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Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or Borders or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Golden Retriever and Border Terrier. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Border Terrier Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank39224
Reviews1416
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Borders Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Large Small Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Border Terrier? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $1200-$1400 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
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: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Border Terrier 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?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever 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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Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Terrier 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Border Terrier 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Border Terrier 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.
Life Expectancy
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Golden Retriever, Border Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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 Border Terrier 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.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Terrier 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
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
3 to 4 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. 2 to 3 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? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Rough Dense
Colors
What are the original Golden Retriever, Border Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog color?
Golden
Light
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Golden Retriever 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 Terrier 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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Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Terrier 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?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Border Terrier 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?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland 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.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Golden Retriever or Border Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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: Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Terrier 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.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland 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 Golden Retriever and Border Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog have?
5-10 puppies 2-8 puppies 4-6 puppies

Golden Retriever vs Border Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
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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