Which is Better between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shichon

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Shichon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Shichon

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Flat-Coated Retriever 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.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
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
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1350 $1610
Price Range $1150 – $1800 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 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 Flat-Coated Retriever. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are most different:

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon

    The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are most similar:

  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet 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 Flat-Coated Retriever versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy is $1350. The price of the Flat-Coated Retriever typically ranges from $1150 – $1800. However, the price of a Flat-Coated Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 8 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Shichon is more expensive than the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Flat-Coated Retriever Shichon
    Average Price $1350 $1610
    Price Range $1150 to $1800 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shichon

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Shichon?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Shichon

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Shichons?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

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

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Shichon?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Shichon

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers and Shichons?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Shichon?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cockalier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Flat-Coated Retriever and how the Shichon compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever and of the Shichon to other breeds:

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwich Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Dachshund     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pharaoh Hound     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pug     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kishu Ken     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Silky Terrier     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Pomchi     Shichon versus Chihuahua     Shichon versus Bedlington Terrier     Shichon versus Goldador     Shichon versus Lowchen     Shichon versus Cane Corso     Shichon versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shichon versus Valley Bulldog     Shichon versus Bich Poo     Shichon versus Fila Brasileiro     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Shichon better suits you and your family.