Which is Better between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon

Factor Rhodesian Ridgeback Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 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
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 70 to 85 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1610
Price Range $1250 – $1900 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon

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

  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are not easy to train.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Shichon
    Average Price $1620 $1610
    Price Range $1250 to $1900 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shichons?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shichon

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shichon?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shichon

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shichon?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shichons?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Bracco Italiano.
  • 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Great Pyrenees     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Airedale Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Foxhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Samoyed     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Airedale Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Borzoi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Greyhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beaglier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomeranian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boerboel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boerboel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Goldador     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiba Inu     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Fila Brasileiro     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shetland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shetland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Papillon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boykin Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Border Collie     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dogo Argentino     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Great Dane     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Bichon Frise     Shichon versus American Foxhound     Shichon versus Briard     Shichon versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Shichon versus Bloodhound     Shichon versus Havanese     Shichon versus Affenpinscher     Shichon versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shichon versus English Cocker Spaniel     Shichon versus Cesky Terrier     Shichon versus Golden Retriever     Shichon versus Leonberger     Shichon versus Leonberger     Shichon versus Pointer     Shichon versus German Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus Aussiedoodle     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Coton de Tulear     Shichon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shichon versus Manchester Terrier     Shichon versus German Shepherd Dog     Shichon versus Kishu Ken     Shichon versus Scottish Deerhound     Shichon versus Leonberger     Shichon versus Pomeranian     

    Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shichon better suits you and your family.