A Detailed Comparison of the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Shihpoo Versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? 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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Shihpoo and for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Shihpoo or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shihpoo to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Factor Shihpoo Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 13 to 17 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 18 inches 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 8 to 18 pounds 30 to 40 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1590 $1810
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1050 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shihpoo 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 89 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a better pet than the Shihpoo. So, you should get the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier!

    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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most different:

  • Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

    Price of Shihpoo versus Price of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The average price of the Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is $1810. The price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $2200. However, the price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be as low as $500 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 170 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Shihpoo Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
    Average Price $1590 $1810
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1050 to $2200

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shihpoo puppy or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Shihpoo versus Adopting the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shihpoos and many Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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 Shihpoo named Polo that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shihpoos like Polo on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Shihpoos, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Jimmy is a Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers like Jimmy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Also, Denver is an adorable Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Shihpoos and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Shihpoos and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shihpoos shed more than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Shihpoo or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shihpoo or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Shihpoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    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.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Shihpoos Bark and Howl? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shihpoo vs. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shihpoo or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shihpoos good family dogs? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Shihpoos and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Shihpoo Easier to Train than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Shihpoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shihpoo or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Shiranian.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cavachon.
  • Lowchen (80 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shihpoo versus Cane Corso     Shihpoo versus Giant Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Manchester Terrier     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     Shihpoo versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Buhund     Shihpoo versus Afghan Hound     Shihpoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Beaglier     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Chihuahua     Shihpoo versus Pekingese     Shihpoo versus Biewer Terrier     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Newfoundland     Shihpoo versus Whippet     Shihpoo versus Italian Greyhound     Shihpoo versus Japanese Chin     Shihpoo versus Coton de Tulear     Shihpoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus West Highland White Terrier     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd     

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Berger Picard     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Cavapoo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Papillon     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus French Bulldog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Irish Setter     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Collie     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Weimaraner     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Puggle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Schipperke     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Bearded Collie     

    Conclusion: Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Shihpoo and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better suits you and your family.