Which is Better between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Finnish Lapphund versus Shichon

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Finnish Lapphund Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Shichon

Finnish Lapphund versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Finnish Lapphund 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.

Finnish Lapphund versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund Shichon
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
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1610
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is 84 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 Finnish Lapphund. 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are most different:

  • Finnish Lapphunds are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Finnish Lapphunds 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.
  • Finnish Lapphunds 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.
  • Finnish Lapphunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon.

    Finnish Lapphunds weigh 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Lapphunds 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.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shichon

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Shichon

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Shichons?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shichon?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shichon?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Shichon

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds and Shichons?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Shichon?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund:

  • American Eskimo Dog (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Jack Russell Terrier.

    • 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 Finnish Lapphund vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Cockalier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Komondor     Finnish Lapphund versus Saint Berdoodle     Finnish Lapphund versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Mountain Cur     Finnish Lapphund versus Kishu Ken     Finnish Lapphund versus Scottish Deerhound     Finnish Lapphund versus Aussiedoodle     Finnish Lapphund versus Bernedoodle     Finnish Lapphund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Finnish Lapphund versus Norfolk Terrier     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shichon versus Briard     Shichon versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shichon versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shichon versus Greyhound     Shichon versus Canaan Dog     Shichon versus Weimaraner     Shichon versus American Water Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Shichon better suits you and your family.