German Shepherd Pit Bull vs Shih-Poo: Breeds Comparison
German Shepherd Pit Bull vs Shih-Poo: Breeds Comparison
Trying to decide between the German Shepherd Pit Bull and the Shih-Poo? Both of these dogs can be similar in some ways but are quite different in many others. Read on and find out which of these popular breeds is the perfect pup for your lifestyle!
Before getting a puppy, you should be sure that the breed you're doing to buy or rescue is a good fit for your lifestyle and home.
Let's get busy...
Both German Shepherd Pit Bull and Shih-Poo are members of the Mixed Breed Group.
Although these breeds are members of the same breed group, they have some differences and not only similarities so keep reading to learn more.
German Shepherd Pit Bull vs Shih-Poo Size Comparison
German Shepherd Pit Bulls are larger, with a typical height of 17 to 26 inches and weight of 30 to 90 pounds , while the typical height of Shih-Poo is 8 to 18 inches and they usually weigh 8 to 18 pounds .
We know that these numbers might be too abstract, so we made a tool to help you visualize these numbers.
The following chart compares the average breeds height with the average height of an American man and woman.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the average height of a man is 69 inches, and the height of a woman is 63.5 inches.
Dog size comparison to a human. From left, average heights of German Shepherd Pit Bull, Shih-Poo, American female, and American male.
German Shepherd Pit Bull vs Shih-Poo lifespan
No doubt, the quality of care provided to the dog is one of the main factors when it comes to canines life longevity, however, there are also other factors, especially the dog's breed.
With a life expectancy of 13 to 17 years , Shih-Poos usually live longer than German Shepherd Pit Bulls.
German Shepherd Pit Bulls' lifespan is 10 to 12 years .
Read on to the following sections to better understand in detail how German Shepherd Pit Bull and Shih-Poo compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.
When we say "dog adaptability", most people think about apartment living adaptability, so let's start with that.
All dogs are great — but not all dogs are great for or geared toward apartment living. A dog may be considered the worst dog breed for apartments for a few reasons including size, energy level, noise, smell, shedding...
Shih-Poos have a better reputation as good apartment living dogs than German Shepherd Pit Bulls.
While most dogs can be left home alone for 6 to 8 hours, some will do better. Check the table below to see how German Shepherd Pit Bulls and Shih-Poos tolerate being left alone.
Depending on where you live, you should choose a dog that tolerates hot or cold weather well.
German Shepherd Pit Bull tolerates hot weather better than Shih-Poo.
During warm weather, be sure to provide shade and water and head out in the morning or late evening when it's cooler. Also, avoid pavements - if the ground is too hot to touch for your hand for a few seconds, it's too hot for paws.
Cold temperatures are not a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32° F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.
Once temperatures drop under 20° F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.
Luckily, both breeds tolarate cold weather well, so while you stick to the rules mentioned above, they should be fine and probably enjoy the cold weather.
It's always hard to make a general statement about the whole breed's temperament. Each dog has a different temperament, and there are a lot of factors that affect its behavior.
Looking for a perfect family dog?
If you're looking for a companion dog, you won't go wrong with German Shepherd Pit Bull and Shih-Poo. Their outgoing and friendly personality makes them a great choice for families. Both are highly affectionate with family, they will immediately become a family member.
When it comes to behavior around children, German Shepherd Pit Bull simply tends to do better.
Shih-Poo will be fine with family, but proper training and socialization are required. On the other hand, German Shepherd Pit Bull hasn't a reputation of a great family and companion dog.
Dog guarding behavior is welcome for some owners, while others prefer a dog that's friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd Pit Bulls and Shih-Poos are super friendly toward strangers, so don't expect them to be too protective unless they are properly trained.
All-Around Friendliness
German Shepherd Pit Bull
Shih-Poo
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Health And Grooming Needs
The best way to optimize your pup’s health is to research reputable breeders, and then when you meet them ask to see the parents and their health certificates as described above and to see the conditions in which all the dogs are living.
Check the table below to see the general health rating for these two canines, and read full breed profile articles to read in-depth information on their health.
Also, some breeds are prone to obesity, which could cause other health conditions. Be sure to check that information as well, if the breed is prone to obesity, keep a close eye on labels and feed your dog according to the food labels.
For example, hip dysplasia is hereditary and is especially common in larger dogs. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, and improper weight and nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition.
What about shedding?
One of the bad parts of having a dog is definitely shedding. So be sure to take this into your consideration when choosing the right breed for you. Click here to learn how to minimize the shedding.
German Shepherd Pit Bull is a full-fledged fur factory!
German Shepherd Pit Bull shed less than Shih-Poo do, but don't forget - preventing shedding is impossible, but regular brushing is necessary.
Well, we have good news. These breeds have low drooling potential.
Health And Grooming Needs
German Shepherd Pit Bull
Shih-Poo
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
German Shepherd Pit Bull vs Shih-Poo trainability
Each dog needs some kind of obedience training, but some of them are easier to train, while others are more stubborn.
Novice owners should probably choose German Shepherd Pit Bull over Shih-Poo as they are easier to train and aren't very stubborn. Still, you should be patient, and forget - persistence, and consistency are key in successfully training your dog.
This doesn't mean Shih-Poos are untrainable, but you might also consider getting professional help.
Trainability
German Shepherd Pit Bull
Shih-Poo
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Do German Shepherd Pit Bull and Shih-Poo need a lot of physical activity?
To keep your dog healthy, calm, and happy, you have to provide it with enough physical activities. Not only your dog will be healthier and happier when it's active, but you'll also reduce or completely eliminate destructive behavior.
Some people don't think about this when selecting a breed, so we have dedicated a whole chapter to physical needs.
German Shepherd Pit Bulls have a high level of exercise needs, while Shih-Poos require a low intensity of exercise.
Physical Needs
German Shepherd Pit Bull
Shih-Poo
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential For Playfulness
German Shepherd Pit Bull or Shih-Poo: The bottom line
In this article, we tried to give you an idea of what you can expect from German Shepherd Pit Bulls and Shih-Poos.
To further explore their personality, overall health, temperament, and much more, read their full breed profile.
Or, use the tool below to read the next comparison.
Note: Barking Royalty isn’t a veterinary provider. Always relay any questions you have regarding your pet’s medical condition to your veterinarian, local animal hospital or other qualified veterinary provider.