Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dutch Shepherd Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Dutch Shepherd
- Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
- Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dutch Shepherd Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog.
Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Dutch Shepherd 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.
Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Dutch Shepherd | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1590 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $900 – $2000 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 96.2 percent | 68.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 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 not better or worse than the Dutch Shepherd. So, you can get the Shetland Sheepdog or the Dutch Shepherd!
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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds 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.
Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.
Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 and the Dutch Shepherd are sold for about the same price.
| Dutch Shepherd | Shetland Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1590 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $900 to $2000 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd named Atlas that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Atlas on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dutch Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Socks is a Male Shetland Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs like Socks that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Wilson is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Shiloh is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog
Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog
Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dutch Shepherd versus Kai Ken Dutch Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound Dutch Shepherd versus Bolognese Dutch Shepherd versus Maltese Dutch Shepherd versus Pomapoo Dutch Shepherd versus Cockalier Dutch Shepherd versus French Bulldog Dutch Shepherd versus Mountain Cur Dutch Shepherd versus Morkie Dutch Shepherd versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel Dutch Shepherd versus Boston Terrier Dutch Shepherd versus German Shepherd Dog Dutch Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle Dutch Shepherd versus Standard Poodle Dutch Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai Dutch Shepherd versus Berger Picard Dutch Shepherd versus Azawakh Dutch Shepherd versus Newfoundland Dutch Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Dutch Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier Dutch Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Dutch Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier Dutch Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier Dutch Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Komondor Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomsky Shetland Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Azawakh Shetland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Shetland Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff Shetland Sheepdog versus Akbash Shetland Sheepdog versus King Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Shetland Sheepdog versus American Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie Shetland Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltese Shetland Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer Shetland Sheepdog versus Pug Shetland Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo
Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.