Toy Schnauzer vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Shetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Toy Schnauzer is originated from Germany. Shetland Sheepdog may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Toy Schnauzer. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Toy Schnauzer are having almost same weight. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Toy Schnauzer has almost same life span. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Toy Schnauzer has almost same litter size. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Toy Schnauzer requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Germany
Height Male:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
Height Female:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 8
Size:
Small
Toy
Other Names:
Sheltie
Miniature Schnauzer
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
Black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look
Coat:
Long and thick
Medium length, hard and wiry
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

shetland sheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

The Miniature Schnauzer was actually a distinct breed as early as 1899. It is believed that the dog came from breeding the smallest Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, Black Poodles, and the gray Spitz.

Miniature Schnauzers were registered as a separate breed in 1926. The Toy Schnauzer is registered as a Miniature Schnauzer but is actually a little bit smaller.

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed as a farm dog with the purpose of killing rats.

Description

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

The Toy Schnauzer is a small dog standing at between 33–35cm tall and weighing about 4 to 9 kg.

He has medium length hair which is hard and wiry and which requires minimal grooming. These low-shedding dogs make the ideal family pets for those people who have allergies.

Colors of the coat are essentially black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look. You'll find they have a beard and bushy eyebrows, giving him an almost human-like expression.

These dogs were brought about to be all-around farm dogs and ratters and they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive.

Characteristics

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

The Toy Schnauzer is spunky, strong-willed and confident. They all have different personalities and while some people report they are aloof, stubborn and uppity, others say they are playful, friendly and amicable.

A lot depends on the owners as dogs often develop the temperaments of the owners.

With this range in temperament, you can’t say with certainty how your Toy Schnauzer will turn out. Most of them just want to be involved with their human families and they make great family pets.

Health Problems

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

Your Toy Schnauzer has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years if you care for them properly. They can, however, suffer from some health problems that so many other dogs might also have to contend with.

Some of these are -

Cataracts:

You’ll notice your pet's eyes taking on a filmy look. Most times these cataracts emerge in older dogs and they can be surgically removed.

Entropion and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are other eye diseases that may affect your dog. Most dogs are able to adapt well to their limited vision and can even adapt to lost vision.

Bladder Infection:

A bladder infection can be terribly uncomfortable for your pet and occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder. Females are more likely to get a bladder infection, but male dogs can pick up the infection too. Having a bladder infection increases the pet’s urge to urinate even when there is no urine to come out.

The little bit of urine that does come out may be cloudy or even have some blood in it. It is imperative to get your pet urgent veterinary attention. When you see your pet trying to urinate all the time with nothing happening, then this is the sign to get your dog to the vet for a course of antibiotics.

Congenital Megaesophagus: 

This is when food and liquid are retained in the dog's esophagus so that you find him regurgitating his food. This can lead to pneumonia.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Most people have their Toy Schnauzers professionally groomed on a regular basis. He is a double-coated dog with a wiry coat. Some people, looking to maintain the wiry texture do hand-stripping, certainly if the dog is used for show purposes.

Diet:

No dog deserves to have dry kibble served up to him day after day. However, there are some excellent commercial dog foods on the market and you can choose the best one.

These foods provide a lot of convenience for the dog owner. Dogs also need to have their share of home-made food. It doesn’t have to be all complicated as dogs like simplicity.

Wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and some nutritious vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots can do him the world of good. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatis so you want to avoid giving him food that is high in fat.

Exercise:

Toy Schnauzers love an active lifestyle. They don't like sitting around inactive for too long.

Your Toy Schnauzer can adapt to life in the country or the city but he will certainly need to be well exercised. Walking your dog each day will be essential as will ball games and just generally giving your pet some of your attention,

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shetland Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Shetland Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Shetland Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shetland Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shetland Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Shetland Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Shetland Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Shetland Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Shetland Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Shetland Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Shetland Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Shetland Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Shetland Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Shetland Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Shetland Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Shetland Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Shetland Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Shetland Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Shetland Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Shetland Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Toy Schnauzer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Toy Schnauzer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Toy Schnauzer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Toy Schnauzer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Toy Schnauzer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Toy Schnauzer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Toy Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Toy Schnauzer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Toy Schnauzer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Toy Schnauzer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Toy Schnauzer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Toy Schnauzer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Toy Schnauzer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Toy Schnauzer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Toy Schnauzer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Toy Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Toy Schnauzer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Toy Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Toy Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Toy Schnauzer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Toy Schnauzer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Schnauzer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison