Is the Shiba Inu Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Shiba Inu Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo

Factor Shiba Inu Shihpoo
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 17 years
Height 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Weight 17 to 23 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2130 $1590
Price Range $1600 – $2500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is 82 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo

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

  • Shiba Inus 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.
  • Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo

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

    Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 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 Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Shiba Inus.

    Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of a Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Shiba Inu Shihpoo
    Average Price $2130 $1590
    Price Range $1600 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus. 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu named Dexter that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shiba Inus like Dexter on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Shiba Inu- Sebastian is the name of another Shiba Inu (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.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shiba Inus shed more than Shihpoos?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shihpoo

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Shihpoo?

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Shihpoo

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shihpoo?

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Shiba Inu Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu

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

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cardigan 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 Shiba Inu vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Boston Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Pug     Shiba Inu versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Basset Hound     Shiba Inu versus West Highland White Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Bichon Frise     Shiba Inu versus Golden Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Boxer     Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Pointer     Shiba Inu versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shiba Inu versus Afghan Hound     Shiba Inu versus Lancashire Heeler     Shiba Inu versus German Shepherd Dog     Shiba Inu versus American Hairless Terrier     Shiba Inu versus American Foxhound     Shiba Inu versus Boston Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Italian Greyhound     Shiba Inu versus Bernedoodle     Shiba Inu versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shiba Inu versus Norwegian Buhund     Shiba Inu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Bull Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiba Inu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Cavapoo     Shihpoo versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Kai Ken     Shihpoo versus Schipperke     Shihpoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shihpoo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shihpoo versus Kai Ken     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     Shihpoo versus Barbet     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Great Dane     Shihpoo versus Akita     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Carolina Dog     Shihpoo versus Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Pointer     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Chi-Poo     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Terrier     Shihpoo versus Border Terrier     Shihpoo versus Puli     Shihpoo versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Conclusion: Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.