Breed Comparison: German Pinscher Versus Shichon

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German Pinscher Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or the Shichon.

German Pinscher versus Shichon

German Pinscher versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the German Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

German Pinscher versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Shichon

Factor German Pinscher Shichon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 18 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2040 $1610
Price Range $1150 – $2688 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is 78 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 German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Pinscher and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the German Pinscher and the Shichon are most different:

  • German Pinschers 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.
  • German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher and the Shichon

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

  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Pinscher and the Shichon.

    German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers 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.

    Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Shichon

    The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than German Pinschers.

    Price of German Pinscher versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is more expensive than the Shichon.

    German Pinscher Shichon
    Average Price $2040 $1610
    Price Range $1150 to $2688 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers. 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 German Pinscher 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: German Pinscher versus Shichon

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Pinschers shed more than Shichons?

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Shichon

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Shichon?

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Shichon

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Shichon?

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers and Shichons?

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Pinscher or the Shichon?

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher:

  • Australian Kelpie (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Mudi.
  • 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 German Pinscher vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus Yorkshire Terrier     German Pinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     German Pinscher versus Cairn Terrier     German Pinscher versus Afghan Hound     German Pinscher versus Miniature Schnauzer     German Pinscher versus Basset Hound     German Pinscher versus Akita     German Pinscher versus Jack Russell Terrier     German Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund     German Pinscher versus German Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus Field Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus Pomapoo     German Pinscher versus Kishu Ken     German Pinscher versus Pomsky     German Pinscher versus Pyredoodle     German Pinscher versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus Labradoodle     German Pinscher versus Lowchen     German Pinscher versus Carolina Dog     German Pinscher versus Boxerdoodle     German Pinscher versus Labrador Retriever     German Pinscher versus Chinook     German Pinscher versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shichon versus Boxerdoodle     Shichon versus French Bulldog     Shichon versus Patterdale Terrier     Shichon versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Shichon versus Norfolk Terrier     Shichon versus Azawakh     Shichon versus Saint Berdoodle     Shichon versus Papipoo     Shichon versus Mal Shi     Shichon versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shichon versus Norfolk Terrier     Shichon versus Swedish Vallhund     Shichon versus Bullmastiff     Shichon versus Portuguese Pointer     Shichon versus Westiepoo     Shichon versus Brittany     Shichon versus Affenpinscher     Shichon versus Chow Chow     Shichon versus Briard     Shichon versus Irish Wolfhound     Shichon versus Labradoodle     Shichon versus Australian Shepherd     Shichon versus Cesky Terrier     Shichon versus Basenji     

    Conclusion: German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Shichon better suits you and your family.