Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shichon Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Shichon versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Shichon versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shichon and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Shichon and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shichon versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Shichon versus Shih Tzu
- Price of Shichon versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shichon versus Shih Tzu
- Do Shichons shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Shichon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Shichons Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shichon vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Shichons good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Shichons and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Shichon Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shichon
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shichon versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shichon Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shichon and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shichon and the Shih Tzu 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 Shichon and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shichon and the Shih Tzu 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 Shichon and for the Shih Tzu. 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 Shichon and the Shih Tzu.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Shichon or the Shih Tzu.
Shichon versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Shichon and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shichon is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Shichon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.
On the other hand, the Shih Tzu 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.
Shichon versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shichon to the Shih Tzu 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 Shichon and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Shichon | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 18 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 12 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 9 to 15 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 15.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1610 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shichon 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shichon is 95 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shichon is a better pet than the Shih Tzu. 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 Shichon and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shichon and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Shichon and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shichon and the Shih Tzu
The Shichon and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shichon and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shichon versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shichon and the Shih Tzu.
Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Shichon versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shichons live longer than Shih Tzus.
Price of Shichon versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Shichon puppy is $1610. The price of the Shichon typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Shichon can be as low as $700 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 155 Shichon puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Shichon.
| Shichon | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1610 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shichon and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Shichon puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Shichons. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shichon puppy or the Shih Tzu 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: Shichon versus Shih Tzu
Shichons do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Shichons shed more than Shih Tzus?
Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu
Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu?
Shichons are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Shichon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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.
Do Shichons Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Shichons are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shichon vs. Shih Tzu
Shichons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shichons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu?
Shichons get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shichons good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Shichons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Shichons and Shih Tzus?
Shichons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shichon Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Shichons are fairly easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Shichon Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shichon or the Shih Tzu?
Shichons are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Shichon and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shichon and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shichon versus Lhasapoo Shichon versus Shiloh Shepherd Shichon versus Cesky Terrier Shichon versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shichon versus Saint Bernard Shichon versus Border Terrier Shichon versus Black Mouth Cur Shichon versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shichon versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Shichon versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shichon versus Shiloh Shepherd Shichon versus Beaglier Shichon versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shichon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shichon versus English Toy Spaniel Shichon versus Border Collie Shichon versus Dalmatian Shichon versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shichon versus American Foxhound Shichon versus Ibizan Hound Shichon versus Basenji Shichon versus Tibetan Terrier Shichon versus Cavachon Shichon versus Ibizan Hound Shichon versus Carolina Dog
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Basenji Shih Tzu versus Westiepoo Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus German Wirehaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu versus Pomsky Shih Tzu versus English Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus King Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Border Terrier Shih Tzu versus Schipperke Shih Tzu versus Morkie Shih Tzu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shih Tzu versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Collie Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Conclusion: Shichon versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shichon and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.