A Detailed Comparison of the Shihpoo and the Whippet.

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Shihpoo Versus Whippet: Introduction

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

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

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 Whippet.

Shihpoo versus Whippet: Overview

A very important difference between the Shihpoo and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog while the Whippet 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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Shihpoo versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shihpoo to the Whippet 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 Whippet

Factor Shihpoo Whippet
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 13 to 17 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 5/5
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 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 8 to 18 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1590 $2120
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1600 – $2600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shihpoo and the Whippet

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

  • Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Whippets are very easy to groom.
  • Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Whippets have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Shihpoos have low exercise needs. However, Whippets require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Shihpoos gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Whippets are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • The Similarities Between the Shihpoo and the Whippet

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

  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet 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 Whippet are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet are very playful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shihpoo versus Whippet

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

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

    On the other hand, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shihpoo versus Whippet

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

    The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Whippets.

    Price of Shihpoo versus Price of Whippet

    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 Whippet puppy is $2120. The price of the Whippet typically ranges from $1600 – $2600. However, the price of the Whippet can be as low as $400 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 121 Whippet puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Whippet is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Shihpoo Whippet
    Average Price $1590 $2120
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1600 to $2600

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Shihpoo and Whippet. For different price points, the charts show how many Shihpoo puppies or how many Whippet 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 Whippets

    A breakdown of the prices of Whippets

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

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shihpoos and many Whippets 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, Whippets are also available for adoption. For example, Malcom is a Male Whippet that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Whippets like Malcom that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shihpoo versus Whippet

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shihpoos shed more than Whippets?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Shihpoo or the Whippet

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shihpoo or the Whippet?

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

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

    Does the Shihpoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?

    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.

    Whippets 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 Whippets?

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

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

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shihpoo vs. Whippet

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

    Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shihpoos good family dogs? What about Whippets?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Shihpoos and Whippets?

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

    Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Shihpoo Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

    Is the Shihpoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Ibizan Hound (86 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Puli     Shihpoo versus Akita Chow     Shihpoo versus Belgian Malinois     Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus English Toy Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Shihpoo versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Sheepadoodle     Shihpoo versus Dachshund     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Vizsla     Shihpoo versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Barbet     Shihpoo versus Australian Kelpie     Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus Pomeranian     Shihpoo versus Westiepoo     Shihpoo versus Australian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Chinese Crested     Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Dalmatian     Shihpoo versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Shihpoo versus Plott     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Field Spaniel     Whippet versus Sheepadoodle     Whippet versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Whippet versus Tibetan Mastiff     Whippet versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Whippet versus Yorkipoo     Whippet versus American Eskimo Dog     Whippet versus Skye Terrier     Whippet versus Carolina Dog     Whippet versus Fila Brasileiro     Whippet versus Dalmatian     Whippet versus Bolognese     Whippet versus Chinook     Whippet versus Norwegian Lundehund     Whippet versus Brittany     Whippet versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Whippet versus Tibetan Mastiff     Whippet versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Whippet versus Leonberger     Whippet versus Briard     Whippet versus Saint Bernard     Whippet versus Bluetick Coonhound     Whippet versus Cockalier     Whippet versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Whippet versus Bloodhound     

    Conclusion: Shihpoo versus Whippet. 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 Whippet better suits you and your family.