Is the Shihpoo Better than the Yorkshire Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Shihpoo Versus Yorkshire Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier: Overview

Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier are similar in size. The Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier are both tiny-sized dogs.

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

On the other hand, the Yorkshire Terrier 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.

Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shihpoo to the Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier

Factor Shihpoo Yorkshire Terrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
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 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 18 inches 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 8 to 18 pounds 4 to 6 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1590 $2420
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1600 – $2950
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier

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

  • Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Yorkshire Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier

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

  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier

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

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

    On the other hand, Yorkshire Terriers weigh 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Yorkshire Terriers are 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier

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

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Yorkshire Terriers.

    Price of Shihpoo versus Price of Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of the Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Shihpoo Yorkshire Terrier
    Average Price $1590 $2420
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1600 to $2950

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers

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

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

    The Shihpoo and the Yorkshire Terrier 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, Ceasar Milan is an adorable Male Yorkshire Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Shihpoos and Yorkshire Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shihpoos shed more than Yorkshire Terriers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Shihpoo or the Yorkshire Terrier

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shihpoo or the Yorkshire Terrier?

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

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

    Does the Shihpoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Yorkshire 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.

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Shihpoos Bark and Howl? What about Yorkshire Terriers?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shihpoo vs. Yorkshire Terrier

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

    Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Shihpoos good family dogs? What about Yorkshire Terriers?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Shihpoos and Yorkshire Terriers?

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

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Shihpoo Easier to Train than the Yorkshire Terrier?

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Shihpoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Yorkshire Terrier?

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Affenpinscher (74 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Affenpinscher.
  • Lhasa Apso (75 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Lhasapoo.
  • Chorkie (83 percent match with Yorkshire Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Chorkie.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Japanese Chin     Shihpoo versus Boxerdoodle     Shihpoo versus Afghan Hound     Shihpoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Border Collie     Shihpoo versus Bolognese     Shihpoo versus Shiranian     Shihpoo versus Standard Poodle     Shihpoo versus Frenchton     Shihpoo versus Briard     Shihpoo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Canaan Dog     Shihpoo versus Boxerdoodle     Shihpoo versus Akbash     Shihpoo versus English Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     Shihpoo versus Dutch Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Akita     Shihpoo versus Sealyham Terrier     Shihpoo versus Keeshond     Shihpoo versus Kooikerhondje     Shihpoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pug     

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Dachshund     Yorkshire Terrier versus Maltese     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus French Bulldog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cockalier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cane Corso     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomsky     Yorkshire Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Komondor     Yorkshire Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomsky     Yorkshire Terrier versus Vizsla     Yorkshire Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kai Ken     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mal Shi     Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Yorkshire Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiranian     Yorkshire Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Schipperke     Yorkshire Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Yorkshire Terrier versus Komondor     Yorkshire Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kuvasz     

    Conclusion: Shihpoo versus Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier better suits you and your family.