Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Little Blue Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd"
Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd?
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| Name | Shetland Sheepdog | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Scotland |  United States |
| Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 24 | 17 |
| Reviews | 6 | 7 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie |
Little Blue Dog Aussie |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier? | 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) | Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 20.5 pounds (9 kg) | Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than an Australian Shepherd? | 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) | Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 14.5 inches (37 cm) | Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed costs more? | $800-$1000 | $600-$800 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare training requirements. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ? |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle |
Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? | Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? | High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison: | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. | Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? 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. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies. | A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs. | 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 Australian Shepherd indoors. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? | 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. | Australian Shepherd 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. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans. |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances. | 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. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier? | The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Australian Shepherd 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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? |
Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd 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 |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare activity levels. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need. | Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare daily food needs. | 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. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd? Compare breed colors. |
Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle |
Black Red Blue Merle |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts. | The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd? Compare fur types. | Dense | Feathered |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. | Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Australian Shepherd dogs? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? |
Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Australian Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? 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 Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? 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 Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. 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. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which has larger litters? | 4-6 puppies | 6-9 puppies, average 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized? |
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 Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America |
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- Jen P
Aug 15, 2020, 4:57:24 PM: