Curious
Playful
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Lively
Gentle
Watchful

Active
Stubborn
Clownish
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Hard working
Resourceful

Sheltie Shepherds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Pit Heelers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd

Blue Heeler and American Pit Bull Terrier

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

2000s

Unknown

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Blue
Black
Brown

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Silver
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Blue
Black
Brindle
White
Red
Fawn
Sable
Brown

Sheltie Shepherds are known for their coat length.

Pit Heelers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Straight

Wavy

A Sheltie Shepherd can have a litter of 6-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Pit Heeler can have a litter of 5-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Sheltie Shepherds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Pit Heelers have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Sheltie Shepherds typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Pit Heeler breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Degenerative Myelopathy
Renal Cystadenocarcinoma and Nodular Dermatofibrosis
Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)

Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Panosteitis
Perianal Fistulas
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Hearing
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Diagnostic Imaging
Cardiac Test
Electromyography (EMG)
DNA

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Radiographs
Electroretinogram

Sheltie Shepherd has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Pit Heeler has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Walking, Toy

Playdate, Play, Run, Chase, Kayaking, Go to Beach, Bike ride, Boat ride, Walk, Fetch, Hike, Swim, Enter show, Go on Vacation, Hide & Seek, Dog Parks, Sleeping, Attention, Nose work, Wondering, Cuddling, Car rides, Eating Snacks, Walking, Tug-of-war, Napping, Socializing, Tummy rubs, Shopping, Walks

Sheltie Shepherds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Pit Heelers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Sheltie Shepherd, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pit Heeler, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Sheltie Shepherds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Pit Heeler is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Ideally, Sheltie Shepherd should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pit Heeler should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

The average cost of a Sheltie Shepherd is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 per day.

The average cost of a Pit Heeler is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Sheltie Shepherd is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Pit Heeler is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Sheltie Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Pit Heelers can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Sheltie Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Pit Heelers have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Sheltie Shepherds are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Pit Heelers are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Sheltie Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pit Heelers are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Sheltie Shepherds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Pit Heelers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.