Differences and Similarities between the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog.

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Goldendoodle Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Goldendoodle Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2170 $1590
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Goldendoodle is a better pet than the Shetland Sheepdog. So, you should get the Goldendoodle!

    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 Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 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 Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 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 Goldendoodles.

    Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Price of Goldendoodle versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2170. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4239 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Goldendoodle Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $2170 $1590
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles. 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 Goldendoodle 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.

    Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog

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

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

    The Goldendoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Deuce (Benefactor Dog) is the name of another Goldendoodle (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.

    Goldendoodles and Shetland Sheepdogs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Goldendoodles shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle

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

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs French Spaniel.
  • 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 Goldendoodle vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Goldendoodle versus Shichon     Goldendoodle versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Goldendoodle versus Miniature Poodle     Goldendoodle versus Plott     Goldendoodle versus Chow Chow     Goldendoodle versus American Water Spaniel     Goldendoodle versus Weimaraner     Goldendoodle versus Cavapoo     Goldendoodle versus Miniature Poodle     Goldendoodle versus Lhasapoo     Goldendoodle versus Gordon Setter     Goldendoodle versus Labradoodle     Goldendoodle versus Boxer     Goldendoodle versus Mudi     Goldendoodle versus American Foxhound     Goldendoodle versus Miniature Poodle     Goldendoodle versus Chow Chow     Goldendoodle versus Mudi     Goldendoodle versus Pomchi     Goldendoodle versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Goldendoodle versus Yorkshire Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Cane Corso     Goldendoodle versus Harrier     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Cockapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Afador     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Labradoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shetland Sheepdog versus Alaskan Malamute     Shetland Sheepdog versus Peek A Poo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon     Shetland Sheepdog versus Hovawart     

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