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Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Snap Dog or Lab? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Whippet Labrador Retriever
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank24611
Reviews6211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever breeds.
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Lab
Labrador
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $800-$1200 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Whippet dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Outright
Companionable
Adaptable
Quiet
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
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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Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
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Labrador Retriever 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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Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever?
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.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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 health problems common in Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
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 Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever 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
Heart Murmurs
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Problems
Deafness
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Arthritis
Kidney Issues
Addison's Disease
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which drools least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Fine
Short
Close in texture
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Whippet dogs are low shedders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best with kids?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very 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.
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet or Labrador Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Whippet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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
Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever 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.
Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for draft work?

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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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 service history of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has most military use?

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 Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. What's recommended?

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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shetland Sheepdog, Whippet, and Labrador Retriever. Which has most 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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
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

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