Black Russian Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Black Russian Terrier Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Black Russian 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog.

Black Russian Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Black Russian Terrier 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.

Black Russian Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Black Russian Terrier Shetland Sheepdog
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Height 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 140 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $3050 $1590
Price Range $2600 – $3500 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 93.9 percent 68.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
    		•
  • 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier is 74 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:

    • Black Russian Terriers are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Black Russian Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Black Russian Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shetland Sheepdogs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Black Russian Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches 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 Black Russian Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 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 Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Black Russian Terrier

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 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 93.9 percent, the Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 164 Black Russian Terriers and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Black Russian Terrier versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Black Russian Terrier than for the Shetland Sheepdog.

    7 health tests are recommended for Black Russian Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Black Russian Terriers and in Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Black Russian Terrier Health Problems

    Black Russian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terriers for:

  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black Russian 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:

  • 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: Black Russian Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Black Russian Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Black Russian Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Black Russian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Black Russian Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Black Russian Terriers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Black Russian Terrier or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Black Russian 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.