Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
- Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | American Pit Bull Terrier | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $400 – $1200 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 87.4 percent | 68.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 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 American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog.
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Shetland Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.
Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier 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. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier.
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Shetland Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $400 to $1200 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Shetland Sheepdogs are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Zeus that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Zeus on pefinder.com.
Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Nash (In Foster) is a Male Shetland Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs like Nash (In Foster) that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Penn is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Cj & Brodie is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Shetland Sheepdog
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
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 American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shetland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cockalier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brussels Griffon American Pit Bull Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Whippet American Pit Bull Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais American Pit Bull Terrier versus Beaglier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cockalier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lowchen American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boston Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pug American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogo Argentino American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kishu Ken American Pit Bull Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shiranian
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Papipoo Shetland Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund Shetland Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Chorkie Shetland Sheepdog versus German Longhaired Pointer Shetland Sheepdog versus Akita Shetland Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Boerboel Shetland Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino Shetland Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Shetland Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Boerboel Shetland Sheepdog versus Newfoundland Shetland Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler Shetland Sheepdog versus Papipoo
Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.