Coton de Tulear versus Shichon. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Coton de Tulear versus Shichon

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Coton de Tulear Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear or the Shichon

Coton de Tulear versus Shichon: Overview

A very important difference between the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Coton de Tulear is a tiny-sized dog while the Shichon is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Coton de Tulear belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Coton de Tulear versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear Shichon
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Life Span 14 to 16 years 12 to 18 years
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Weight 8 to 13 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2060 $1610
Price Range $1745 – $2500 $1200 – $2000
Temperament Score No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear is 94 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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon

    The Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are most similar:

  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Coton de Tulear versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Coton de Tulear and the Shichon.

    Coton de Tulears weigh 8 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Coton de Tulears are 8 to 12 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 Coton de Tulear versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Coton de Tulear puppy is $2060. The price of the Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1745 – $2500. However, the price of a Coton de Tulear can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 127 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Coton de Tulear Shichon
    Average Price $2060 $1610
    Price Range $1745 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears. 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 Coton de Tulear 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Coton de Tulear versus Shichon

    Coton de Tulears do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Coton de Tulears shed more than Shichons?

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear or the Shichon

    Coton de Tulears do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Does the Coton de Tulear Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Coton de Tulears 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Coton de Tulear or the Shichon?

    Coton de Tulears require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Do Coton de Tulears Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Coton de Tulears can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Coton de Tulears 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.

    Is the Coton de Tulear Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Coton de Tulears are fairly easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Coton de Tulear vs. Shichon

    Coton de Tulears have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Coton de Tulear or the Shichon?

    Coton de Tulears are very good for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Is the Coton de Tulear Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Coton de Tulears adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Are Coton de Tulears good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears and Shichons?

    Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Coton de Tulear or the Shichon?

    Coton de Tulears get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Coton de Tulear

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (78 percent match with Coton de Tulear). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Coton de Tulear). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Cavachon.
  • 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 Coton de Tulear vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Coton de Tulear vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Coton de Tulear Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Coton de Tulear versus Shiba Inu     Coton de Tulear versus Yorkipoo     Coton de Tulear versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Coton de Tulear versus Mountain Cur     Coton de Tulear versus Sloughi     Coton de Tulear versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Coton de Tulear versus Greyhound     Coton de Tulear versus Shiloh Shepherd     Coton de Tulear versus Sussex Spaniel     Coton de Tulear versus Boston Terrier     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Saint Berdoodle     Shichon versus Saint Berdoodle     Shichon versus Labradoodle     Shichon versus Japanese Chin     Shichon versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shichon versus Maltese     Shichon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shichon versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shichon versus Norwegian Buhund     Shichon versus American Eskimo Dog     

    Conclusion: Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear and the Shichon better suits you and your family.