Toy Fox Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
42% Compatible
Energy Level
Toy Fox Terrier: Energetic0.8
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Toy Fox Terrier: Eager to Please1.0
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Toy Fox Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Toy Fox Terrier/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Toy Fox Terrier/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
Toy Fox Terrier/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Toy Fox Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Von Willebrand's: Blood clotting disorder
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Lens Luxation: Eye lens displacement
Dental Issues: Tooth and gum problems
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
Pros & Cons Comparison
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
Highly intelligent
Low maintenance grooming
Good for apartment living
Long lifespan
Cons
Can be stubborn
May be yappy
Prone to dental issues
Not ideal with very young children
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
Toy Fox Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Toy Fox Terriers were originally skilled ratters on American farms!
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
Toy Fox Terrier
Origin:
Developed in the United States during the 1930s for hunting small vermin and providing companionship. Farmers valued these dogs for their exceptional ratting abilities.
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.
Special Considerations
Toy Fox Terrier
Requires dental attention due to small mouth size. Needs protection in extreme weather. Regular exercise essential to prevent behavioral issues.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
Shedding
OccasionalShedding
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