Shetland Sheepdog vs Scottish Deerhound
Breed Compatibility
85% Compatible
Energy Level
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Scottish Deerhound: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Scottish Deerhound: Independent0.4
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Scottish Deerhound: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Scottish Deerhound3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Scottish Deerhound5/5
Good with Strangers
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Scottish Deerhound3/5
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
Scottish Deerhound
Cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle disease
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation
Osteosarcoma: Bone cancer risk
Liver shunt: Blood flow issue
Eye problems: Vision concerns
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
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
Gentle and dignified temperament
Low barking tendency
Good with other dogs
Minimal grooming needs
Cons
Requires large living space
High exercise needs
Short lifespan
Strong prey drive
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Scottish Deerhound Fun Fact
Scottish Deerhounds can reach speeds of up to 30 mph and were once so prized that no one below an earl's rank could own one.
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.
Scottish Deerhound
Origin:
During medieval times in the Scottish Highlands, these noble hounds served as royal hunting companions, pursuing red deer across rugged terrain. Their exceptional speed and size made them ideal for this purpose.
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.
Scottish Deerhound
Secure fencing is essential due to prey drive. Regular exercise is crucial but should be moderate in puppies to protect growing joints. Health monitoring is important.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Shetland Sheepdog vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Shetland Sheepdog vs Wire Fox Terrier →Similar Size
Shetland Sheepdog vs Schipperke →