Which is Better Between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Affenhuahua Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Affenhuahua and for the Shetland Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Affenhuahua or the Shetland Sheepdog.

Affenhuahua versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenhuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Affenhuahua belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Shetland Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Affenhuahua versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenhuahua to the Shetland Sheepdog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Affenhuahua Shetland Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 18 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Weight 4 to 12 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Height 6 to 12 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 15.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Affenhuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shetland Sheepdog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Affenhuahua is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Affenhuahua. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:

    • Affenhuahuas are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Affenhuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Affenhuahuas are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog

    The Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:

    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Affenhuahua versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Affenhuahuas weigh 4 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Affenhuahuas are 6 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Affenhuahua versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Affenhuahuas is between 13 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Affenhuahuas is 15.5 years.

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.

    Affenhuahuas live longer than Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenhuahua versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Affenhuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Affenhuahuas shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Affenhuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Affenhuahua or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Affenhuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenhuahua or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Affenhuahuas are very easy to groom.

    Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenhuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Affenhuahuas have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Affenhuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Affenhuahuas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Affenhuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenhuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenhuahua vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Affenhuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Affenhuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Affenhuahuas can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Affenhuahua or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Affenhuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Affenhuahuas good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Affenhuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenhuahuas and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Affenhuahuas get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Affenhuahua Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Affenhuahuas are fairly easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Affenhuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Affenhuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Affenhuahua or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Affenhuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Affenhuahua versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Affenhuahua and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.