Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better than the Shichon as a Pet? Answer…

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Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon: Overview

Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon are similar in size. The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon

Factor Pyrenean Shepherd Shichon
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 15 to 17 years 12 to 18 years
Height 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Weight 25 to 30 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 16.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1610
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon

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

  • Pyrenean Shepherds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shichons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shichons are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon are not easy to train.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 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 Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Shichons.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Shichons?

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shichon

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shichon?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Pyrenean Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Shichon

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd or the Shichon?

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds and Shichons?

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Pomsky.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Eskimo Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Pyrenean Shepherd versus King Shepherd     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kishu Ken     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sloughi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Plott     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schnoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus German Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus Chihuahua     Shichon versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shichon versus Coton de Tulear     Shichon versus Boykin Spaniel     Shichon versus Shih Tzu     Shichon versus Finnish Lapphund     Shichon versus German Pinscher     Shichon versus Vizsla     Shichon versus Azawakh     Shichon versus Italian Greyhound     Shichon versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shichon versus Fila Brasileiro     Shichon versus Lakeland Terrier     Shichon versus Pointer     Shichon versus Finnish Lapphund     Shichon versus Miniature Pinscher     Shichon versus Aussiedoodle     Shichon versus Puli     Shichon versus Australian Terrier     Shichon versus French Spaniel     Shichon versus Kuvasz     Shichon versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shichon versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shichon versus Shih Tzu     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Shichon better suits you and your family.