Why the Doberman Pinscher is Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Shihpoo.

Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Doberman Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo

FactorDoberman PinscherShihpoo
Tolerates Cold Weather1/53/5
Dog Friendly1/52/5
General Health1/53/5
Low Prey Drive5/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/54/5
Life Span10 to 13 years13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Height24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Kid-Friendly3/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/55/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight60 to 80 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan11.5 years15.0 years
Average Price$1910$1590
Price Range$1100 – $2500$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is 81 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 Doberman Pinscher is a better pet than the Shihpoo.

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

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

    Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo

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

  • Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shihpoos do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

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

    The Doberman Pinscher weighs 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. The Doberman Pinscher is 24 to 28 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.

    Size of Doberman Pinscher versus Size of Shihpoo

    Appearance (Colors) of the Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo

    Doberman Pinscher Colors

    The Doberman Pinscher comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Bicolor
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)

    The Doberman Pinscher comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    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 Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is 11.5 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 Doberman Pinscher.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Doberman Pinscher Shihpoo
    Average Price $1910 $1590
    Price Range $1100 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. 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 Doberman Pinscher 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.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    Adopting the Doberman Pinscher versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher named Oliver that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Doberman Pinschers like Oliver on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Doberman Pinschers, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Yoshi is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Yoshi that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Ricky is the name of another Doberman Pinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Bucky is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Doberman Pinschers and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Shihpoo?

    Doberman Pinschers are 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Shihpoo?

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Doberman Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Doberman Pinscher or the Shihpoo

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    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 Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Shihpoo

    Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Doberman Pinscher compares to other breeds aside from the Shihpoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Doberman Pinscher to other breeds:

    Doberman Pinscher versus Bernedoodle     Doberman Pinscher versus Finnish Spitz     Doberman Pinscher versus Saint Bernard     Doberman Pinscher versus Skye Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Samoyed     Doberman Pinscher versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Doberman Pinscher versus Welsh Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Great Dane     Doberman Pinscher versus English Setter     Doberman Pinscher versus Standard Schnauzer     Doberman Pinscher versus Alaskan Malamute     Doberman Pinscher versus Dogo Argentino     Doberman Pinscher versus Puggle     Doberman Pinscher versus Mountain Cur     Doberman Pinscher versus Plott     Doberman Pinscher versus Schnoodle     Doberman Pinscher versus Barbet     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.