Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better than the Shetland Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $650 $1590
Price Range $400 – $800 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Shetland Sheepdogs 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.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Shetland Sheepdog

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $650 $1590
    Price Range $400 to $800 $1000 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

    Adopting the Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs and many Shetland Sheepdogs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Catahoula Leopard Dog named Mater that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dogs like Mater on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Toby is a Male Shetland Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs like Toby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Cj & Brodie is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shetland Sheepdog:

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Goldendoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boston Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus French Bulldog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinook     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Toy Poodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Hovawart     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Goldador     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bloodhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinook     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Pinscher     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Mal Shi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pekingese     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Norwich Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Brittany     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Mastiff     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pug     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shetland Sheepdog versus Puli     Shetland Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltipoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Shetland Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Brittany     Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren     Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.