Affectionate
Gentle
Lively
Responsive
Friendly
Intelligent
Playful

Amiable
Outright
Tempered
Boisterous

Shetland Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Otterhounds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Shetland Sheepdogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Otterhounds aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Scotland (Shetland Islands)

England

collie

griffon nivernais

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

1800s

1300s

Herding (AKC:1911 & UKC)

Hound (AKC:1909)
Scenthound (UKC)

Blue
Brown

Hazel
Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Sable
Black
Blue
White

Cream
Brown
Black
White
Fawn
Blue
Gray

Shetland Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Otterhounds have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wiry

A Shetland Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

An Otterhound can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Shetland Sheepdogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Otterhounds have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

While the Shetland Sheepdog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Otterhounds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Dermatomyositis
Sensitive to Ivermectin

Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Heart Defect

Patellar Luxation
Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly

Elbow Dysplasia
Thrombopathia

Eye
Hip
Hearing
Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Dna For Vwd
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
Blood
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Shetland Sheepdogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Otterhounds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Shetland Sheepdog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Otterhound has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Shetland Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Otterhounds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Shetland Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Otterhounds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Otterhounds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Otterhound dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.

Walk, Playing fetch, Tug of war, Training, Running, Go to Beach, Go to Park, Long walks, Run After birds, Showing, Beach, Obedience, Snuggles, Soccer, Frisbee, Run, Play, Chase, Fetch, Dog Parks

Fishing, Go to Beach, Swim

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shetland Sheepdog, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Otterhound, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Shetland Sheepdogs have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Otterhounds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 14-27 pound (6 - 12 kg) Shetland Sheepdog feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 90-110 pound (41 - 50 kg) Otterhound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Shetland Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of an Otterhound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Shetland Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Otterhound is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Shetland Sheepdog is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Otterhounds are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Otterhounds are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

Shetland Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Otterhound is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Otterhounds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Shetland Sheepdogs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Otterhounds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Shetland Sheepdogs have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Otterhounds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Shetland Sheepdogs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Otterhounds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.