Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Saluki Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Saluki
- Price of Saluki versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
- Adopting the Saluki versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Intelligence of the Saluki versus the Intelligence of the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Saluki versus Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Salukis shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Saluki Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Salukis Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Saluki vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Salukis good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Salukis and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Saluki Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saluki
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Saluki Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Saluki 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 Saluki 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 Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Saluki 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 Saluki 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 Saluki 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 Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog.
Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Saluki is a large-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Saluki belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Saluki 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 Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Saluki | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 70 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2250 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $2250 – $2250 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 68.7 percent | 68.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 127 | 23 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 43 | 6 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Saluki 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 Saluki is 74 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 Saluki. 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 Saluki 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 Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Salukis weigh 35 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Salukis are 23 to 28 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 Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Salukis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Salukis is 13.0 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 Salukis.
Temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog Versus the Saluki
The Shetland Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Saluki.
This is because the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 percent while the temperament score for the Saluki is 68.7 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 68.7 percent, the Saluki has a below-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 Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 67 Salukis and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.
Price of Saluki versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
The average price of the Saluki puppy is $2250. The price of the Saluki typically ranges from $2250 – $2250. However, the price of a Saluki can be as low as $2250 and as high as $2250. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Saluki 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 Saluki is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.
| Saluki | Shetland Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2250 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $2250 to $2250 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Saluki and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Saluki puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Salukis. 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 Saluki 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 Saluki versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Salukis 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 Saluki named Dexter O that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Salukis like Dexter O on pefinder.com.
Also, like Salukis, Shetland Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Toby is a Male Shetland Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs like Toby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Archie is the name of another Saluki (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Cj & Brodie is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Salukis and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Saluki versus the Intelligence of the Shetland Sheepdog
| Saluki | Shetland Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 43 out of 130 dog breeds | 6 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Saluki has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Saluki belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Salukis tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Shetland Sheepdog has an obedience intelligence rank of 6 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that Shetland Sheepdogs tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 repetitions.
The Shetland Sheepdog is more intelligent than the Saluki.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Saluki versus Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shetland Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Saluki. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shetland Sheepdog is 23 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Saluki is 127 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Saluki
Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
| Year | Saluki Popularity Rank | Shetland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 115 | 21 |
| 2014 | 134 | 21 |
| 2015 | 132 | 23 |
| 2016 | 125 | 24 |
| 2017 | 123 | 24 |
| 2018 | 120 | 25 |
| 2019 | 125 | 25 |
| 2020 | 144 | 27 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog
Salukis do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Salukis shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Salukis 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 Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog
Salukis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Salukis are very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Saluki Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Salukis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Salukis Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Salukis 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 Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Salukis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Saluki vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Salukis 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 Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Salukis 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 Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Salukis get along very well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Salukis good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Salukis 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 Salukis and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Salukis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Saluki Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Salukis are very easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Saluki Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Salukis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Saluki or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Salukis 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 Saluki
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saluki 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 Saluki:
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 Saluki and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Saluki and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Saluki Versus Other Dog Breeds
Saluki versus Fila Brasileiro Saluki versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Saluki versus Curly-Coated Retriever Saluki versus Tibetan Terrier Saluki versus Shichon Saluki versus Akita Chow Saluki versus Shiba Inu Saluki versus Komondor Saluki versus Greyhound Saluki versus Xoloitzcuintli Saluki versus Sealyham Terrier Saluki versus Labrador Retriever Saluki versus Braque du Bourbonnais Saluki versus Chow Chow Saluki versus Fila Brasileiro Saluki versus Bedlington Terrier Saluki versus Black Mouth Cur Saluki versus Labradoodle Saluki versus Icelandic Sheepdog Saluki versus Peek A Poo Saluki versus Japanese Chin Saluki versus Chinook Saluki versus Harrier Saluki versus Bernese Mountain Dog Saluki versus Toy Fox Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shetland Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro Shetland Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso Shetland Sheepdog versus Chihuahua Shetland Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Shetland Sheepdog versus Samoyed Shetland Sheepdog versus Harrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomapoo Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund Shetland Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shetland Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres Shetland Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Shetland Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Shetland Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Conclusion: Saluki 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 Saluki and the Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.