Greyhound vs Shetland Sheepdog

Which dog breed is right for you?

Greyhound

Size
60–70 lbs, 27–30 in
Lifespan
10–14 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Quiet Noble Independent

Shetland Sheepdog

Size
15–25 lbs, 13–16 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Intelligent Eager Gentle Responsive

About the Greyhound

The Greyhound is one of the most ancient breeds — depicted in Egyptian tomb art dating back 5,000 years and prized by nobility throughout history for their unmatched speed and grace. Standing 27–30 inches tall and weighing 60–70 pounds, these aerodynamic athletes can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour, making them the fastest dog breed in the world. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually every color and pattern, including black, white, fawn, red, blue, brindle, and various combinations.

Temperament & Personality

Greyhounds are gentle, quiet, and surprisingly lazy — the ultimate couch potatoes who happen to be world-class sprinters. They are sweet-natured and sensitive dogs that form deep bonds with their owners and are typically good with older children who respect their space. Many retired racing Greyhounds adapt beautifully to home life, though they may need time to learn household basics like stairs, glass doors, and slippery floors.

Pros

  • Remarkably calm and quiet indoors — content to sleep 18+ hours a day on the couch
  • Low-maintenance coat — virtually no grooming needs and minimal shedding
  • Gentle, non-aggressive temperament — rarely bark and never show hostility toward people
  • Many retired racers are available for adoption — giving these athletes a well-deserved second career

Cons

  • Strong prey drive — cannot be trusted off-leash and may chase small dogs, cats, and wildlife
  • Thin skin and minimal body fat make them susceptible to cuts, cold temperatures, and pressure sores
  • Sensitive to anesthesia and many common medications due to low body fat percentage
  • Prone to osteosarcoma, bloat, and dental disease — especially in retired racing dogs

Give a graceful Greyhound the retirement they deserve — browse adoptable Greyhounds on Puplister.

About the Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog — or "Sheltie" — was developed on Scotland's remote Shetland Islands, where harsh conditions favored smaller, efficient herding dogs that could thrive on limited resources. Standing 13 to 16 inches tall and weighing 15 to 25 pounds, Shelties resemble a miniature Rough Collie but are a distinct breed with their own standard and lineage. Their abundant double coat features a long, straight outer layer and dense undercoat, coming in sable, black, and blue merle — all typically with white and tan markings.

Temperament & Personality

Shetland Sheepdogs are incredibly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please — consistently ranked among the top 10 most trainable dog breeds in the world. They are devoted to their families and particularly gentle with children, often forming an especially strong bond with one household member. Shelties can be reserved with strangers and may bark to alert their family, but their sensitivity and willingness to learn make them wonderful companions for patient, attentive owners.

Pros

  • Exceptionally intelligent — excels in agility, obedience, and herding competitions
  • Gentle, affectionate, and outstanding with children
  • Compact size with all the beauty and grace of a Collie
  • Loyal and deeply bonded to their family

Cons

  • Heavy shedding — the dense double coat requires frequent brushing and sheds year-round
  • Prone to excessive barking, especially when excited or alerting
  • Susceptible to Collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia, and dermatomyositis
  • Can be timid and fearful without proper early socialization

Shelties combine beauty, brains, and devotion in one elegant package — explore Shetland Sheepdog adoption options on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Greyhound and a Shetland Sheepdog?
The Greyhound is 60–70 lbs, 27–30 in sized while the Shetland Sheepdog is 15–25 lbs, 13–16 in sized. They differ in size (60–70 lbs, 27–30 in vs 15–25 lbs, 13–16 in), lifespan (10–14 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Greyhound or Shetland Sheepdog?
Greyhound is generally good with kids. Shetland Sheepdog is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Greyhound or Shetland Sheepdog?
The Greyhound has a lifespan of 10–14 years while the Shetland Sheepdog has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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