Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog.

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Belgian Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog

FactorBelgian SheepdogShetland Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/52/5
Life Span10 to 12 years12 to 15 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/55/5
Height22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners3/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Easy To Groom3/52/5
General Health3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander2/54/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/51/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Low Prey Drive1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight60 to 75 poundsStarts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1430$1590
Price Range$800 – $1725$1000 – $2000
Temperament Score81.0 percent68.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)156

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog. 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Belgian Sheepdog

    The Belgian Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Sheepdog is 81.0 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 81.0 percent, the Belgian Sheepdog has a below-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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 516 Belgian Sheepdogs and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Belgian Sheepdog puppy is $1430. The price of the Belgian Sheepdog typically ranges from $800 – $1725. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 32 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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.

    The Intelligence of the Belgian Sheepdog versus the Intelligence of the Shetland Sheepdog

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    Belgian Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog
    Intelligence Rank 15 out of 130 dog breeds 6 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Belgian Sheepdog has an obedience intelligence rank of 15 out of 130 dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Belgian Sheepdogs tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.

    The Shetland Sheepdog has an obedience intelligence rank of 6 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that Shetland Sheepdogs tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 repetitions.

    The Shetland Sheepdog is more intelligent than the Belgian Sheepdog.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of Belgian Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Shetland Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Belgian Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Shetland Sheepdog than for the Belgian Sheepdog.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Sheepdog while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Sheepdogs and in Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems

    Belgian Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Belgian Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Belgian Sheepdogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Sheepdogs here.

    Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems

    Shetland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shetland Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shetland Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Shetland Sheepdogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

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

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

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