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

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog" Compare Irish Setter and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Shetland Sheepdog Welsh Sheepdog
OriginsIreland flagIreland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank7224427
Reviews460
User Ratings

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

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Large Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog weight comparison:
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 25 pounds (11.5 kg), Female: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 17.5 inches (44 cm), Female : 15.5 inches (41 cm)

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$1000 Unknown
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter 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.

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog intelligence:
Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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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
Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog trainability comparison.
Irish Setter dogs are very 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: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Welsh Sheepdog dogs are not the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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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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Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Active
Energetic
Intelligent
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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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Welsh Sheepdog dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
High: Irish Setter 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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Average to High: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Irish Setter 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?
Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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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.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Setter 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.
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Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
The Irish Setter 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.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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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 Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
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.

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Irish Setter 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: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Irish Setter 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.

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
Irish Setter 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.
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Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
The Irish Setter 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: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
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 Irish Setter 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
Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Irish Setter, Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 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: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to 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.

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog energy level comparison:
Irish Setter 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
Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Irish Setter 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: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Irish Setter 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.

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
3 to 4 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. 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? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Irish Setter 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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Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog coat comparison:
Fine Dense Feathered
Colors
What are the original Irish Setter, Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog color?
Red
Mahogany
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Red
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Advanced: The Irish Setter 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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Effortless: The Welsh Sheepdog requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter 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: Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
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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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
Irish Setter 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, Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high 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 Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Welsh Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
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 Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
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 Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Setter or Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Sheepdog?
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly 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: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?
Yes
Irish Setter 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
Irish Setter 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?
Irish Setters 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.

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

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

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.

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?

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.

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: Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog?

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog have?
7-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 2-8 puppies

Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Welsh Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting 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 Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters 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
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
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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