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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Deutscher Spitz?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog German Spitz
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank24344
Reviews62
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Deutscher Spitz
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Is the Shetland Sheepdog bigger than the German Spitz breed? Is a Shetland Sheepdog smaller than a German Spitz?
Medium Small
Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz weight comparison:
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a German Spitz?
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz?
$800-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz smarter? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz intelligence:
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? 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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German Spitz dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Independent
Devoted
Lively
Attentive
Trainable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: German Spitz 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 German Spitz?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz? 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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German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz playfulness comparison:
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The German Spitz is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
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 Spitz indoors.

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz 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.
Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
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 Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Shetland Sheepdog more dangerous than a German Spitz?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz mouthiness comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz 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
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Dental Problems
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
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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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz energy level comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Does the Shetland Sheepdog breed eat more than the German Spitz breed?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 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 German Spitz weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz coat comparison:
Dense Dense
Straight
Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz color? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz color comparison:
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Orange
Tricolor
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than German Spitz dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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German Spitz dogs shed above average.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz 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 Spitz?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Spitz 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 Spitz?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz 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 Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or German Spitz? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a German Spitz be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with German Spitz dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Spitz 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 Spitz 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 Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

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 German Spitz?

Not really

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

German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz have? Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz litter size comparison:
4-6 puppies 2-4 puppies

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz 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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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