Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Hovawart Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Hovawarts shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Hovawart Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog.
Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.
Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Hovawart | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 29 inches | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 110 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $2000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
| Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 68.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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 Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 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 Hovawarts.
Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Shetland Sheepdog
The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.
Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog
Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Hovawarts shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Hovawarts shed moderately.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog
Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Hovawarts are very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Hovawarts are not easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Hovawarts 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 Hovawart
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:
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 Hovawart and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Hovawart and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds
Hovawart versus Pomeranian Hovawart versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Hovawart versus Chi-Poo Hovawart versus Havanese Hovawart versus English Cocker Spaniel Hovawart versus Belgian Tervuren Hovawart versus Pomchi Hovawart versus Pointer Hovawart versus Chi-Poo Hovawart versus Goldador Hovawart versus Spanish Mastiff Hovawart versus Pyrenean Mastiff Hovawart versus Puli Hovawart versus Redbone Coonhound Hovawart versus Akita Hovawart versus Shichon Hovawart versus English Setter Hovawart versus German Shepherd Dog Hovawart versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Hovawart versus Japanese Chin Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer Hovawart versus Patterdale Terrier Hovawart versus Belgian Tervuren Hovawart versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Hovawart versus Dutch Shepherd
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler Shetland Sheepdog versus Kai Ken Shetland Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Shetland Sheepdog versus American Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Great Dane Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Saluki Shetland Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Shetland Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Shetland Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxer Shetland Sheepdog versus Mal Shi Shetland Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Shetland Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu Shetland Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus King Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus Mudi Shetland Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Shetland Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever
Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.