Drever vs Shetland Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Drevers are less energetic than Shetland Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Drevers require less grooming attention compared to Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Drevers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shetland Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Drevers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Drever and Shetland Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Drever | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 15-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Drever | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm |
| Weight | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Drever | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined | Playful, Energetic, Bright |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Drever | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Drever Temperament
The Drever is known for being loyal, even-tempered, determined, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Shetland Sheepdog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is characterized by being playful, energetic, bright, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Drever and Shetland Sheepdog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Drever
Rating: 5/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Drever
Rating: 5/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Drever
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Drevers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Shetland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shetland Sheepdogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shetland Sheepdogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
Pros & Cons
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent family dog
- Low maintenance cost
- Good with children
Cons
- Excessive barking tendency
- Heavy shedding
- Can be shy with strangers
- Requires extensive grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Drever and Shetland Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.