Afghan Hound versus Shichon. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Afghan Hound versus Shichon

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Afghan Hound Versus Shichon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Shichon? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Shichon 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 Afghan Hound and the Shichon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Shichon 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 Afghan Hound and for the Shichon. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Shichon.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Shichon

Afghan Hound versus Shichon: Overview

A very important difference between the Afghan Hound and the Shichon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Afghan Hound is a large-sized dog while the Shichon is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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

Afghan Hound versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Shichon 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.

Factor Afghan Hound Shichon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2390 $1610
Price Range $2250 – $2500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound 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 Shichon. 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 a Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Shichon is 95 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shichon is a better pet than the Afghan Hound. So, you should get the Shichon!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Shichon are most different:

  • Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Shichons are very easy to groom.
  • Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Afghan Hounds can tolerate cold weather. However, Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather. However, Shichons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shichons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shichons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    • The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Shichon

    The Afghan Hound and the Shichon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Shichon are most similar:

  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon 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 Afghan Hound and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Afghan Hound versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Shichon.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Afghan Hound versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Afghan Hound puppy is $2390. The price of the Afghan Hound typically ranges from $2250 – $2500. However, the price of a Afghan Hound can be as low as $1800 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 21 Afghan Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shichon puppy is $1610. The price of the Shichon typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Shichon can be as low as $700 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 155 Shichon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Afghan Hound is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Afghan Hound Shichon
    Average Price $2390 $1610
    Price Range $2250 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Afghan Hound and Shichon. For different price points, the charts show how many Afghan Hound puppies or how many Shichon puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shichons

    A breakdown of the prices of Shichons

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Afghan Hound puppy or the Shichon 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Shichon

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Shichon?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Shichon

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

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

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

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Shichon?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Shichon?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Shichons?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Shichons?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shichons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Afghan Hounds 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.

    Shichons 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Shichon

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Shichons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Afghan Hound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shichon that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shichon:

  • Biewer Terrier (78 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Cockalier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shichon

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Afghan Hound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Afghan Hound:

  • Bedlington Terrier (69 percent match with Afghan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bedlington Terrier.
  • Standard Schnauzer (72 percent match with Afghan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Standard Schnauzer.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Afghan Hound and how the Shichon compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Afghan Hound and of the Shichon to other breeds:

    Afghan Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Afghan Hound versus English Springer Spaniel     Afghan Hound versus Greyhound     Afghan Hound versus Harrier     Afghan Hound versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Afghan Hound versus American Bulldog     Afghan Hound versus Greyhound     Afghan Hound versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Afghan Hound versus Goldador     Afghan Hound versus Alaskan Klee Kai     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Pomchi     Shichon versus Norwegian Buhund     Shichon versus Borzoi     Shichon versus Portuguese Pointer     Shichon versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shichon versus Shiranian     Shichon versus Kuvasz     Shichon versus Dachshund     Shichon versus Westiepoo     Shichon versus Field Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Shichon. 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 Afghan Hound and the Shichon better suits you and your family.