Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Shihpoo
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Shihpoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Shihpoos?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Shihpoos?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Shihpoo
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo.
Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.
Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Shihpoo |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 17 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 18 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 8 to 18 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 15.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1200 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Shihpoo, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Shihpoo.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
The Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Shihpoo weighs 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Shihpoo is 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo
Australian Shepherd Colors
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Merle (Red)
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Merle (Blue)
Shihpoo Colors
The Shihpoo comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
The Shihpoo comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- White / Cream
- Black
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Shihpoo is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of the Shihpoo is 15.0 years.
The Shihpoo live longer than the Australian Shepherd.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Shihpoo
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd 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 Shihpoo is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Shihpoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1200 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Shihpoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd 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.
Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Shihpoo
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Shihpoos 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 Australian Shepherd named 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Jack is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Jack that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Yoshi is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Shihpoos?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Shihpoos are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Shihpoos?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
Australian Shepherds 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.
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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shihpoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Shihpoo
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Shihpoo?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Shihpoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Bernedoodle Australian Shepherd versus Bichon Frise Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier Australian Shepherd versus English Setter Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus German Pinscher Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Australian Shepherd versus American Staffordshire Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff Australian Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd versus Schnoodle Australian Shepherd versus Lowchen Australian Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.