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Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Wolfdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Shih Tzu Shikoku dog
OriginsScotland flagScotland China flagChina Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2420210
Reviews6150
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Japanese Wolfdog
Kochi-ken
Mikawa Inu
Shikoku dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Which is the smallest dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Medium Small Large
Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog weight comparison:
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 35-50 pounds (16-23 kg), Female: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 42.5 pounds (19.5 kg), Female: 37.5 pounds (17 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$1200 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Shikoku dog is a commonly available dog breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog intelligence:
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog trainability comparison.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shikoku dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shikoku dog dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? 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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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shikoku dog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Agile
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Brave
Cautious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shikoku dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shikoku dog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shikoku dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shikoku dog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog playfulness comparison:
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Shikoku dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Shikoku dog rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
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 Shikoku dog indoors.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog 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.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Shikoku dog 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 Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
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.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shikoku dog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shikoku dog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Shikoku dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog 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
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Shikoku dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu and Shikoku dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Shikoku dog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?
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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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 Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog energy level comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Shikoku dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shikoku dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shikoku dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1.5 to 2.5 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 Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Shikoku dog has an average risk for obesity.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog coat comparison:
Dense Dense Soft
Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu and Shikoku dog color?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Cream
Black & Tan
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Easy to groom: The Shikoku dog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shikoku dog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shikoku dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shikoku dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog 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.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shikoku dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shikoku dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Shikoku dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shikoku dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shikoku dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shikoku dog 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
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shikoku dog 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.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Shikoku dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog 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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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 Shih Tzu or Shikoku dog? 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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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.

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.

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 Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog?

Not really

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

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shikoku dog 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.
See more.

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.
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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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shetland Sheepdog and Shih Tzu and Shikoku dog have?
4-6 puppies 2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu vs Shikoku dog 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 1969 as a Toy 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
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
Canadian Canine Registry
No data available

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