A Detailed Comparison of the Shiba Inu and the Shichon.

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Shiba Inu Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu or the Shichon.

Shiba Inu versus Shichon

Shiba Inu versus Shichon: Overview

Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are similar in size. The Shiba Inu and the Shichon are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Shiba Inu versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shichon

Factor Shiba Inu Shichon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 18 years
Height 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Weight 17 to 23 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
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
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2130 $1610
Price Range $1600 – $2500 $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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is 82 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu and the Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shiba Inu and the Shichon

    Below is a list of where the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are most different:

  • Shiba Inus 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.
  • Shiba Inus are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Shiba Inus 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.
  • Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Shichons do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are not easy to train.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Shichon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shiba Inu and the Shichon.

    Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 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 Shiba Inu versus Shichon

    The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.

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

    Shichons live longer than Shiba Inus.

    Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of a Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Shiba Inu Shichon
    Average Price $2130 $1610
    Price Range $1600 to $2500 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus. 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 Shiba Inu 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: Shiba Inu versus Shichon

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shiba Inus shed more than Shichons?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shichon

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Shichon?

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Shichon

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shichon?

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus and Shichons?

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Shiba Inu Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shiba Inu or the Shichon?

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Cardigan 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 Shiba Inu vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Bloodhound     Shiba Inu versus Whoodle     Shiba Inu versus Black Mouth Cur     Shiba Inu versus American Foxhound     Shiba Inu versus Collie     Shiba Inu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Doberman Pinscher     Shiba Inu versus Norwegian Buhund     Shiba Inu versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shiba Inu versus Goldendoodle     Shiba Inu versus Sheepadoodle     Shiba Inu versus Brittany     Shiba Inu versus German Pinscher     Shiba Inu versus American Foxhound     Shiba Inu versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shiba Inu versus Vizsla     Shiba Inu versus Lakeland Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Australian Terrier     Shiba Inu versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Beaglier     Shiba Inu versus Saluki     Shiba Inu versus Affenpinscher     Shiba Inu versus Chinese Crested     Shiba Inu versus Shichon     Shiba Inu versus Havanese     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shichon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shichon versus Keeshond     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shichon versus Shiranian     Shichon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shichon versus Finnish Spitz     Shichon versus Miniature Pinscher     Shichon versus Gordon Setter     Shichon versus Lancashire Heeler     Shichon versus Spinone Italiano     Shichon versus Field Spaniel     Shichon versus French Spaniel     Shichon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shichon versus English Springer Spaniel     Shichon versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shichon versus Siberian Husky     Shichon versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shichon versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shichon versus Saint Bernard     Shichon versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shichon versus Cocker Spaniel     Shichon versus Pyrenean Shepherd     

    Conclusion: Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shichon better suits you and your family.