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

"Find similarities and differences between English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare English Shepherd and Border Collie. Which is better: English Shepherd or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name English Shepherd Border Collie Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsEngland flagEngland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2983824
Reviews1136
User Ratings

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

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 45-60 pounds (21-28 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 52.5 pounds (24.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, English Shepherd or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
18-23 inches (46-58 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20.5 inches (52 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, English Shepherd or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Average: The English Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
English Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
English Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Adaptable
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: English Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: English Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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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Social Needs
English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
English Shepherd dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
English Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
English Shepherd 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 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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English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The English Shepherd rarely barks.
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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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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: English Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home.
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.

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The English Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of English Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The English Shepherd 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 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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The English Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
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

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
White
Brown
Sable
Yellow
Brindle
Tricolor
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
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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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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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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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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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The English Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Silky
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
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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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more English Shepherd or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? English Shepherd or Border Collie or {name3 shedding:
English Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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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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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as 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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

English Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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.

English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
5-8 puppies, average 6 4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between English Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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English Shepherd vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

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

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