Shetland Sheepdog vs Shepard Labrador - Breed Comparison

Shetland Sheepdog vs Shepard Labrador - Breed ComparisonShetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Shepard Labrador is originated from United States. Shetland Sheepdog may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Shepard Labrador. Shetland Sheepdog may weigh 24 kg / 52 pounds lesser than Shepard Labrador. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Shepard Labrador has same life span. Shetland Sheepdog may have less litter size than Shepard Labrador. Shetland Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Shepard Labrador requires Low maintenance

History

shetland sheepdog - historyThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

shepard labrador - historyThe Labrador/German Shepherd mix, known as the Shepard Labrador was no doubt first bred in the United States from two very popular dog breeds - the Labrador and the German Shepherd.

Breeders of this dog were looking to bring about a dog that could be an exceptional companion with characteristics from both breeds.

Also referred to as the Sheprador, the dog will surely have an amazing temperament.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Companion dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
53 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
53 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
23 - 36 kg
50 - 80 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
23 - 36 kg
50 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Sheltie
Sheprador, Shepador
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
Cream, fawn - mix of colors, brown, tan
Coat:
Long and thick
Short to medium length - thick
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

shepard labrador puppy - descriptionWith the Shepard Labrador, because the puppies come from two pure breeds – the Labrador and the German Shepherd, there is no really knowing how your pet will turn out. There is therefore no standard appearance.

Some will have floppy ears like the Labrador, some erect ears like the German Shepherd. The tail will always be long. The coat will always be thick and be short to medium in length. Some puppies will be born with a fawn shade and others will have the dark colors of the German Shepherd. Some will have a mix of colors.

They will be fairly large dogs standing at between 53 and 62m in height and weighing between 23 and 36kg.

Temperament:

Between two such splendid dog breeds, you’re guaranteed to get a wonderful temperament – after all, that's why the two breeds were brought together. Your Shepard Labrador will be friendly, playful, social,smart, courageous, loving, loyal and energetic, just loving to be around his human family.

These dogs get on well with children, and with training and socialization will get on well with other pets in the home. This dog really makes a splendid family pet.

Characteristics

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

shepard labrador dog - characteristicsThere are studies that show that dogs provide us with so many good things – companionship, comfort and relaxation.They provide us with entertainment too because some of them are so amusing with their antics.

The Shepard Labrador is like that – he is social, friendly, loving and devoted and by bringing him into your home, you’re signing up for 10 – 14 years of sheer pleasure, less stress and superb companionship.

Health Problems

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

shepard labrador puppies - health problemsThe Shepard Labrador is a healthy dog breed, and with the right nutrition and exercise can reach 10 to 14 years of age. There are always going to be those common dog illnesses that many dogs succumb to. Some of them are hip dysplasia, cancer, skin problems and parasites.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a condition where parts of the hip joints don’t fit properly together. This creates a situation where there is abnormal wear and tear on the joints. It can lead to arthritis even and pain for your dog.

Parasites – Tapeworm:

The tapeworm is a parasite spread to dogs but also to people, and it is through the ingestion of infected fleas. You can often detect this when you discover parts of the worm crawling in your dog’s bowel movements or they can be around the anus. You can suspect this when you see your pet losing weight and having diarrhea. Speak to your vet about how to control fleas with your dog.

Rabies:

This is a fatal disease where dogs are infected through bites from rabid animals. You’ll notice horrible behavioral changes in your dog. Unfortunately with this terrible disease, once symptoms appear, it is virtually too late for treatment.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

shepard labrador dogs - caring◆Brush the coat of your Shepard Labrador twice a week to rid the coat of loose hairs and to keep the coat shiny ad healthy. Many people add in the Omega 3/6 oils to the dog’s food to ensure a healthy skin and coat.

◆Check the ears and eyes for infection. Make sure there are no signs of redness and discharge.

◆Check the inside of your pet’s mouth He has no way of telling you that a rotten tooth in the mouth is causing hi tremendous pain and affecting the his health.

◆Feel for new and unusual lumps on your pet’s body.

◆Provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep. Make sure if he is outdoors that he has both sun and shade.

◆Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date to eliminate killer canine diseases.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

◆Feed your pet the best food there is. Your Shepard Labrador will no doubt be served commercially manufactured food. There are good and bad varieties. Make sure it is one of the better brands to ensure you don’t end up feeding your pet foods packed full of unhealthy ingredients such as colorants, preservative and fillers.

Try and include some home-made food to the diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet as it won’t upset your dog’s digestive system.

Also try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off skin problems. Ensure your Shepard Labrador always has access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shetland Sheepdog vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shetland Sheepdog vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Shetland Sheepdog vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Shetland Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Shetland Sheepdog vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Shetland Sheepdog vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Shetland Sheepdog vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Shetland Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Shetland Sheepdog vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Shepard Labrador vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  25. Shepard Labrador vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  26. Shepard Labrador vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  27. Shepard Labrador vs Bernedoodle - Breed Comparison
  28. Shepard Labrador vs Schnauzerdor - Breed Comparison
  29. Shepard Labrador vs Giant Maso Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Shepard Labrador vs Pastor Garafiano - Breed Comparison
  31. Utonagan vs Shepard Labrador - Breed Comparison
  32. Shepard Labrador vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Shepard Labrador vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Shepard Labrador vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  35. Shepard Labrador vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Shepard Labrador vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Shepard Labrador vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  38. Shepard Labrador vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Shepard Labrador vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  40. Shepard Labrador vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  41. Shepard Labrador vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  42. Shepard Labrador vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Shepard Labrador vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  44. Shepard Labrador vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  45. Shepard Labrador vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds