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Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Sheepdog or Continental Toy Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Border Collie. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Border Collie Papillon
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank243853
Reviews6135
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon breeds.
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon? Compare adult weight ranges.
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon? Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is easiest to train?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is most alert?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is most protective?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.
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Border Collie 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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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie 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 Papillon indoors.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is most flexible?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon?
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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Papillon 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?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Papillon 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 Border Collie vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon 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
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which breed is most active?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which drools least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon? Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is best with kids?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are 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.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie or Papillon?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Papillon 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
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Papillon 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.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as 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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has most military use?

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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 4-8 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. What's recommended?

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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, and Papillon. Which has most recognition?
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.
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association
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

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