Which is Better between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Shetland Sheepdog Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon

Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon: Overview

Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are similar in size. The Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon

Factor Shetland Sheepdog Shichon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Height 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight Starts at 20 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1610
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon

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

  • Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Shetland Sheepdogs 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Shetland Sheepdog versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shichon is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Shetland Sheepdog Shichon
    Average Price $1590 $1610
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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: Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Shichons?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Shichon

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Shichon?

    Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Shichon

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Shichon?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs and Shichons?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren     Shetland Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Shetland Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Shetland Sheepdog versus Collie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Shetland Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Shetland Sheepdog versus Basenji     Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Great Dane     Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Shetland Sheepdog versus Morkie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Shichon versus Alaskan Malamute     Shichon versus Boerboel     Shichon versus Kuvasz     Shichon versus Saint Bernard     Shichon versus Dalmatian     Shichon versus Bloodhound     Shichon versus American Eskimo Dog     Shichon versus Chorkie     Shichon versus Boxer     Shichon versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shichon versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shichon versus Boxer     Shichon versus Leonberger     Shichon versus Cairn Terrier     Shichon versus Norfolk Terrier     Shichon versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shichon versus Biewer Terrier     Shichon versus Sussex Spaniel     Shichon versus English Cocker Spaniel     Shichon versus Great Pyrenees     Shichon versus Mastiff     Shichon versus American Eskimo Dog     Shichon versus Sussex Spaniel     Shichon versus Collie     

    Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Shichon better suits you and your family.