Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Terrier is originated from Australia but Miniature Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Australian Terrier may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Australian Terrier may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Both Australian Terrier and Miniature Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Australian Terrier may have less litter size than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Both Australian Terrier and Miniature Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
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Australia
United States
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
5 - 9
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Colors Available:
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
Coat:
rough long coat
Long and thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian terrierThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

miniature australian shepherdUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

Description

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

Characteristics

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

Health Problems

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Grooming:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Australian Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Australian Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
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  6. Australian Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Australian Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Australian Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  18. Australian Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison