Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian.

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 Shiranian.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Belgian 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.

On the other hand, the Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Shiranian
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1430 $1270
Price Range $800 – $1725 $1000 – $1350
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian

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

    • Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train. However, Shiranians are not easy to train.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shiranians have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shiranians have low exercise needs.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian

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

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Shiranian are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian

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

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian

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

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Shiranian

    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 Shiranian puppy is $1270. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $1000 – $1350. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 21 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Belgian Sheepdog is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Sheepdog and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Sheepdog puppies or how many Shiranian 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 Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Belgian Sheepdog puppy or the Shiranian 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: Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian

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

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Shiranians?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Shiranian

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Shiranians 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.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Shiranian

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Shiranian?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Sheepdogs and Shiranians?

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

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shiranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog versus Shiranian. 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 Shiranian better suits you and your family.