Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonToy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Maremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy. Toy Australian Shepherd may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than Maremma Sheepdog. Toy Australian Shepherd may weigh 36 kg / 79 pounds lesser than Maremma Sheepdog. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Maremma Sheepdog has same life span. Toy Australian Shepherd may have less litter size than Maremma Sheepdog. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Maremma Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

toy australian shepherd - historyThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

maremma sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, the Maremma Sheepdog is often referred to as the Maremmano or the Abruzzese Sheepdog.

This is a working dog – a guardian of sheep and an indigenous dog to central Italy. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep.

It was in 1924 that the first standard for the breed was published.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Italy
Height Male:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
6 - 9
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Maremmano, Abruzzese Sheepdog
Colors Available:
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
White
Coat:
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Long and Thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

maremma sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Maremma Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build. Some people who have owned these distinctive-looking dogs say he is like a big bear. He stands at 65 to 73 cm in height, both male and female, and he weighs 35 to 45 kg.

The coat is long, thick and white with a dense undercoat. If you look you’ll see flashes of pale orange or apricot amid the white. There is thicker, longer hair around the neck area.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and the ears medium length and floppy. The long tail is set low and is thickly feathered. You can expect 6 – 10 puppies from these dogs.

Temperament:

The Maremma has always been used to guarding sheep, and today even though he is looked upon as a wonderful, friendly companion dog, he also makes an excellent watch dog, being brave and courageous. He isn’t the kind of dog that you think of as getting wildly excited over something, as he has a dignified aura about him.

He is an independent dog, so training and sociaization will be absolutely imperative as he is strong-willed and likes to do things his way. Once trained and socialized, it is amazing to see such a large dog obeying all your commands such as ‘lie down, come, sit an stay'. He is very intelligent and shouldn’t have any trouble learning these basic commands.

He is calm and gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home. With his role as guardian of sheep, he has learned to be loyal and patient and will make a loyal ad loving family pet he takes his role as guardian very seriously.

He loves hard work, and shepherds have always appreciated the splendid work he does guarding their flocks. As a companion you will also appreciate the many excellent qualities he possesses.

The Maremma Sheepdog isn’t recommended for life in the city where there is a tiny garden. He has always been accustomed to large open spaces and requires a large garden. He won’t tolerate heat well with that thick coat of his and will require a shady spot in your garden to retreat to.

Characteristics

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

maremma sheepdog dog - characteristicsThis is a beautiful dog, but large, so don’t make the mistake of wanting a large dog like this for his looks. He will be expensive to feed.

If you have the means to provide a good home for him, he is friendly and good natured, even though he is strong-willed and independent.

Provide him with a good home and you’ll have a most splendid pet and companion.

Health Problems

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

maremma sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis ancient dog breed is robust and can reach 11 to 13 years of age when cared for properly. Like any other dogs, he can be prone to certain health problems.

One of these is hip dysplasia. Preventing your dog from becoming overweight can work towards preventing these kinds of musculoskeletal issues. Hip dysplasia occurs when your dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly so that the hips partially dislocate.

It is painful for your dog and it can be debilitating, leading to arthritis too and making it difficult for your pet to get around and to get up from lying down. There are a number of treatment options offered by your vet.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

Exercise:

maremma sheepdog dogs - caringAs already suggested, this large dog will need space and he will need to be exercised. Apart from long walks in he countryside or in the park or your neighborhood, he will also need other activities that stimulate him mentally and physically.

Grooming:

The thick, all-weather coat of the Maremma will need a thorough bushing at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs. When you are brushing him, look around for signs of ticks and fleas too and run your hands over him to feel for any unusual lumps.

Diet:

The Maremma is a large-breed dog, so before you get a big dog like this, decide whether you have the financial means to feed him and look after him properly. He is going to cost a lot to feed, so think it through first.

He will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been specially formulated for a dog of his size. Keep the food of dogs simple. We’re all tempted to feed our dog treats like things such as chocolates, coffee, nuts, onions, grapes and raisins but these can cause havoc with your dog’s stomach.

Stick to simple, nutritious food. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as potatoes, spinach and carrots can do wonders for your pet when you sometimes mix this into his kibble.

Try and mix some raw meat into his diet occasionally. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Samoyed vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  25. Presa Canario vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Pyredoodle vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Maremma Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Maremma Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  29. Maremma Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  30. Maremma Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  31. Maremma Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  33. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Maremma Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  35. Maremma Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  36. Maremma Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. Maremma Sheepdog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  38. Maremma Sheepdog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  39. Maremma Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  40. Maremma Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  41. Maremma Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Maremma Sheepdog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  43. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  44. Maremma Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  45. Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  46. Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  47. Maremma Sheepdog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  48. Maremma Sheepdog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds