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Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or American Gentlemen?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Boston Terrier
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2421
Reviews61
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Is the Shetland Sheepdog bigger than the Boston Terrier breed? Is a Shetland Sheepdog smaller than a Boston Terrier?
Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier weight comparison:
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a Boston Terrier?
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier?
$800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier smarter? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier intelligence:
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? 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.
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier? 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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Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier 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.
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
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.
Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Shetland Sheepdog more dangerous than a Boston Terrier?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier 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
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier energy level comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Does the Shetland Sheepdog breed eat more than the Boston Terrier breed?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 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? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier coat comparison:
Dense Fine
Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier color? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier color comparison:
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Boston Terrier dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier 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.
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Boston Terrier dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boston Terrier 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
Boston Terrier 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.
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shetland Sheepdog or Boston Terrier? 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.
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 Boston Terrier?

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Boston Terrier 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.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier litter size comparison:
4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier 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 1893 as a Non-Sporting 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs 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

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