Differences and Similarities between the Gordon Setter and the Shichon.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Gordon Setter Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter or the Shichon.

Gordon Setter versus Shichon

Gordon Setter versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Gordon Setter 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.

Gordon Setter versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shichon

Factor Gordon Setter Shichon
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1360 $1610
Price Range $1250 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Gordon Setter and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Shichon are most different:

  • Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Gordon Setters 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.
  • Gordon Setters 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.
  • Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shichons are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    • The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shichon are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Shichon.

    Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 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 Gordon Setter versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Price of Gordon Setter versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of a Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter.

    Gordon Setter Shichon
    Average Price $1360 $1610
    Price Range $1250 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters. 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 Gordon Setter 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: Gordon Setter versus Shichon

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Shichons?

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Shichon

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Shichon?

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Shichon

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Gordon Setters 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Shichon?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Shichons?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Shichon?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). 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 Gordon Setter vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Cockalier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Gordon Setter versus Xoloitzcuintli     Gordon Setter versus Rottweiler     Gordon Setter versus Kishu Ken     Gordon Setter versus Australian Kelpie     Gordon Setter versus Whippet     Gordon Setter versus American Foxhound     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Gordon Setter versus Bulldog     Gordon Setter versus Dogo Argentino     Gordon Setter versus Bullmastiff     Gordon Setter versus Valley Bulldog     Gordon Setter versus Chow Chow     Gordon Setter versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Silky Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Gordon Setter versus Korean Jindo Dog     Gordon Setter versus Australian Cattle Dog     Gordon Setter versus Mountain Cur     Gordon Setter versus Dalmatian     Gordon Setter versus Stabyhoun     Gordon Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Gordon Setter versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shichon versus Boxerdoodle     Shichon versus Skye Terrier     Shichon versus Saint Bernard     Shichon versus Maltese     Shichon versus Scottish Terrier     Shichon versus Weimaraner     Shichon versus Australian Terrier     Shichon versus Plott     Shichon versus Silky Terrier     Shichon versus Redbone Coonhound     Shichon versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shichon versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shichon versus Affenhuahua     Shichon versus Bulldog     Shichon versus Scottish Deerhound     Shichon versus Norwich Terrier     Shichon versus Schnoodle     Shichon versus Dutch Shepherd     Shichon versus Pekingese     Shichon versus Labrador Retriever     Shichon versus Beaglier     Shichon versus Spinone Italiano     Shichon versus King Shepherd     Shichon versus Doberman Pinscher     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shichon better suits you and your family.