Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shih Tzu Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
- Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo: Overview
- Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo
- The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo
- Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo
- Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Shihpoo
- Adopting the Shih Tzu versus Adopting the Shihpoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo
- Do Shih Tzus shed more than Shihpoos?
- Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?
- Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
- Do Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Shihpoo
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?
- Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
- How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Shihpoos?
- Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shih Tzu Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo.
Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo: Overview
Both the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Shih Tzu 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.
Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo
| Factor | Shih Tzu | Shihpoo |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 13 to 17 years |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 18 inches |
| Weight | 9 to 16 pounds | 8 to 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 15.0 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2300 | $1200 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Shihpoo. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo
Below is a list of where the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo
The Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo.
Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 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 Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus.
Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Shihpoo
The average price of the Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of a Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Shihpoo.
| Shih Tzu | Shihpoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1820 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2300 | $1200 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shih Tzu and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Shih Tzu puppies or how many Shihpoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu versus Adopting the Shihpoo
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu named Max that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shih Tzus like Max on pefinder.com.
Also, like Shih Tzus, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Toby is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Toby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Louie is the name of another Shih Tzu (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Moochie is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Shih Tzus and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.
Do Shih Tzus shed more than Shihpoos?
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Shihpoo
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus and Shihpoos?
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Shihpoos are not easy to train.
Is the Shih Tzu Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shih Tzu or the Shihpoo?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Shih Tzu and how the Shihpoo compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shih Tzu and of the Shihpoo to other breeds:
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Collie Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Lundehund Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shih Tzu versus Borzoi Shih Tzu versus Lhasapoo Shih Tzu versus German Longhaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Barbet Shih Tzu versus Bloodhound Shih Tzu versus Chi-Poo Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier Shih Tzu versus Chinese Crested Shih Tzu versus Cane Corso Shih Tzu versus Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu versus Maremma Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Chi-Poo Shih Tzu versus Weimaraner Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle Shih Tzu versus English Toy Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Shichon Shih Tzu versus Norfolk Terrier
Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shihpoo versus Maltipoo Shihpoo versus Papillon Shihpoo versus Boerboel Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd Shihpoo versus Boxer Shihpoo versus Morkie Shihpoo versus Hovawart Shihpoo versus Puli Shihpoo versus Portuguese Water Dog Shihpoo versus Newfoundland Shihpoo versus Spinone Italiano Shihpoo versus German Pinscher Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon Shihpoo versus Whippet Shihpoo versus Shiba Inu Shihpoo versus Beaglier Shihpoo versus Finnish Lapphund Shihpoo versus Akbash Shihpoo versus Tibetan Spaniel Shihpoo versus Collie Shihpoo versus Cockalier Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier Shihpoo versus Irish Terrier
Conclusion: Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.