Breed Comparison: Shetland Sheepdog Versus Valley Bulldog

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Shetland Sheepdog Versus Valley Bulldog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and for the Valley Bulldog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Shetland Sheepdog or the Valley Bulldog.

Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog

Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Valley Bulldog belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shetland Sheepdog to the Valley Bulldog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog

Factor Shetland Sheepdog Valley Bulldog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 8 to 12 years
Height 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 25 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Weight Starts at 20 pounds 50 to 125 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.0 years
Average Price $1590 $2050
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1950 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Valley Bulldog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Valley Bulldog is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Valley Bulldog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Valley Bulldogs are very easy to groom.
  • Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    • The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog are very playful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Valley Bulldogs weigh 50 to 125 pounds when fully grown. Valley Bulldogs are 12 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Valley Bulldogs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Valley Bulldogs is 10.0 years.

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Valley Bulldogs.

    Price of Shetland Sheepdog versus Price of Valley Bulldog

    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 a Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Valley Bulldog puppy is $2050. The price of the Valley Bulldog typically ranges from $1950 – $2200. However, the price of the Valley Bulldog can be as low as $1700 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Valley Bulldog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Valley Bulldog is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Shetland Sheepdog Valley Bulldog
    Average Price $1590 $2050
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1950 to $2200

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Valley Bulldogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Valley Bulldogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shetland Sheepdog puppy or the Valley Bulldog 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: Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Valley Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Valley Bulldogs?

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Valley Bulldogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Valley Bulldog

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Valley Bulldogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Valley Bulldog?

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

    Valley Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Valley Bulldog?

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Valley Bulldogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Valley Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Valley Bulldog

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Valley Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Valley Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Valley Bulldog?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Valley Bulldogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Valley Bulldogs?

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Valley Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Shetland Sheepdogs and Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Valley Bulldog?

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Valley Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Valley Bulldog?

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Valley Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Valley Bulldogs are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Valley Bulldog vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Valley Bulldog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Rottweiler (74 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Rottweiler.
  • Boxer (80 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Boxer.
  • Bulldog (75 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs Bulldog.
  • French Bulldog (73 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog vs French Bulldog.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Shetland Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cavachon     Shetland Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund     Shetland Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Shetland Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Shetland Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Shetland Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Shetland Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shetland Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Puggle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Poodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     

    Valley Bulldog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Valley Bulldog versus Japanese Chin     Valley Bulldog versus Akbash     Valley Bulldog versus Beaglier     Valley Bulldog versus Cockalier     Valley Bulldog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Valley Bulldog versus Beagle     Valley Bulldog versus Pharaoh Hound     Valley Bulldog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Valley Bulldog versus Ibizan Hound     Valley Bulldog versus King Shepherd     Valley Bulldog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Valley Bulldog versus Lowchen     Valley Bulldog versus Lancashire Heeler     Valley Bulldog versus Maltese     Valley Bulldog versus Irish Terrier     Valley Bulldog versus Schnoodle     Valley Bulldog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Valley Bulldog versus English Springer Spaniel     Valley Bulldog versus Irish Terrier     Valley Bulldog versus Cocker Spaniel     Valley Bulldog versus Shiranian     Valley Bulldog versus Standard Poodle     Valley Bulldog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Valley Bulldog versus Afghan Hound     Valley Bulldog versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Valley Bulldog better suits you and your family.