Which is Better between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the German Wirehaired Pointer 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.

German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Shichon

Factor German Wirehaired Pointer Shichon
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 18 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $990 $1610
Price Range $800 – $1200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- any age, yearly if in a breeding program
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer is 74 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 Wirehaired Pointer. 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Shichon

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

  • German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • German Wirehaired Pointers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • German Wirehaired Pointers 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.
  • German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Shichon

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

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

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Shichon

    The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers.

    Price of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy is $990. The price of the German Wirehaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a German Wirehaired Pointer can be as low as $250 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 83 German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Shichon is more expensive than the German Wirehaired Pointer.

    German Wirehaired Pointer Shichon
    Average Price $990 $1610
    Price Range $800 to $1200 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Wirehaired Pointers. 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Shichon

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Shichons?

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer or the Shichon

    German Wirehaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Shichon?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    German Wirehaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Shichon

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Shichon?

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer

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

  • Australian Kelpie (81 percent match with German Wirehaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (83 percent match with German Wirehaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs German Pinscher.
  • 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 Wirehaired Pointer vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Wirehaired Pointer versus Goldador     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Irish Setter     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Siberian Husky     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Samoyed     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pomsky     German Wirehaired Pointer versus English Springer Spaniel     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Finnish Spitz     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shichon     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Goldador     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Vizsla     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bearded Collie     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pug     German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bearded Collie     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Mal Shi     Shichon versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shichon versus Beagle     Shichon versus Maltese     Shichon versus Boxer     Shichon versus Cockapoo     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Saint Bernard     Shichon versus Newfoundland     Shichon versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shichon versus Cesky Terrier     Shichon versus Bearded Collie     Shichon versus West Highland White Terrier     Shichon versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Newfoundland     Shichon versus Black Russian Terrier     Shichon versus Lhasa Apso     Shichon versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shichon versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shichon versus Cocker Spaniel     Shichon versus Frenchton     Shichon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shichon versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shichon versus Havanese     Shichon versus Airedale Terrier     

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