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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Barbone? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle" Compare Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Shetland Sheepdog Toy Poodle
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany France flagFrance
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3824449
Reviews1365
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle breeds.
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Barbone
Pudle
Teacup Poodle
Teddy Poodle
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm) Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1000 $1000-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is easiest to train?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most alert?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most protective?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Collie 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.
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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.
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Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most playful?
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Toy Poodle is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Collie 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.
Toy Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.
Toy Poodle 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.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Collie 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.
The Toy Poodle 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?
Average
The Border Collie 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.
Average
The Toy Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
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
Heart Murmurs
Slipped Stifle
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Skin Allergies
Canine Diabetes Mellitus
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most active?
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Toy Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Toy Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which drools least?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense Dense
Curly
Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle? Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is best with kids?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Toy Poodle?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle?
Yes
Border Collie 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.
Yes
Toy Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Toy Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

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
Compare boating aptitude between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Toy Poodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. How are they classified internationally?
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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Toy Poodle. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.

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