Differences and Similarities between the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier.

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Shihpoo Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shihpoo and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shihpoo and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.

Shihpoo versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier is a small-sized dog.

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

On the other hand, the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shihpoo to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor Shihpoo West Highland White Terrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 13 to 17 years 12 to 16 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 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
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 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 18 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 8 to 18 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1590 $2220
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1600 – $2700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

  • Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, West Highland White Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs. However, West Highland White Terriers get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier

    The Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Shihpoo versus West Highland White Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shihpoo versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    The lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than West Highland White Terriers.

    Price of Shihpoo versus Price of West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier puppy is $2220. The price of the West Highland White Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2700. However, the price of the West Highland White Terrier can be as low as $600 and as high as $3999. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 103 West Highland White Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The West Highland White Terrier is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Shihpoo West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $1590 $2220
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1600 to $2700

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Shihpoo and West Highland White Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Shihpoo puppies or how many West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of West Highland White Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shihpoo puppy or the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier

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

    Also, like Shihpoos, West Highland White Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Puddles And Nacho is a Male West Highland White Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more West Highland White Terriers like Puddles And Nacho that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Shihpoo and the West Highland White Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Also, Fritz is an adorable Male West Highland White Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Shihpoos and West Highland White Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Shihpoos and West Highland White Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shihpoo versus West Highland White Terrier

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shihpoos shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Shihpoo or the West Highland White Terrier

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shihpoo or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Shihpoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White 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.

    West Highland White Terriers 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.

    Do Shihpoos Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shihpoo vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier?

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shihpoos good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Shihpoos and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Shihpoo Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Shihpoo Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shihpoo or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Shihpoo and how the West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shihpoo and of the West Highland White Terrier to other breeds:

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus French Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Border Terrier     Shihpoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shihpoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Carolina Dog     Shihpoo versus Basenji     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Terrier     Shihpoo versus Maltese     Shihpoo versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus English Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Miniature Poodle     Shihpoo versus Maltese     Shihpoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Kishu Ken     Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus Sloughi     Shihpoo versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Shichon     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Norwich Terrier     Shihpoo versus Affenpinscher     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     Shihpoo versus Pug     Shihpoo versus Australian Shepherd     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Collie     West Highland White Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Azawakh     West Highland White Terrier versus Border Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Saint Bernard     West Highland White Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Skye Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Peek A Poo     West Highland White Terrier versus Shih Tzu     West Highland White Terrier versus Border Collie     West Highland White Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     West Highland White Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     West Highland White Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     West Highland White Terrier versus Boxer     West Highland White Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     West Highland White Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Pekingese     West Highland White Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Goldador     West Highland White Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Shihpoo versus West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.