Breed Comparison: Chihuahua Versus Shihpoo

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.

On the other hand, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Chihuahua versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Shihpoo 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 Chihuahua and the Shihpoo

FactorChihuahuaShihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/54/5
Life Span10 to 18 years13 to 17 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Dog Friendly2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/54/5
Does NOT Shed4/55/5
General Health2/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$1820$1590
Price Range$850 – $2500$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Shihpoo. 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

    Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo, we still think that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Shihpoo.

    This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo

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

  • Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Shihpoo 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 Chihuahua and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Shihpoo

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Shihpoos live longer than Chihuahuas.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

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

    The Chihuahua is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

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    Chihuahua Shihpoo
    Average Price $1820 $1590
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

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

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Shihpoo

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Shihpoos?

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

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

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

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

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

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Shihpoo

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Shihpoos?

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

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

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Shihpoo

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

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Shihpoo. 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 Chihuahua and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.