Is the Keeshond Better than the Shichon as a Pet? Answer…

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Keeshond Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Keeshond versus Shichon

Keeshond versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Keeshond belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Keeshond versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Shichon

Factor Keeshond Shichon
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 45 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1680 $1610
Price Range $1250 – $1850 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Keeshond 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 Keeshond is 83 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 Keeshond. 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 Keeshond and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Keeshond and the Shichon

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

  • Keeshonds can tolerate cold weather. However, Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Keeshonds 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Keeshond and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Keeshond versus Shichon

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

    Keeshonds weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Keeshonds are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 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 Keeshond versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Keeshonds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Keeshonds is 13.5 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Keeshonds.

    Price of Keeshond versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Keeshond puppy is $1680. The price of the Keeshond typically ranges from $1250 – $1850. However, the price of a Keeshond can be as low as $600 and as high as $5750. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 51 Keeshond 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 Keeshond is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Keeshond Shichon
    Average Price $1680 $1610
    Price Range $1250 to $1850 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Keeshonds. 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 Keeshond 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: Keeshond versus Shichon

    Keeshonds do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Keeshonds shed more than Shichons?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshond or the Shichon

    Keeshonds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Keeshond or the Shichon?

    Keeshonds are moderately easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Keeshond Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Keeshonds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Keeshonds Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Keeshonds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Keeshond vs. Shichon

    Keeshonds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shichons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Keeshonds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshond or the Shichon?

    Keeshonds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Keeshonds good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Keeshond Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Keeshonds are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Keeshond Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Keeshonds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Keeshonds are very good for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Keeshond

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

  • American Eskimo Dog (82 percent match with Keeshond). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Collie (84 percent match with Keeshond). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Collie.
  • 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 Keeshond vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Keeshond vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Keeshond Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Keeshond versus Mastiff     Keeshond versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Keeshond versus Mudi     Keeshond versus Catahoula Bulldog     Keeshond versus Finnish Lapphund     Keeshond versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Keeshond versus Afghan Hound     Keeshond versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Keeshond versus Finnish Lapphund     Keeshond versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Keeshond versus Bullmastiff     Keeshond versus Lakeland Terrier     Keeshond versus Irish Setter     Keeshond versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Keeshond versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Keeshond versus Korean Jindo Dog     Keeshond versus Chorkie     Keeshond versus Field Spaniel     Keeshond versus American Eskimo Dog     Keeshond versus German Longhaired Pointer     Keeshond versus Ibizan Hound     Keeshond versus French Bulldog     Keeshond versus Afghan Hound     Keeshond versus Dalmatian     Keeshond versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus German Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus Pomchi     Shichon versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shichon versus Cavapoo     Shichon versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shichon versus American Bulldog     Shichon versus Harrier     Shichon versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shichon versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shichon versus Shiba Inu     Shichon versus Irish Setter     Shichon versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shichon versus Finnish Lapphund     Shichon versus West Highland White Terrier     Shichon versus Lakeland Terrier     Shichon versus King Shepherd     Shichon versus Dachshund     Shichon versus Ibizan Hound     Shichon versus Kishu Ken     Shichon versus Alaskan Malamute     Shichon versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shichon versus Siberian Husky     Shichon versus Kooikerhondje     Shichon versus Scottish Deerhound     Shichon versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     

    Conclusion: Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Shichon better suits you and your family.