Which is Better between the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff? A Very Detailed Review.

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Shihpoo Versus Tibetan Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff.

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 Tibetan Mastiff.

Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff: Overview

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

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

On the other hand, the Tibetan Mastiff 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.

Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shihpoo to the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

Factor Shihpoo Tibetan Mastiff
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 13 to 17 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 18 inches 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 8 to 18 pounds 75 to 160 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1590 $3190
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1500 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • 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 Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs. However, Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with other dogs.
  • Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living. However, Tibetan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Tibetan Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

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

    On the other hand, Tibetan Mastiffs weigh 75 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Mastiffs are 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is 12.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Tibetan Mastiffs.

    Price of Shihpoo versus Price of Tibetan Mastiff

    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 Tibetan Mastiff puppy is $3190. The price of the Tibetan Mastiff typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Tibetan Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $8000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 18 Tibetan Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Tibetan Mastiff is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Shihpoo Tibetan Mastiff
    Average Price $1590 $3190
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1500 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Shihpoo and Tibetan Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Shihpoo puppies or how many Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Tibetan Mastiffs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shihpoo puppy or the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shihpoos and many Tibetan Mastiffs 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 Toby that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shihpoos like Toby on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Shihpoos, Tibetan Mastiffs are also available for adoption. For example, Andy is a Male Tibetan Mastiff that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Tibetan Mastiffs like Andy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

    Also, Mav is an adorable Male Tibetan Mastiff on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shihpoos shed more than Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Shihpoo or the Tibetan Mastiff

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shihpoo or the Tibetan Mastiff?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Shihpoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    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.

    Tibetan Mastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Shihpoos Bark and Howl? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

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

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shihpoo vs. Tibetan Mastiff

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shihpoo or the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shihpoos good family dogs? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Shihpoos and Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Shihpoo Easier to Train than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Shihpoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best dogs 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 Tibetan Mastiff vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Tibetan Mastiff vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Tibetan Mastiff vs Shiranian.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Bernedoodle (71 percent match with Tibetan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bernedoodle.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (70 percent match with Tibetan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shihpoo versus Affenpinscher     Shihpoo versus Bich Poo     Shihpoo versus Lowchen     Shihpoo versus Bouvier des Flandres     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Samoyed     Shihpoo versus Papipoo     Shihpoo versus Komondor     Shihpoo versus Standard Poodle     Shihpoo versus Shiba Inu     Shihpoo versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus Pomsky     Shihpoo versus Bernedoodle     Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shihpoo versus Canaan Dog     Shihpoo versus Bearded Collie     Shihpoo versus Shiranian     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shihpoo versus Patterdale Terrier     Shihpoo versus Mudi     Shihpoo versus Affenpinscher     Shihpoo versus Mountain Cur     

    Tibetan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Mastiff versus Schipperke     Tibetan Mastiff versus Lowchen     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Tibetan Mastiff versus Airedale Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Bullmastiff     Tibetan Mastiff versus Black Russian Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler     Tibetan Mastiff versus Akita Chow     Tibetan Mastiff versus Basenji     Tibetan Mastiff versus Airedale Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Schnoodle     Tibetan Mastiff versus Pomchi     Tibetan Mastiff versus Finnish Spitz     Tibetan Mastiff versus Barbet     Tibetan Mastiff versus Goldador     Tibetan Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Tibetan Mastiff versus Leonberger     Tibetan Mastiff versus Greyhound     Tibetan Mastiff versus Miniature Pinscher     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel     Tibetan Mastiff versus Irish Setter     Tibetan Mastiff versus Bull Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Tibetan Mastiff versus Bich Poo     

    Conclusion: Shihpoo versus Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff better suits you and your family.