Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Terrier
Breed Compatibility
89% Compatible
Energy Level
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Border Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Border Terrier: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Border Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Border Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Border Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Border Terrier4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Border Terrier
Hip dysplasia: joint malformation
SLEM: spongiform encephalopathy
Heart defects: valve issues
Epilepsy: seizure disorder
Eye problems: progressive issues
Dental issues: tooth decay risk
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Border Terrier
Pros
Excellent with families
Adaptable to different living situations
Low grooming requirements
Good with children
Cons
Can be stubborn
Strong prey drive
May dig and bark
Needs consistent exercise
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Border Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their small size, Border Terriers were bred to keep pace with horses during fox hunts!
Heritage & Purpose
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Border Terrier
Origin:
Developed in the border country between England and Scotland during the 18th century, these terriers excelled at hunting foxes and rodents in the rugged terrain.
Special Considerations
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
Border Terrier
Regular brushing needed to maintain coat condition. Requires secure fencing due to hunting instincts. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
OccasionalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Shetland Sheepdog vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Shetland Sheepdog vs Wire Fox Terrier →Similar Size
Shetland Sheepdog vs Schipperke →