Differences and Similarities between the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon.

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Labrador Retriever Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Labrador Retriever versus Shichon

Labrador Retriever versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever 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.

Labrador Retriever versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shichon

Factor Labrador Retriever Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
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
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1290 $1610
Price Range $850 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    		•  No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon

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

  • Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Labrador Retrievers 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.
  • Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Labrador Retrievers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shichons do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Shichon are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Shichon

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

    Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever.

    Labrador Retriever Shichon
    Average Price $1290 $1610
    Price Range $850 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. 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 Labrador Retriever 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: Labrador Retriever versus Shichon

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Shichons?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shichon

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Shichon?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Labrador Retrievers 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.

    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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Shichon

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shichon?

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Shichons?

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Papipoo     Labrador Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli     Labrador Retriever versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Komondor     Labrador Retriever versus Great Dane     Labrador Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres     Labrador Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Welsh Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Labrador Retriever versus Brussels Griffon     Labrador Retriever versus Papillon     Labrador Retriever versus Australian Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Leonberger     Labrador Retriever versus Saluki     Labrador Retriever versus Collie     Labrador Retriever versus Pomapoo     Labrador Retriever versus Cockalier     Labrador Retriever versus Goldador     Labrador Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Labrador Retriever versus Westiepoo     Labrador Retriever versus Boxer     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Tibetan Terrier     Shichon versus Shiba Inu     Shichon versus Papipoo     Shichon versus Barbet     Shichon versus Kuvasz     Shichon versus Finnish Spitz     Shichon versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shichon versus Canaan Dog     Shichon versus Berger Picard     Shichon versus Siberian Husky     Shichon versus Affenhuahua     Shichon versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shichon versus Cockalier     Shichon versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shichon versus Swedish Vallhund     Shichon versus Dalmatian     Shichon versus Pomapoo     Shichon versus Basset Hound     Shichon versus Mastiff     Shichon versus Doberman Pinscher     Shichon versus Akita     Shichon versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shichon versus Akita Chow     Shichon versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shichon versus Lowchen     

    Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shichon better suits you and your family.