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Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Golden Flat Coat?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Golden Retriever
OriginsScotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank243
Reviews616
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a Golden Retriever?
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare activity levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types.
Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Golden Retriever dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Golden Retriever? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a Golden Retriever be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Golden Retriever dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Golden Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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