Differences and Similarities between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon.

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Boykin Spaniel Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel or the Shichon.

Boykin Spaniel versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Boykin Spaniel 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 Shichon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Boykin Spaniel versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon

Factor Boykin Spaniel Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Height 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Weight 25 to 40 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1130 $1610
Price Range $962 – $1450 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon are most different:

  • Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Shichons are very easy to groom.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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.
  • Boykin Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon.

    Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 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 Boykin Spaniel versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is 11.0 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Boykin Spaniels.

    Price of Boykin Spaniel versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1130. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $962 – $1450. However, the price of a Boykin Spaniel can be as low as $100 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 82 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel.

    Boykin Spaniel Shichon
    Average Price $1130 $1610
    Price Range $962 to $1450 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels. 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 Boykin Spaniel 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: Boykin Spaniel versus Shichon

    Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Shichons?

    Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shichon

    Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shichon?

    Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Boykin Spaniels 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.

    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 Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Shichon

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shichon?

    Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels and Shichons?

    Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Boykin Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shichon?

    Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Boykin Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel:

  • Australian Shepherd (79 percent match with Boykin Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Bearded Collie (77 percent match with Boykin Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bearded Collie.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (75 percent match with Boykin Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • 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 Boykin Spaniel vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Boykin Spaniel vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Boykin Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Boykin Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Chi-Poo     Boykin Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres     Boykin Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Boykin Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff     Boykin Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Boykin Spaniel versus Whippet     Boykin Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Boykin Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Boykin Spaniel versus Mal Shi     Boykin Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Boykin Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     Boykin Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Boykin Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Boykin Spaniel versus Chinook     Boykin Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     Boykin Spaniel versus Pomapoo     Boykin Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Boykin Spaniel versus Norwich Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Boykin Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Boykin Spaniel versus Pointer     Boykin Spaniel versus Afador     Boykin Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shichon versus Lhasapoo     Shichon versus Beaglier     Shichon versus American Bulldog     Shichon versus Irish Terrier     Shichon versus Saluki     Shichon versus Westiepoo     Shichon versus Maltese     Shichon versus English Toy Spaniel     Shichon versus Dogo Argentino     Shichon versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shichon versus Siberian Husky     Shichon versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shichon versus Mountain Cur     Shichon versus Labrador Retriever     Shichon versus Frenchton     Shichon versus American Foxhound     Shichon versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shichon versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shichon versus Shih Tzu     Shichon versus Akbash     Shichon versus Saluki     Shichon versus Komondor     Shichon versus Bedlington Terrier     Shichon versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     

    Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Shichon better suits you and your family.