Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Biewer Terrier Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Price of Biewer Terrier versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Biewer Terrier versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Biewer Terriers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Biewer Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Biewer Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Biewer Terrier vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Biewer Terriers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Biewer Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Biewer Terrier Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Conclusion: Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Biewer Terrier Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog.
Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Biewer Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Biewer 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.
Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Biewer Terrier | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 8 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 7 to 11 inches | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2920 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $2000 – $3000 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Biewer Terrier is a better pet than the Shetland Sheepdog. So, you should get the Biewer Terrier!
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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
- Biewer Terriers 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.
- Biewer Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
The Similarities Between the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
- Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
- Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
Size Comparison of Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Biewer Terriers weigh 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are 7 to 11 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 Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Biewer Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Biewer Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
Price of Biewer Terrier versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
The average price of the Biewer Terrier puppy is $2920. The price of the Biewer Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 81 Biewer 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. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Biewer Terrier is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Biewer Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Biewer Terrier puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Biewer 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 Biewer 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.
Health Problems of Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Biewer Terrier than for the Shetland Sheepdog.
8 health tests are recommended for Biewer Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Biewer Terriers and in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Biewer Terrier Health Problems
Biewer Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Biewer Terriers 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Biewer Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog
Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Biewer Terriers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog
Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Biewer Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Biewer Terrier vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Biewer Terriers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Biewer 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 Biewer Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Biewer Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Biewer Terrier Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Biewer Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Biewer Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Biewer Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.