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

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog" Compare Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Shetland Sheepdog Welsh Sheepdog
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank3824427
Reviews1360
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Welsh Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Large Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog weight comparison:
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 15-35 pounds (7-16 kg), Female: 13-33 pounds (6-15 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: 25 pounds (11.5 kg), Female: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 16-19 inches (41-47 cm), Female : 14-17 inches (38-44 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) Male: 17.5 inches (44 cm), Female : 15.5 inches (41 cm)

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $800-$1000 Unknown
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
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 Welsh Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog intelligence:
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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Very smart: Welsh Sheepdog is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog trainability comparison.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Welsh Sheepdog dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Welsh Sheepdog dogs are not the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Active
Energetic
Intelligent
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.
See more.
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
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.
See more.
Average to High: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog 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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Welsh Sheepdog 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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The wanderlust potential of the Welsh Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
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.
See more.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
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 Welsh Sheepdog is a playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Welsh Sheepdog barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
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.
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 Welsh Sheepdog indoors.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
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.
Welsh 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.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Welsh Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Welsh Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
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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Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
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.
Welsh Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog 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
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Frequent
The Welsh Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Welsh Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
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.
See more.
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 cold weather conditions
The Welsh Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog energy level comparison:
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? 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.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
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.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
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 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
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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Low to Average: The Welsh Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense Feathered
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog color?
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
White
Red
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog grooming comparison:
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.
See more.
Effortless: The Welsh Sheepdog requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? 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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Welsh Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Welsh Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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.
See more.
The Welsh Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Welsh Sheepdog 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 Welsh Sheepdog?
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
Welsh Sheepdog 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.
Yes
Welsh Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds 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.
Welsh Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Welsh Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog have?
4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies 2-8 puppies

Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
No data available

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