Sloughi 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.
Sloughi
Hound Group
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Sloughi Overview
Sloughi dogs embody elegance with their lean, muscular build and graceful movement. These noble sighthounds feature a smooth coat, long limbs, and expressive dark eyes that convey their characteristic dignified demeanor. Standing tall with a deep chest and refined bone structure, they possess the classic desert hound silhouette with their distinctive drooping ears and long, curved tail.
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: Sloughis are less energetic than Shetland Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Sloughis require less grooming attention compared to Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Sloughis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Sloughis may be slightly easier to train due to their Sloughi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shetland Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Sloughis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Sloughi and Shetland Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Sloughi | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Sloughi | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 inches 61-74 cm | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm |
| Weight | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Sloughi | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Reserved, Graceful, Noble | Playful, Energetic, Bright |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Sloughi | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Sloughi Temperament
The Sloughi is known for being reserved, graceful, noble, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Sloughi 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
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Sloughi
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Sloughi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sloughis 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, Sloughis 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
Sloughi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiac Issues
- Bloat
- Sensitivity
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
Pros & Cons
Sloughi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Low grooming requirements
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal to family
- Quiet and clean
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Reserved with strangers
- Sensitive temperament
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 Sloughi and Shetland Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.