Dorkie vs Sheltie-Kee Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Dorkie Terrier or Sheltie-Kee?

Compare the Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Dorkie Terrier or a Sheltie-Kee? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Dorkie Terrier

Weight

What is the average weight of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

77.5 pounds ( 35 kg )

41.5 pounds ( 19 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee

19.5 inches ( 49.5 cm )

16.5 inches ( 41.9 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Dorkies or Sheltie-Kees hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Dorkie nor Sheltie-Kee are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee dogs?

Affectionate
Gentle
Loving
Cheerful
Intelligent
Playful

Playful
Agile
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Obedient
Quick
Lively
Gentle
Bright
Sturdy

Shedding Level

Do Dorkies shed more than Sheltie-Kees, or which breed sheds more, Dorkies or Sheltie-Kees?

Dorkies shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

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

Origin

What is the origin of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee dog breeds?

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds?

Yorkshire Terrier and Dachshund

Shetland Sheepdog and Keeshond

Date of Birth

When were Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds first developed?

1990

2000's

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee dogs?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

Black

Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds?

Brown
Black
Red
Blue

Black
Gray
Cream
Brown
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds?

Dorkies have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Sheltie-Kees are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Dorkie can have a litter of 13-15 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.

3-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Sheltie-Kee can have a litter of 3-8 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.

Adaptability

Dorkie and Sheltie-Kees are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Dorkies 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 Sheltie-Kee breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Tracheal Collapse
Portosystemic Shunt

Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
Dermatomyositis
Von Willebrand's Disease
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

Entropion
Color Dilution Alopecia
Corneal Dystrophy
Acanthosis Nigricans

Diabetes
Microphthalmia
Tetralogy of Fallot
Cryptorchidism
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Eye Conditions

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee breeds?

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Ultrasound
Urinalysis
Blood Work

Hip X-Rays
Dna For Pra
Blood Tests
Eye and Ear Examination
DNA for VWD

Social Needs

Dorkie vs Sheltie-Kee social needs comparison

Dorkie has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee dogs tend to sleep less than some other breeds, but it's still important for them to get adequate sleep in order to maintain good health.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Dorkie vs Sheltie-Kee?

Roaming urge

Dorkie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Dorkies or Sheltie-Kees?

Low

Dorkies are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Dorkie dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

High

Sheltie-Kees 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.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee walk each week?

4 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Dorkie, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Sheltie-Kee, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Dorkies or Sheltie-Kees require more exercise?

45 minutes

In general most Dorkies usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

120 minutes

In general most Sheltie-Kees usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Dorkies or Sheltie-Kees?

Dorkies 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.

Sheltie-Kees have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee dogs?

Weekly

Dorkie 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

Daily

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

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Dorkies and Sheltie-Kees?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee in cups?

1 cups

For an average 7-12 pound (3 - 5 kg) Dorkie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2 cups

For an average 25-45 pound (11 - 20 kg) Sheltie-Kee feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Dorkie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Sheltie-Kee is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

$32 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Dorkie is between $32 - $42. This makes an average of $384 - $504 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.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Sheltie-Kee 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee compare in sensitivity?

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

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

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

Dorkies make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

Child Friendly

Do Dorkies or Sheltie-Kees have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Dorkies are not the best choice for families with kids.

Sheltie-Kees are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

Cat Friendly

Do Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Dorkies are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Sheltie-Kees are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

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

Sheltie-Kees are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Dorkie or Sheltie-Kee?

Dorkies are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Sheltie-Kees are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee?

Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Dorkies and Sheltie-Kees compare?

Dorkie and Sheltie-Kee dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.