Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?
"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog"
Compare Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
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| Name | Australian Shepherd | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  United States |  Scotland |
| Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 17 | 24 |
| Reviews | 7 | 6 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Little Blue Dog Aussie |
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Large | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier? | Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) | 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) | 20.5 pounds (9 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Is an Australian Shepherd taller than a Shetland Sheepdog? | Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) | 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) | 14.5 inches (37 cm) |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed costs more? | $600-$800 | $800-$1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? | Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. | Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels. | Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors. | Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ? |
Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison: | Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting? | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. | A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy. | The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. | Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors. | It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels. | Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? | Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans. |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier? | The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? |
Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare activity levels. | Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? | Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs. | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors. |
Black Red Blue Merle |
Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs. | Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts. | The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types. | Feathered | Dense |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Australian Shepherd dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs? | Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly? | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Can an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Australian Shepherd dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs? | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? |
Yes Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
| Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
| Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has stronger military background? | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters? | 6-9 puppies, average 7 | 4-6 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is more widely recognized? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry |
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- Jen P
Aug 15, 2020, 4:57:24 PM: