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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

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare training requirements.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare alertness levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare territorial behaviors.
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

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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare vocalization tendencies.
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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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare play drive and energy.
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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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare living space needs.
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

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

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak.

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? 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.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and a German Spitz. 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.
German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
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

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare obesity risks.
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.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Orange
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare maintenance needs.
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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Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare drooling amounts.
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.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and a German Spitz? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
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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Shetland Sheepdog vs German Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are 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.
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? 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.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare therapy capabilities.

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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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? 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 German Spitz? 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 German Spitz? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or a German Spitz? Compare draft work capabilities.

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

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz. 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 German Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shetland Sheepdog and German Spitz. 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
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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