Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pomeranian Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
- Pomeranian versus Shihpoo: Overview
- Pomeranian versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
- The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
- Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Shihpoo
- Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
- Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Shihpoo
- Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Shihpoo
- Adopting the Pomeranian versus Adopting the Shihpoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Shihpoo
- Do Pomeranians shed more than Shihpoos?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Shihpoo?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Shihpoo?
- Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
- Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
- Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Shihpoo
- How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Shihpoos?
- Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
- Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Shihpoo
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Shihpoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pomeranian Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Shihpoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the Shihpoo.

Pomeranian versus Shihpoo: Overview
Both the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Pomeranian and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Pomeranian 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.
Pomeranian versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
| Factor | Pomeranian | Shihpoo |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 13 to 17 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 7 pounds | 8 to 18 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 18 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 15.0 years |
| Average Price | $2150 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 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 Pomeranian is a better pet than the Shihpoo.
This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
The Pomeranian and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Shihpoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Shihpoo.
The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 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 Pomeranian and the Shihpoo
Pomeranian Colors
The Pomeranian comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Merle (Blue)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Pomeranian comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brindle
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Apricot / Beige
Shihpoo Colors
The Shihpoo comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Brown / Chocolate
The Shihpoo comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- White / Cream
- Black
Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Shihpoo
The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 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 Pomeranian.

Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Shihpoo
The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is more expensive than the Shihpoo.
| Pomeranian | Shihpoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2150 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1200 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Pomeranian and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Pomeranian puppies or how many Shihpoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian versus Adopting the Shihpoo
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian named Paddington that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pomeranians like Paddington on pefinder.com.
Also, like Pomeranians, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Toby is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Toby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

Teddy is the name of another Pomeranian (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Yoshi is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

You can find more Pomeranians and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Shihpoo
Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.
Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.
Do Pomeranians shed more than Shihpoos?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Shihpoo?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Shihpoo?
Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.
Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
Pomeranians are very easy to train.
Shihpoos are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Shihpoo
Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Shihpoos?
Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Shihpoo
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?
Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.
Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Shihpoo?
Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.
Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Shihpoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:
Pomeranian versus Puli Pomeranian versus King Shepherd Pomeranian versus Shichon Pomeranian versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Pomeranian versus Bluetick Coonhound Pomeranian versus Lhasapoo Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer Pomeranian versus Newfoundland Pomeranian versus Sheepadoodle Pomeranian versus Australian Kelpie Pomeranian versus Dogo Argentino Pomeranian versus Siberian Husky Pomeranian versus Labrador Retriever Pomeranian versus Chihuahua Pomeranian versus Shiba Inu Pomeranian versus Pug Pomeranian versus Lagotto Romagnolo Pomeranian versus English Toy Spaniel
Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.