A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon.

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Australian Cattle Dog Versus Shichon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog or the Shichon.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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

Australian Cattle Dog versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon

Factor Australian Cattle Dog Shichon
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Weight 30 to 50 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $840 $1610
Price Range $500 – $996 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog is 76 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 Australian Cattle Dog. 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are most different:

    • Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shichons are good for new dog owners.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs 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.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs 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.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shichons do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon

    The Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon.

    Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 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 Australian Cattle Dog versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Australian Cattle Dogs.

    Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle Dog 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. 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 Australian Cattle Dog.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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: Australian Cattle Dog versus Shichon

    Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Shichons?

    Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Shichon

    Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Shichon?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Shichon

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Shichon?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs and Shichons?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Shichon?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Shichon better suits you and your family.