Shetland Sheepdog vs English Setter
Breed Compatibility
87% Compatible
Energy Level
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
English Setter: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
English Setter: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
English Setter: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
English Setter4/5
Good with Other Dogs
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
English Setter4/5
Good with Strangers
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
English Setter4/5
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
English Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone deficiency
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Bloat: Gastric dilatation 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
English Setter
Pros
Gentle and friendly temperament
Excellent with children
Athletic and versatile
Good hunting companion
Cons
Regular grooming required
High exercise needs
Can be stubborn
Moderate shedding
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
English Setter Fun Fact
Their unique speckled coat pattern, called 'belton,' is a trademark feature that only appears after birth.
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.
English Setter
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting game birds, these dogs excelled at 'setting' or crouching low when locating birds, allowing hunters to cast nets over the game.
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.
English Setter
Regular grooming needed for coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Health screening for breed-specific issues recommended.
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