Why the Collie is Better than the Shichon as a Pet

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Collie Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Shichon.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Shichon

Collie versus Shichon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie 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.

Collie versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Shichon

FactorCollieShichon
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/55/5
Life Span10 to 14 years12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder9 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/55/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Dog Friendly4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Does NOT Shed1/55/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$1480$1460
Price Range$1000 – $1800$997 – $1800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shichon is 95 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Shichon, we still believe that the Collie is a better pet than the Shichon.

    This is because Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Collie :-). We are for the Collie. So get a Collie!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Shichon

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

  • Collies 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.
  • Collies 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 Collie and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Collie and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon are very playful.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Shichon

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

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Shichon weighs 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. The Shichon is 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Shichon

    Lifespan of Collie versus Shichon

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.

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

    The Shichon live longer than the Collie.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Shichon

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shichon puppy is $1460. The price of the Shichon typically ranges from $997 – $1800. However, the price of the Shichon can be as low as $400 and as high as $4200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 343 Shichon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Collie is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Collie Shichon
    Average Price $1480 $1460
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $997 to $1800

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Shichon

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Shichons?

    Collies 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 is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Shichon?

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

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Shichon?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Shichons?

    Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shichons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Shichon

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Shichons?

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

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

    Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Shichons?

    Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Shichon

    Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies 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.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Shichons are very good for new dog owners.

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Shichon. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:

    Collie versus Harrier     Collie versus Scottish Deerhound     Collie versus Tibetan Terrier     Collie versus Basset Hound     Collie versus King Shepherd     Collie versus Australian Cattle Dog     Collie versus Beaglier     Collie versus Clumber Spaniel     Collie versus Norfolk Terrier     Collie versus Puli     Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Collie versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Collie versus Airedale Terrier     Collie versus Yorkipoo     Collie versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Collie versus Gordon Setter     Collie versus Black Russian Terrier     

    Conclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the Shichon better suits you and your family.