Why the German Shorthaired Pointer is Better than the Shihpoo as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Shihpoo.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo

FactorGerman Shorthaired PointerShihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Height1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho8 to 18 inches
Life Span12 to 15 years13 to 17 years
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Does NOT Shed4/55/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/55/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
Dog Friendly4/52/5
Does NOT chew on things2/53/5
Weight45 to 70 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years15.0 years
Average Price$1140$1590
Price Range$800 – $1300$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Shihpoo.

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

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo

    Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo are most different:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train. However, Shihpoos are not easy to train.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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 German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of Shihpoo

    Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo

    German Shorthaired Pointer Colors

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • 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 German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 lives longer than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

    Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is $1140. The price of the German Shorthaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a German Shorthaired Pointer can be as low as $350 and as high as $2695. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 453 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Shihpoo
    Average Price $1140 $1590
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

    Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer named Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers like Blue on pefinder.com.

    Also, like German Shorthaired Pointers, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Casper is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Casper that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Rodney is the name of another German Shorthaired Pointer (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.

    German Shorthaired Pointers and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Shihpoos?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Shihpoo?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Shihpoo?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Shihpoo

    German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Shihpoos?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Shihpoo

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Shihpoo?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Saluki     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Maltipoo     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mastiff     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     German Shorthaired Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai     German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Maremma Sheepdog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shiranian     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chinese Crested     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.