Breed Comparison: Cavapoo Versus Shetland Sheepdog

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Cavapoo Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Cavapoo versus Shetland Sheepdog

Cavapoo versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are similar in size. The Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Cavapoo versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Cavapoo Shetland Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 14 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 9 to 25 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2430 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2925 $1000 – $2000
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 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo is a better pet than the Shetland Sheepdog. So, you should get the Cavapoo!

    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 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Cavapoos 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cavapoo versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Cavapoos weigh 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Cavapoos are 9 to 14 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 Cavapoo versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Cavapoos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cavapoos 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 Cavapoo versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Cavapoo puppy is $2430. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2925. However, the price of a Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $23000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1593 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Cavapoo Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $2430 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2925 $1000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos. 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 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cavapoos 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 Cavapoo named Louie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cavapoos like Louie on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cavapoos, 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 Cavapoo and the Shetland Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Nash (In Foster) is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Cavapoos and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavapoo versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavapoos shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Cavapoos 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 Cavapoo or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Cavapoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Cavapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Cavapoos Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Cavapoos 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 Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavapoo vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Cavapoos 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 Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavapoos 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 Cavapoo or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cavapoos good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Cavapoos 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 Cavapoos and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Cavapoo Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Cavapoos are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cavapoos are OK for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cavapoo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo:

  • Bernedoodle (82 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernedoodle.
  • Cockapoo (81 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Cockapoo.
  • Cockalier (80 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Cockalier.
  • 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 Cavapoo vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Cavapoo vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cavapoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavapoo versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Cavapoo versus Akbash     Cavapoo versus Norfolk Terrier     Cavapoo versus Norwich Terrier     Cavapoo versus King Shepherd     Cavapoo versus Havanese     Cavapoo versus Bolognese     Cavapoo versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Cavapoo versus Kooikerhondje     Cavapoo versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Cavapoo versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Cavapoo versus Lancashire Heeler     Cavapoo versus Swedish Vallhund     Cavapoo versus Swedish Vallhund     Cavapoo versus Saint Berdoodle     Cavapoo versus Bordoodle     Cavapoo versus Welsh Terrier     Cavapoo versus Australian Terrier     Cavapoo versus Bloodhound     Cavapoo versus Beaglier     Cavapoo versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Cavapoo versus Lhasa Apso     Cavapoo versus Standard Schnauzer     Cavapoo versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Cavapoo versus Sloughi     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Keeshond     Shetland Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Shetland Sheepdog versus Spinone Italiano     Shetland Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pointer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Foxhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu     Shetland Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Shetland Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bich Poo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Shetland Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     

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