Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise – Which one is a better dog breed for you?
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Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Keeshond. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Keeshond or Bichon Frise?
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| Name | Shetland Sheepdog | Keeshond | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Scotland |  Germany  Netherlands |  Spain  Belgium |
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Sled Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 24 | 87 | 46 |
| Reviews | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Rate |
| Other Names | Miniature Collie, Shetland Collie (obsolete), Dwarf Scotch Shepherd (obsolete), Toonie Dog (obsolete), Sheltie | Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman, Chien Loup, German Spitz, Deutscher Wolfsspitz, Wolfsspitz, Kees | Bichon Frise, Tenerife Dog, Bichon A Poil Frise, Bichon Tenerife, Purebred Bichon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
| AKC Group | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Non-Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. |
| FCI Group | 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. | Not recognized by FCI. |
| Breed Recognition | 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 | No set | 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 The Bichon Frise Club Of America |
| Price | $800-$1000 | $800-$1000 | $700-$1000 |
General Appearance - Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise
| Size | Medium | Medium | Small |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) | 35-45 pounds (15-20 kg) | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) |
| Avg. Weight | 20.5 pounds (9 kg) | 40 pounds (17.5 kg) | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) |
| Height | 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) | Male: 17-19 inches (44-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (40-46 cm) | Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) |
| Avg. Height | 14.5 inches (37 cm) | Male: 18 inches (46 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) | Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) |
Hair & Care - Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise
| Coat | Dense | Fluffy Dense | Curly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | White Blue Merle Sable Tan Black | Silver Gray Cream Black | White Apricot Buff Cream |
| Grooming | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Advanced: The Keeshond requires a lot of grooming. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
| Shedding Level | Shetland Sheepdogs shed moderately. | Keeshonds are heavy shedders. | Bichon Frises are low shedders. |
Characteristics - Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise
| Temperament | Affectionate Gentle Lively Responsive Friendly Intelligent Playful | Agile Obedient Quick Intelligent Bright Playful Sturdy | Affectionate Playful Sensitive Cheerful Gentle Intelligent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank | Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Very smart: Keeshond is an excellent dog breed. | Average: Bichon Frise's has average obedience intelligence. |
| Trainability | Shetland Sheepdogs are quite easy to train. | Keeshonds are quite easy to train. | Bichon Frises are quite easy to train. |
| Playfulness | Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Keeshonds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. |
| Sensitivity Level | Shetland Sheepdogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. | Keeshonds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level | Shetland Sheepdogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Keeshonds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Bichon Frises are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs | Shetland Sheepdogs are a social breed. | Keeshonds are a social breed. | Bichon Frises need a lot of social interaction. |
| Barking | High: The Shetland Sheepdog is a very vocal breed. | High: The Keeshond is a very vocal breed. | Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. |
| Watchdog Ability | Shetland Sheepdogs are good watchdogs. | Keeshonds are good watchdogs. | Bichon Frises are average watchdogs. |
| Territorial | Shetland Sheepdogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Keeshonds are average defenders. | Bichon Frises are not the best to protect their territory. |
| Biting Potential |
Low The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Keeshond has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness | Shetland Sheepdogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Keeshonds have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Bichon Frises have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | Shetland Sheepdogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Keeshonds tend to escape less than other breeds. | Bichon Frises have average wanderlust potential. |
| Prey Drive | Shetland Sheepdogs 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. | Keeshonds 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. | Bichon Frises don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals. |
| Apartment Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are not recommended for an apartment lifestyle. | Keeshonds are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Bichon Frises are very apartment-friendly dogs. |
| Adaptability | Shetland Sheepdogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Keeshonds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Bichon Frises adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | Shetland Sheepdogs 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. | Keeshonds 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. | Bichon Frises tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
| Fighting 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. |
Good With - Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise
| Stranger Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are not the most stranger friendly dogs. | Keeshonds are very stranger friendly dogs. | Bichon Frises are very stranger friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Keeshonds are kid-friendly dogs. | Bichon Frises are kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Keeshonds are cat-friendly dogs. | Bichon Frises are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are dog-friendly dogs. | Keeshonds are dog-friendly dogs. | Bichon Frises are very dog-friendly dogs. |
| Office Friendly |
No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Keeshond is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people. | Keeshonds are usually recommended for elderly people. | Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people. |
| Pet Friendly | Shetland Sheepdogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Keeshonds are usually friendly towards other pets. | Bichon Frises are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Good For First Time Owners |
No Shetland Sheepdogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Keeshonds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Bichon Frises are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
| Service Dog |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
| Therapy Dog |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
| Boat Dog |
Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Keeshond breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| 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. |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Health Factors - Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise
| Health Issues | The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Keeshond is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Problems | Cancer Cataracts Collie Eye Anomaly Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Haemophilia Heart Problems Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Trichiasis Von Willebrand's Disease | No set | Allergies Bladder Stones Hip Dysplasia Juvenile Cataracts Patellar Luxation Vaccination Sensitivity |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No | Yes |
| Energy Level | Shetland Sheepdogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Keeshonds have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Bichon Frises have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
| Exercise Need | Shetland Sheepdogs have an average exercise need. | Keeshonds exercise need is minimal. | Bichon Frises exercise need is minimal. |
| Sleeping Need | Shetland Sheepdogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. | Keeshonds are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. | Bichon Frises like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. |
| Avg. daily food consumption | 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
| Weight Gain Potential | Average. | Average to High. | Average to High. |
| Weather & Climate |
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. |
Prefers cold weather The Keeshond can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions |
| Stinkiness |
Medium The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Keeshond has an average chance of bad smell. |
Low The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling tendency | The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Keeshond is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Bichon Frise is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. |
Reproducibility - Shetland Sheepdog vs Keeshond vs Bichon Frise
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often can the have a litter? |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size | 4-6 puppies | 3-8 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
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