Breed comparison
Chinook vs Shetland Sheepdog
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Chinook
4Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs5
3Openness to strangers2
3Playfulness5
3Energy level4
4Trainability5
3Mental stimulation needs4
4Adaptability5
4Watchdog / protective5
5Barking5
3Shedding3
3Coat grooming3
1Drooling1
The biggest differences
- Playfulness: the Shetland Sheepdog scores 5 out of 5, the Chinook 3.
They score the same on good with young children, good with other dogs, barking, shedding, coat grooming, drooling.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Chinook if you prefer a calmer dog. Pick the Shetland Sheepdog if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a dog that is easier to train, you live in a smaller home or move often.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.