Which is Better between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cocker Spaniel Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon

Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon: Overview

Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon are similar in size. The Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Cocker 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.

Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon

Factor Cocker Spaniel Shichon
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 24 to 28 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1760 $1610
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 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 Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon

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

  • Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Shichons are very easy to groom.
  • Cocker Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Cocker 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.
  • Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon

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

    Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels.

    Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Cocker Spaniel Shichon
    Average Price $1760 $1610
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cocker 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 Cocker 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: Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon

    Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Shichons?

    Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Shichon

    Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Shichon

    Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Shichon?

    Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels and Shichons?

    Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel

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

  • Bichon Frise (77 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bichon Frise.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (76 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs English Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cocker Spaniel versus Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus Puli     Cocker Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Cocker Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois     Cocker Spaniel versus Dalmatian     Cocker Spaniel versus Beaglier     Cocker Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Skye Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Schipperke     Cocker Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel     Cocker Spaniel versus Papillon     Cocker Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     Cocker Spaniel versus Pug     Cocker Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen     Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever     Cocker Spaniel versus Schnoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Saluki     Shichon versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus Pomchi     Shichon versus Airedale Terrier     Shichon versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shichon versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shichon versus Black Mouth Cur     Shichon versus Scottish Terrier     Shichon versus Briard     Shichon versus Pomapoo     Shichon versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Shichon versus Briard     Shichon versus Spanish Mastiff     Shichon versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shichon versus Standard Poodle     Shichon versus Pomsky     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Basenji     Shichon versus Basset Hound     Shichon versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shichon versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shichon versus Chorkie     Shichon versus Pomapoo     Shichon versus West Highland White Terrier     

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