Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Shetland Sheepdog	Rat Terrier
Origins	Scotland	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	24	97
Reviews	6	2
User Ratings

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	20.5 pounds (9 kg)	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a Rat Terrier?	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	14.5 inches (37 cm)	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?	$800-$1000	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier?	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare training requirements.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare alertness levels.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier?	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier?	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier? 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. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier?	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.	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? 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. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rat Terrier. 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.	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier?	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier 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 Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare activity levels.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	No data available
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.	Dense	Dense Shiny
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? 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 Rat Terrier? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Rat Terrier? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier?	Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier 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.	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? 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 Rat Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.	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.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Rat Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.	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. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. 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 Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?	4-6 puppies	5-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. 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 Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Shetland Sheepdog and Rat Terrier. 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	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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