Which is Better Between the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog?

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Bracco Italiano Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Bracco Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bracco Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Bracco Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Bracco Italiano Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 22 to 26 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 55 to 90 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2500 $1590
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is 76 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 Bracco Italiano. 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom. However, Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Bracco Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 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 Bracco Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Bracco Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bracco Italianos is 12.0 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 Bracco Italianos.

    Price of Bracco Italiano versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Bracco Italiano puppy is $2500. The price of the Bracco Italiano typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Bracco Italiano.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bracco Italiano while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.

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

    Bracco Italiano Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bracco Italianos 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: Bracco Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bracco Italianos shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Bracco Italiano or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bracco Italiano or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Bracco Italiano Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bracco Italiano vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bracco Italiano Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

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