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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
Reviews64
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
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

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
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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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare living space needs.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? 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.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier. 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 Boston Terrier 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 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.
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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare activity levels.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Boston Terrier? Compare fur types.
Dense Fine
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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.
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Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier 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.
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? 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 a Boston Terrier? 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 a Boston Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Boston Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

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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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. 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 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shetland Sheepdog and Boston Terrier. 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
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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