Is the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Shetland Sheepdog better for families with children?

Both the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and the Shetland Sheepdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Shetland Sheepdog?

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Shetland Sheepdog?

The Shetland Sheepdog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Shetland Sheepdog bigger?

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is the larger breed; Shetland Sheepdog is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Shetland Sheepdog?

Shetland Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Shetland Sheepdog?

For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) vs Shetland Sheepdog

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) vs Shetland Sheepdog: full comparison

Trait	American Eskimo Dog (Standard)	Shetland Sheepdog
Size	Medium	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	High	Very High
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is a larger dog than the Shetland Sheepdog, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Shetland Sheepdog is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Shetland Sheepdog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Shetland Sheepdog requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) takes to training fast and works willingly, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Shetland Sheepdog learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Shetland Sheepdog will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Shetland Sheepdog has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Shetland Sheepdog if you want an easier dog to train or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Shetland Sheepdog better for families with children?: Both the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and the Shetland Sheepdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Shetland Sheepdog?: The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Shetland Sheepdog?: The Shetland Sheepdog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Shetland Sheepdog bigger?: American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is the larger breed; Shetland Sheepdog is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Shetland Sheepdog?: Shetland Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Shetland Sheepdog?: For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Shetland Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.