Which is Better between the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Irish Wolfhound Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Irish Wolfhound versus Shichon

Irish Wolfhound versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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

Irish Wolfhound versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Shichon

Factor Irish Wolfhound Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Weight 115 to 180 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Height 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
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
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Life Span 6 to 8 years 12 to 18 years
Average Lifespan 7.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1930 $1610
Price Range $1500 – $2400 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is 82 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 Wolfhound. 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Shichon

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

  • Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Wolfhounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Shichons are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Shichon

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

    Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 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 Irish Wolfhound versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 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 Wolfhounds.

    Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Irish Wolfhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Irish Wolfhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. However, the price of a Irish Wolfhound can be as low as $720 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 91 Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Irish Wolfhound Shichon
    Average Price $1930 $1610
    Price Range $1500 to $2400 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Wolfhounds. 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound versus Shichon

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Shichons?

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Shichon

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

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

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

    Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Shichon

    Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Shichon?

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound

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

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Cavapoo.
  • 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 Wolfhound vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus Doberman Pinscher     Irish Wolfhound versus Bull Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Shiranian     Irish Wolfhound versus Aussiedoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Affenpinscher     Irish Wolfhound versus Peek A Poo     Irish Wolfhound versus Bearded Collie     Irish Wolfhound versus Cane Corso     Irish Wolfhound versus Scottish Deerhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Wolfhound versus Fila Brasileiro     Irish Wolfhound versus Bloodhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Norwegian Buhund     Irish Wolfhound versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Saint Bernard     Irish Wolfhound versus Shetland Sheepdog     Irish Wolfhound versus Azawakh     Irish Wolfhound versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Maltese     Irish Wolfhound versus Saint Berdoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Berger Picard     Irish Wolfhound versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Sealyham Terrier     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Pomsky     Shichon versus Pomeranian     Shichon versus Bull Terrier     Shichon versus Siberian Husky     Shichon versus Samoyed     Shichon versus Chinook     Shichon versus Sussex Spaniel     Shichon versus Bullmastiff     Shichon versus Border Collie     Shichon versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shichon versus Puggle     Shichon versus Scottish Deerhound     Shichon versus Samoyed     Shichon versus Norwich Terrier     Shichon versus American Bulldog     Shichon versus American Water Spaniel     Shichon versus Black Mouth Cur     Shichon versus Puggle     Shichon versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shichon versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shichon versus Airedale Terrier     Shichon versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shichon versus Brittany     Shichon versus Maremma Sheepdog     

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