Breed Comparison: Portuguese Water Dog Versus Shichon

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Portuguese Water Dog Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Shichon.

Portuguese Water Dog versus Shichon

Portuguese Water Dog versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Portuguese Water Dog versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon

Factor Portuguese Water Dog Shichon
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the 9 to 12 inches
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 60 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2860 $1610
Price Range $2500 – $3300 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon are most different:

  • Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon.

    Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the 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 Portuguese Water Dog versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Portuguese Water Dog versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of a Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Portuguese Water Dog Shichon
    Average Price $2860 $1610
    Price Range $2500 to $3300 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs. 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shichon

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Shichons?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Shichon

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shichon?

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Shichon

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Shichon?

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs and Shichons?

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Water Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • 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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Puli     Portuguese Water Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bearded Collie     Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Whoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet     Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogo Argentino     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Akita     Portuguese Water Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Borzoi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Afador     Portuguese Water Dog versus Sloughi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Mal Shi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Boxer     Shichon versus Chow Chow     Shichon versus Clumber Spaniel     Shichon versus Silky Terrier     Shichon versus Plott     Shichon versus Australian Kelpie     Shichon versus Lowchen     Shichon versus Doberman Pinscher     Shichon versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Shichon versus Barbet     Shichon versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shichon versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shichon versus Japanese Spitz     Shichon versus Bulldog     Shichon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shichon versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shichon versus Black Mouth Cur     Shichon versus English Cocker Spaniel     Shichon versus French Spaniel     Shichon versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shichon versus Fila Brasileiro     Shichon versus Bull Terrier     Shichon versus Japanese Chin     Shichon versus Canaan Dog     Shichon versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Shichon better suits you and your family.