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German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Deutscher Spitz or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name German Spitz Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank34424
Reviews26
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Deutscher Spitz Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Is a German Spitz taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?
Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.
German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.
German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Spitz dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?
Independent
Devoted
Lively
Attentive
Trainable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Sensitive: German Spitz 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.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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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
German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
German Spitz 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? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?
German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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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German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.
The German Spitz is a playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Spitz 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 German Spitz indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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
Which has a stronger bite: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?
German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
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: German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Rare
The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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: German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Dental Problems
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

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.
German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 1.5 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.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Orange
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Spitz 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
Which has less odor: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Spitz 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 a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.
Dense
Straight
Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Do German Spitz dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
German Spitz dogs shed above average.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Can a German Spitz and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do German Spitz dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
German Spitz 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: German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
German Spitz 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
German Spitz 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?
German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.

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
Which is better for therapy work: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.

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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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Spitz 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: a German Spitz 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: a German Spitz or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Spitz 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
Which is better at pulling: a German Spitz 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.
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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 history between German Spitz 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.

German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs longer recovery?

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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German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz 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 German Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is more widely recognized?
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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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