Is the Irish Setter Better than the Shichon as a Pet? Answer…

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Irish Setter Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Shichon

Irish Setter versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Setter versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Shichon

Factor Irish Setter Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 9 to 12 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
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
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
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 $1680 $1610
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Shichon

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

  • Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish 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.
  • Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Irish 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.
  • Irish 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish 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 Irish Setter and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Shichon are very playful.

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

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters.

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Irish Setter Shichon
    Average Price $1680 $1610
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish 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 Irish 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: Irish Setter versus Shichon

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Shichons?

    Irish 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 Irish Setter or the Shichon

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Shichon

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish 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 Irish Setter or the Shichon?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Irish 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 Irish Setters and Shichons?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs English Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Miniature Pinscher     Irish Setter versus Cockapoo     Irish Setter versus Black Russian Terrier     Irish Setter versus Bullmastiff     Irish Setter versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Belgian Tervuren     Irish Setter versus Golden Retriever     Irish Setter versus Cairn Terrier     Irish Setter versus Cane Corso     Irish Setter versus Skye Terrier     Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Whoodle     Irish Setter versus German Pinscher     Irish Setter versus Pyredoodle     Irish Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Irish Setter versus American Hairless Terrier     Irish Setter versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Irish Setter versus Belgian Malinois     Irish Setter versus Newfoundland     Irish Setter versus Saint Bernard     Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Belgian Tervuren     Irish Setter versus Dachshund     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Harrier     Shichon versus American Water Spaniel     Shichon versus Alaskan Malamute     Shichon versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shichon versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shichon versus Basenji     Shichon versus Lhasa Apso     Shichon versus Weimaraner     Shichon versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shichon versus Beagle     Shichon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shichon versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shichon versus Pyredoodle     Shichon versus Manchester Terrier     Shichon versus Lowchen     Shichon versus Pomsky     Shichon versus Lhasa Apso     Shichon versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shichon versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shichon versus Cairn Terrier     Shichon versus Alaskan Malamute     Shichon versus Pug     Shichon versus Puggle     Shichon versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shichon versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

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