A Detailed Comparison of the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog.

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Cockalier Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Cockalier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cockalier 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.

Cockalier versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Cockalier Shetland Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1370 $1590
Price Range $938 – $1800 $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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier is a better pet than the Shetland Sheepdog. So, you should get the Cockalier!

    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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Cockaliers 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 Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 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 Cockalier versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers 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 Cockalier versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Cockalier puppy is $1370. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $938 – $1800. However, the price of a Cockalier can be as low as $600 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 87 Cockalier 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 Cockalier.

    Cockalier Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $1370 $1590
    Price Range $938 to $1800 $1000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers. 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 Cockalier 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: Cockalier versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cockalier

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    • 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 Cockalier vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Cockalier versus Patterdale Terrier     Cockalier versus Scottish Deerhound     Cockalier versus Pyredoodle     Cockalier versus Standard Schnauzer     Cockalier versus Afghan Hound     Cockalier versus Boerboel     Cockalier versus Siberian Husky     Cockalier versus Chorkie     Cockalier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Cockalier versus Scottish Deerhound     Cockalier versus Chinese Crested     Cockalier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Cockalier versus Gordon Setter     Cockalier versus Silky Terrier     Cockalier versus Mastiff     Cockalier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Cockalier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cockalier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Cockalier versus German Pinscher     Cockalier versus German Pinscher     Cockalier versus Silky Terrier     Cockalier versus Basset Hound     Cockalier versus Shiba Inu     Cockalier versus Stabyhoun     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Shetland Sheepdog versus Collie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Shetland Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund     Shetland Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

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