Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chihuahua Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction
- Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview
- Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd
- Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd
- Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Chihuahua
- Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Dutch Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd
- Do Chihuahuas shed more than Dutch Shepherds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd?
- Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?
- Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?
- Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd
- How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Dutch Shepherds?
- Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?
- Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Dutch Shepherd
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chihuahua Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you.We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Dutch Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd.
Read on.
Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Dutch Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd
| Factor | Chihuahua | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 18 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 25 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | $1450 |
| Price Range | $850 – $2500 | $800 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 69.6 percent | 96.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dutch Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Dutch Shepherd, we still believe that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Dutch Shepherd.
This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd
The Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd.
Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd
The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.
Chihuahuas live longer than Dutch Shepherds.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.
Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Chihuahua
The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.
This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 26 Dutch Shepherds.
Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Dutch Shepherd
The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1450. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of the Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 164 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Chihuahua is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.
`| Chihuahua | Dutch Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1820 | $1450 |
| Price Range | $850 to $2500 | $800 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Dutch Shepherd puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.
Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here
Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd
Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.
Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Chihuahuas shed more than Dutch Shepherds?
Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua
Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd?
Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.
To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.
Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.
Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd?
Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.
Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?
Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.
Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.
Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?
Chihuahuas are very easy to train.
Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd
Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Dutch Shepherds?
Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?
Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?
Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.
Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Dutch Shepherd
Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?
Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.
Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Dutch Shepherd?
Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.
Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.