Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Alsatian wolf dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd"
Compare Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd?
Name | Shetland Sheepdog | German Shepherd |
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Origins | Scotland | Germany |
Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 24 | 2 |
Reviews | 6 | 19 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which dog is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd?
Is the Shetland Sheepdog bigger than the German Shepherd breed?
Is a Shetland Sheepdog smaller than a German Shepherd? | Medium | Large |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd weight comparison: | 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 20.5 pounds (9 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a German Shepherd? | 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 14.5 inches (37 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd? | $800-$1000 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd intelligence: | Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | |
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Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd?
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. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison: |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful | |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | |
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison: | Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors. | |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd 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. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | |
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Biting Potential
Is a Shetland Sheepdog more dangerous than a German Shepherd? | Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison: | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? |
Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd? |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd?
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd energy level comparison: | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Does the Shetland Sheepdog breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed? | 2 to 3 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. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd coat comparison: | Dense | Fuzzy | |
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Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd color? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd color comparison: |
Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle |
Black Tan Red Silver | |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd grooming comparison: | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | |
Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd? | Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd? | The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd 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. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Shepherd? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs? | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. | |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. | |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd 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. | 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 German Shepherd? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
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. |
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. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd? | Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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 German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd have? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd litter size comparison: | 4-6 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd 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 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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Link to this: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Alsatian wolf dog?
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