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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Springer Spaniel or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and English Springer Spaniel. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog English Springer Spaniel Golden Retriever
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank24273
Reviews6314
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Springer Spaniel Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
Medium Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or English Springer Spaniel? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 19-21 inches (48-56 cm), Female:18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 20 inches (52 cm), Female:19 inches (48.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $700-$800 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The English Springer Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever intelligence:
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: English Springer Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? 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.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Social
Cheerful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever 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 English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: English Springer Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever 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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The wanderlust potential of the English Springer Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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English Springer Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Golden Retriever 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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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever 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.
English Springer Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever 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 English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
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.
English Springer Spaniel 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.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Springer Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The English Springer Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
English Springer Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever 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)
Ear Infections
Ectropion
Retinal Dysplasia
Phosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease, PFK)
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Rare
The English Springer Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog, English Springer Spaniel and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of English Springer Spaniel: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 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 English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The English Springer Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Dense Feathered Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog, English Springer Spaniel and Golden Retriever color?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Tan
White
Liver
Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The English Springer Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The English Springer Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The English Springer Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever 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.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
English Springer Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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
English Springer Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
English Springer Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever 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.
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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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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shetland Sheepdog or English Springer Spaniel or Golden Retriever? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever?

Not really

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

English Springer Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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.
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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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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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 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.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shetland Sheepdog and English Springer Spaniel and Golden Retriever have?
4-6 puppies 4-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

Shetland Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever 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 1910 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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
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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