Irish Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog
Compare Irish Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 50 cm
35 – 37 cm
Weight
11 – 15 kg
6 – 12 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
12 – 13 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
5/5
Trainability
2/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
5/5
Barking level
4/5
5/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small
Summary
About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.
About Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium, agile herding breed with a dense double coat and striking colors. Bright, sensitive, and very people focused, it bonds closely with family, is reserved with strangers, excels in dog sports, and needs regular grooming, daily walks, and mental exercise.
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