A Detailed Comparison of the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bolognese Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Bolognese versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bolognese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Bolognese versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Bolognese Shetland Sheepdog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Weight 8 to 14 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Height 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2030 $1590
Price Range $1888 – $2162 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 68.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese is 85 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 not better or worse than the Bolognese. So, you can get the Shetland Sheepdog or the Bolognese!

    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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Bologneses 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.
    • Bologneses are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Bologneses adapt well to apartment living. However, Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.

    Size Comparison of Bolognese versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Bologneses weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Bologneses are 9 to 12 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 Bolognese versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Bologneses is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bologneses is 13.0 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 Bologneses.

    Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Bolognese

    The Bolognese has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bolognese is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 1 Bologneses and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Bolognese versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Bolognese puppy is $2030. The price of the Bolognese typically ranges from $1888 – $2162. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Bolognese 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 Bolognese is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bologneses. 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 Bolognese 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bolognese versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Bologneses do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bologneses shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Bologneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bologneses 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 Bologneses Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

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

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bolognese vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Bologneses 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 Bologneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bologneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bologneses good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bologneses 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 Bologneses and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bologneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bolognese Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bologneses are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Bologneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bologneses are OK for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

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