shihpoo versus Chinook     Shihpoo versus Border Terrier     

    Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.