Comparison: Miniature American Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog

Miniature American Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Miniature American Shepherd
Photo: Jugabe3b, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Shetland Sheepdog
Photo: Stamatisclan, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Miniature American ShepherdShetland Sheepdog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
CategorySmallSmall
Height at withers33–46 cm33–40 cm
Weight–6–12 kg
Life span–12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Small dog slightly longer than tall with moderate bone and smooth movement
  • Medium-length straight to wavy coat with mane, in several colours incl. merle
  • Energetic, trainable, reserved with strangers
  • Looks like a small rough collie, about 36 cm
  • Dense long coat with a mane and plumed tail
  • Semi-erect ears and a slender wedge-shaped head
CoatMedium-length weather-resistant straight to wavy coat with a climate-dependent undercoat; short on the head and front of legs; black, blue merle, red, liver, and red or liver merle, with white and tan markings.Double coat with a long, straight, harsh outer coat and a full mane.
PurposeA small American herding dog from California, bred for farm work and sport.A small herding dog from the Shetland Islands that guarded sheep and ponies; refined in the 20th century along collie lines.

Breed page: Miniature American Shepherd · Breed page: Shetland Sheepdog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.