Is the Pyredoodle Better than the Shetland Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

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Pyredoodle Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Pyredoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pyredoodle 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.

Pyredoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Pyredoodle Shetland Sheepdog
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Height 15 to 32 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 85 to 100 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1390 $1590
Price Range $1250 – $1600 $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 Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle. So, you can get the Shetland Sheepdog or the Pyredoodle!

    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 Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Pyredoodles 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.
  • Pyredoodles have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shetland Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyredoodle and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyredoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Pyredoodles weigh 85 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Pyredoodles are 15 to 32 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 Pyredoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Pyredoodles is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Pyredoodles is 11.0 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 Pyredoodles.

    Price of Pyredoodle versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    The average price of the Pyredoodle puppy is $1390. The price of the Pyredoodle typically ranges from $1250 – $1600. However, the price of a Pyredoodle can be as low as $400 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 24 Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle.

    Pyredoodle Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $1390 $1590
    Price Range $1250 to $1600 $1000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pyredoodles. 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 Pyredoodle 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: Pyredoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Pyredoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyredoodles shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodle or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Pyredoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Pyredoodles are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodles Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Pyredoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Pyredoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyredoodle vs. Shetland Sheepdog

    Pyredoodles have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Pyredoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodle or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Pyredoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyredoodles good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodles and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Pyredoodle Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Pyredoodles are fairly easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

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

    Pyredoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pyredoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyredoodle

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

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Pyredoodle). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bernedoodle (81 percent match with Pyredoodle). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernedoodle.
  • Bordoodle (79 percent match with Pyredoodle). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Bordoodle.
  • 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 Pyredoodle vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Pyredoodle vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyredoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyredoodle versus Cesky Terrier     Pyredoodle versus Portuguese Pointer     Pyredoodle versus German Shepherd Dog     Pyredoodle versus Cockalier     Pyredoodle versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Pyredoodle versus Affenpinscher     Pyredoodle versus Shiranian     Pyredoodle versus Beaglier     Pyredoodle versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyredoodle versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pyredoodle versus Swedish Vallhund     Pyredoodle versus Cavapoo     Pyredoodle versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Pyredoodle versus Azawakh     Pyredoodle versus German Pinscher     Pyredoodle versus Papipoo     Pyredoodle versus Puli     Pyredoodle versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyredoodle versus Bearded Collie     Pyredoodle versus Spanish Mastiff     Pyredoodle versus Morkie     Pyredoodle versus Black Mouth Cur     Pyredoodle versus Japanese Spitz     Pyredoodle versus Skye Terrier     Pyredoodle versus Pomeranian     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Brittany     Shetland Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Dalmatian     Shetland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     Shetland Sheepdog versus Saluki     Shetland Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Weimaraner     Shetland Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mudi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cockalier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     

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