Differences and Similarities between the Mastiff and the Shichon.

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Mastiff Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Mastiff versus Shichon

Mastiff versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Mastiff belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Mastiff versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mastiff 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 Mastiff and the Shichon

Factor Mastiff Shichon
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 5/5
Weight 130 to 220 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
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
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Life Span 6 to 10 years 12 to 18 years
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1740 $1610
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Minimum age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PennGen
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mastiff 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 Mastiff is 72 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mastiff and the Shichon

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

  • Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shichons are good for new dog owners.
  • Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mastiffs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shichons do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Mastiff and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mastiff 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 Mastiff and the Shichon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mastiff and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mastiff versus Shichon

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

    Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 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 Mastiff versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Mastiffs.

    Price of Mastiff versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of a Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff 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 Mastiff is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Mastiff Shichon
    Average Price $1740 $1610
    Price Range $1100 to $2200 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs. 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 Mastiff 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: Mastiff versus Shichon

    Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mastiffs shed more than Shichons?

    Mastiffs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Mastiff or the Shichon

    Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Mastiff vs. Shichon

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiff or the Shichon?

    Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Mastiff Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mastiffs 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 Mastiff

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

  • Black Russian Terrier (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • Leonberger (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Leonberger.
  • 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 Mastiff vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mastiff versus Welsh Terrier     Mastiff versus Irish Wolfhound     Mastiff versus Sealyham Terrier     Mastiff versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Mastiff versus Great Pyrenees     Mastiff versus Mountain Cur     Mastiff versus Border Terrier     Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Mastiff versus Bernedoodle     Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Mastiff versus Stabyhoun     Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mastiff versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mastiff versus Barbet     Mastiff versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Mastiff versus Saluki     Mastiff versus Papillon     Mastiff versus Kai Ken     Mastiff versus Tibetan Terrier     Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Mastiff versus Norfolk Terrier     Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Mastiff versus Bernedoodle     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Golden Retriever     Shichon versus Weimaraner     Shichon versus Boxerdoodle     Shichon versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shichon versus English Setter     Shichon versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus Norfolk Terrier     Shichon versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shichon versus Pug     Shichon versus Silky Terrier     Shichon versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus German Pinscher     Shichon versus Cavapoo     Shichon versus Goldendoodle     Shichon versus Scottish Terrier     Shichon versus Field Spaniel     Shichon versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shichon versus American Bulldog     Shichon versus Dachshund     Shichon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shichon versus Gordon Setter     Shichon versus Lowchen     Shichon versus Affenhuahua     Shichon versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shichon versus Maremma Sheepdog     

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