Is the Norwich Terrier Better than the Shichon as a Pet? Answer…

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Norwich Terrier Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Norwich Terrier versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Norwich Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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

Norwich Terrier versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shichon

Factor Norwich Terrier Shichon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 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
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Weight Up to 12 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2140 $1610
Price Range $1500 – $2650 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon

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

  • Norwich Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwich Terrier versus Shichon

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

    Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up to 10 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 Norwich Terrier versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Norwich Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Norwich Terriers is 12.0 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Norwich Terriers.

    Price of Norwich Terrier versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Norwich Terrier puppy is $2140. The price of the Norwich Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2650. However, the price of a Norwich Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Norwich Terrier Shichon
    Average Price $2140 $1610
    Price Range $1500 to $2650 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norwich Terriers. 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 Norwich Terrier 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: Norwich Terrier versus Shichon

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwich Terriers shed more than Shichons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Norwich Terrier or the Shichon

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwich Terrier or the Shichon?

    Norwich Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwich Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwich Terrier vs. Shichon

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwich Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwich Terrier or the Shichon?

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwich Terriers good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers and Shichons?

    Norwich Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norwich Terrier Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Norwich Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norwich Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwich Terrier

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

  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Lowchen.
  • 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 Norwich Terrier vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Kuvasz     Norwich Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Norwich Terrier versus Chinook     Norwich Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Norwich Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Norwich Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Norwich Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Norwich Terrier versus Chihuahua     Norwich Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Norwich Terrier versus Chihuahua     Norwich Terrier versus Lowchen     Norwich Terrier versus Cockalier     Norwich Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Cockapoo     Norwich Terrier versus Afador     Norwich Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Norwich Terrier versus Chinook     Norwich Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Norwich Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Norwich Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Morkie     Norwich Terrier versus Papipoo     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Swedish Vallhund     Shichon versus Bich Poo     Shichon versus Lancashire Heeler     Shichon versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shichon versus Pomapoo     Shichon versus Skye Terrier     Shichon versus Puli     Shichon versus Bich Poo     Shichon versus American Eskimo Dog     Shichon versus Newfoundland     Shichon versus Australian Shepherd     Shichon versus Lakeland Terrier     Shichon versus Frenchton     Shichon versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shichon versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shichon versus Whoodle     Shichon versus Borzoi     Shichon versus Leonberger     Shichon versus Mastiff     Shichon versus Papipoo     Shichon versus Borzoi     Shichon versus Valley Bulldog     Shichon versus Rottweiler     Shichon versus Pug     

    Conclusion: Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shichon better suits you and your family.