A Detailed Comparison of the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Akbash Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash 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 Akbash 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 Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash 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 Akbash 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 Akbash 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 Akbash or the Shetland Sheepdog.

Akbash versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Akbash belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Akbash versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash 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 Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Akbash Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $610 $1590
Price Range $500 – $800 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 68.9 percent
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 Akbash 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 Akbash is 83 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 Akbash. 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 Akbash 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 Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Akbashs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akbash 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 Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 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 Akbash versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Akbashs.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the Shetland Sheepdog

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Shetland Sheepdog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Akbashs 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 Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Akbashs 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 Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs 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 Akbashs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash 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 Akbash and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.