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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Mini Aussie or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Australian Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank38124
Reviews26
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Mini Aussie
Mini Aussie Shepherd
Mini Australian Shepherd
Miniature Aussie Shepherd
North American Shepherd
North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?
20–40 pounds (9-18 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
30 pounds (13.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Is a Miniature Australian Shepherd taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?
13–18 inches (33-46 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
15.5 inches (39.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Sensitive: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average to High: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Miniature Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Australian Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Miniature Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average
The Miniature Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Juvenile Cataracts
Iris Coloboma
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.
Red
Red Merle
White & Black & Tan
Blue Merle
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an average drooler.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.
Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Can a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Miniature Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Miniature Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Miniature Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?
2-6 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is more widely recognized?
America's Pet Registry
American Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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