Is the Airedale Terrier Better than the Shichon as a Pet? Answer…

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Airedale Terrier Versus Shichon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon? 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shichon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier or the Shichon.

Airedale Terrier versus Shichon

Airedale Terrier versus Shichon: Overview

A very important difference between the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Shichon is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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

Airedale Terrier versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon

Factor Airedale Terrier Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 18 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1360 $1610
Price Range $950 – $1800 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 the Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shichon is 95 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shichon is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon are most different:

  • Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Airedale Terriers 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.
  • Airedale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Airedale Terriers 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Shichon.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 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.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.

    Shichons live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1360. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $950 – $1800. However, the price of a Airedale Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $3135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 282 Airedale Terrier 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 the 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 Shichon is more expensive than the Airedale Terrier.

    Airedale Terrier Shichon
    Average Price $1360 $1610
    Price Range $950 to $1800 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. 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 Airedale Terrier 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 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Shichon

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Shichons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Shichon

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Shichon?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Shichon

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Shichon?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terriers and Shichons?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Shichon?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shichon

    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 Airedale Terrier vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Harrier     Airedale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Airedale Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Airedale Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Airedale Terrier versus Bichon Frise          Airedale Terrier versus Havanese     Airedale Terrier versus Pomchi     Airedale Terrier versus Saluki     Airedale Terrier versus Puli     Airedale Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Airedale Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Airedale Terrier versus Weimaraner     Airedale Terrier versus Westiepoo     Airedale Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Airedale Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Airedale Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Airedale Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Airedale Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Rottweiler     Airedale Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

        Shichon versus Beagle     Shichon versus Affenhuahua     Shichon versus Chinese Crested     Shichon versus French Spaniel     Shichon versus Newfoundland     Shichon versus Dogo Argentino     Shichon versus Lhasapoo     Shichon versus Irish Terrier     Shichon versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shichon versus Newfoundland     Shichon versus Chow Chow          Shichon versus Australian Shepherd     Shichon versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shichon versus Standard Schnauzer     Shichon versus Beagle     Shichon versus Black Mouth Cur     Shichon versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shichon versus Bordoodle     Shichon versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shichon versus Morkie     Shichon versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shichon versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shichon versus Belgian Tervuren     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shichon better suits you and your family.