Rat Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog
Compare Rat 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
Rat Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 46 cm
35 – 37 cm
Weight
5 – 10 kg
6 – 12 kg
Life expectancy
15 – 18 years
12 – 13 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
5/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
1/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
5/5
Barking level
4/5
5/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small
Summary
About Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
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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