Differences and Similarities between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 28 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 88 to 110 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $3490 $1590
Price Range $2500 – $2700 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 91.7 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 Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shetland Sheepdogs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs weigh 88 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 28 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Temperament of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus the Shetland Sheepdog

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 24 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppy is $3490. The price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $2700. However, the price of a Central Asian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $25000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 21 Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $3490 $1590
    Price Range $2500 to $2700 $1000 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog:

  • Kuvasz (71 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Kuvasz.
  • Maremma Sheepdog (75 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Maremma Sheepdog.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (74 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (70 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Hovawart     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Whippet     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Plott     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus English Setter     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Gordon Setter     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Boerboel     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Brittany     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Great Dane     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shichon     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Kooikerhondje     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus English Setter     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shetland Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shetland Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear     Shetland Sheepdog versus Samoyed     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Shetland Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Plott     Shetland Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Shetland Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Whippet     Shetland Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Akita     

    Conclusion: Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.