Sheltie Inu vs American Rat Pinscher Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Sheltie Inu or Rat-A-Pin?

Compare the Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Sheltie Inu or a Rat-A-Pin? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Rat-A-Pin, Rat Pinscher

Weight

What is the average weight of Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher?

20.5 pounds ( 9 kg )

33.0 pounds ( 15 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher

15.5 inches ( 39.4 cm )

19.0 inches ( 48.3 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Sheltie Inus or American Rat Pinschers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Sheltie Inu nor American Rat Pinscher are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher dogs?

Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming

Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Clever

Shedding Level

Do Sheltie Inus shed more than American Rat Pinschers, or which breed sheds more, Sheltie Inus or American Rat Pinschers?

Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher?

Sheltie Inus aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

American Rat Pinschers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher breeds?

Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog

American Rat Terrier, Miniature Pinscher

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher?

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

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher breeds first developed?

Unknown

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher?

4-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Sheltie Inu can have a litter of 4-6 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.

2-5 puppies per pregnancy

An American Rat Pinscher can have a litter of 2-5 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

Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinschers 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 Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Ulcerative Dermatosis

Patellar Luxation
Demodectic Mange
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher?

Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Corneal Dystrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
vonWillebrand’s Disease

Allergies

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher breeds?

Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Blood Analysis
Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Hip X-Rays
Skin Scraping
Eye Examination
Allergy Tests
Skin Evaluation

Energy

How do the energy levels of Sheltie Inus and American Rat Pinschers compare?

Sheltie Inus are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

American Rat Pinschers' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Social Needs

Sheltie Inu vs American Rat Pinscher social needs comparison

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

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

Exercise Needed

Sheltie Inu vs American Rat Pinscher exercise need comparison.

Sheltie Inus need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

American Rat Pinschers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher?

Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher 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.

Tendency to Bark

Do Sheltie Inus or American Rat Pinschers bark more/less frequently?

Sheltie Inu dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

American Rat Pinschers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Sheltie Inu vs American Rat Pinscher?

Roaming urge

Sheltie Inu vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher entertained?

Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Catch, Hiking, Squeaky Toys

Play, Eating Snacks, Tug-of-war, Nap, Walk, Ride on scooter, Playdate, Run, Dog Parks, Cuddle, Playing fetch, Adventuring, Cuddling, Going on drives, Going on walks

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Sheltie Inus or American Rat Pinschers?

Sheltie Inus 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 American Rat Pinscher is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Sheltie Inus vs American Rat Pinschers

Sheltie Inus are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

American Rat Pinscher is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher 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.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Sheltie Inu vs American Rat Pinscher?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher?

The Sheltie Inu is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

American Rat Pinschers make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Sheltie Inus or American Rat Pinschers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

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

American Rat Pinschers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher?

Cat Friendly

Do Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Sheltie Inus and American Rat Pinschers are one of the best dogs for cats. They accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher?

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

American Rat Pinschers are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Sheltie Inu or American Rat Pinscher?

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

American Rat Pinschers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher?

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

American Rat Pinschers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Sheltie Inus and American Rat Pinschers compare?

Sheltie Inu and American Rat Pinscher dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.