Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Blue Heeler?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Shetland Sheepdog	Australian Cattle Dog
Origins	Scotland	Australia
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	24	56
Reviews	6	4
User Ratings

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Is the Shetland Sheepdog bigger than the Australian Cattle Dog breed? Is a Shetland Sheepdog smaller than an Australian Cattle Dog?	Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog weight comparison:	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)	30-62 pounds (13-28 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	20.5 pounds (9 kg)	46 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than an Australian Cattle Dog?	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)	Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	14.5 inches (37 cm)	Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog?	$800-$1000	$500-$700
Availability Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Australian Cattle Dog is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog smarter? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog intelligence:	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Australian Cattle Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Aggressive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog social needs comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Australian Cattle Dog is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog? Which can be better for hunting?	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.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog playfulness comparison:	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Cattle Dog rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Australian Cattle Dog breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Cattle Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a Shetland Sheepdog more dangerous than an Australian Cattle Dog?	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Australian Cattle Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog mouthiness comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Australian Cattle Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog health problems comparison:	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	Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Deafness
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Australian Cattle Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	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 Australian Cattle Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog energy level comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Does the Shetland Sheepdog breed eat more than the Australian Cattle Dog breed?	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Cattle Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog coat comparison:	Dense	Dense
Colors What are the original Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog color? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog color comparison:	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle	Red Blue Speckled Mottled
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Australian Cattle Dog requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Australian Cattle Dog dogs?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Australian Cattle Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Australian Cattle Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Which dog is more friendly?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Cattle Dog be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Australian Cattle Dog dogs?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Australian Cattle Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Australian Cattle Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Australian Cattle Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog 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. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Cattle Dog? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog?	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Australian Cattle Dog 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.
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog litter size comparison:	4-6 puppies	1-7 puppies, average 5
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) 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 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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog

Reviews