Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Vizmaraner Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Best for Apartments

Miniature Australian Shepherd

3/5 Β· Acceptable

Easiest Grooming

Vizmaraner

1/5 Β· Low maintenance

Longest Lifespan

Shetland Sheepdog

12-14 years

Easiest to Train

🀝 Tie

Most Active

🀝 Tie

Best for First-Time Owners

🀝 Tie

4/6

67%

Miniature Australian Shepherd

4/6

67%

Shetland Sheepdog

4/6

67%

Vizmaraner

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
United S
Scotland
Germany
Hungary
Popularity
#381
#24
#728
Common Names & Aliases
Mini AussieMini Aussie ShepherdMini Australian ShepherdMiniature Aussie ShepherdNorth American ShepherdNorth American Miniature Australian Shepherd
Dwarf Scotch ShepherdSheltieShetland CollieToonie DogMiniature Collie
Not available
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Cross Breed
Size Classification
Medium
Medium
Large
Weight Statistics
9-18 kg
6-12 kg
Male: 20-27 kg, Female: 18-25 kg
Average Weight
13.6 kg
9.3 kg
Male: 23.8 kg, Female: 21.5 kg
Height
33-46 cm
33-41 cm
Male: 56-66 cm, Female: 51-61 cm
Average Height
39.5 cm
37 cm
Male: 61 cm, Female: 56 cm
Intelligence Rating
4/5
5/5
5/5
Watchdog Rating
5/5
4/5
3/5
Training Difficulty
5/5
3/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
5/5
5/5
3/5
Price Range
$1000-$2000
$800-$1000
$800-$1200
Availability
3/5
5/5
3/5
Personality Traits
ActiveFriendlyIntelligentLovingAffectionateGood-naturedProtective
AffectionateGentleLivelyResponsiveFriendlyIntelligentPlayful
AffectionateEnergeticIntelligentProtectiveCheerfulGentlePlayfulQuietEasygoingCompanionableLivelyFriendlyEvenly TemperedTrainableWillingAlertSteadySocialAloofFastPowerfulStubborn
Sensitivity Level
5/5
5/5
5/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
1/5
2/5
5/5
Prey Drive
4/5
3/5
4/5
Affection Level
4/5
5/5
5/5
Social Needs
4/5
4/5
5/5
Barking Frequency
2/5
5/5
4/5
Playful Nature
5/5
3/5
5/5
Apartment Adaptability
3/5
2/5
2/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
5/5
5/5
5/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Low
Low
Very Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
Low
Mouthing Tendency
4/5
1/5
5/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
9-13 years
12-14 years
10-14 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Health Concerns
3/5
3/5
2/5
Health Problems
Drug SensitivityGlaucomaIris ColobomaJuvenile CataractsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal Dysplasia
CancerCataractsCollie Eye AnomalyDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyHaemophiliaHeart ProblemsHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismPatellar LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)TrichiasisVon Willebrand's Disease
CancerEpilepsyHip DysplasiaSebaceous AdenitisBloatDistichiasisDrug SensitivityEctropionEntropionHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's Disease
Vet Care Frequency
Average
Average
Frequent
Energy Rating
5/5
4/5
5/5
Sleeping Need
1/5
2/5
1/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
5/5
3/5
5/5
Obesity Tendency
3/5
3/5
2/5
Food Consumption
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.
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
No
No
No
Coat Colors
Blue MerleRed MerleRedWhite & Black & Tan
WhiteBlueMerleSableTanBlack
GoldenRustRusset GoldDark Sandy GoldBlueSilverGray
Grooming Requirements
3/5
5/5
1/5
Shedding Level
3/5
3/5
3/5
Drooling Tendency
3/5
1/5
3/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Medium
Medium
Coat Characteristics
Feathered
Dense
FineShortDenseCoarseHardNo Undercoat
Bathing Needs
6-8 weeks
4-6 weeks
6-8 weeks
Cat Friendly
3/5
5/5
4/5
Child Compatibility
5/5
4/5
3/5
Dog Friendly
3/5
4/5
4/5
Stranger Friendly
2/5
2/5
4/5
Office Friendly
No
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Highly Recommended
Recommended
Average
Pet Compatibility
Average
Excellent
Good
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Yes
Yes
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Yes
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Not really
Yes
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Not really
Not really
Not really
Puppy Litter Size
2-6 puppies
4-6 puppies
6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Not recognized by FCI.
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
America's Pet RegistryAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Canine RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Winner / Best value