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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Ameri or Continental Toy Spaniel or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Miniature American Shepherd and Papillon. Which is better: Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Miniature American Shepherd Papillon Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium Scotland flagScotland
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank355324
Reviews156
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
Ameri
Mini American
North American Shepherd
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Small
Medium
Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
15-35 pounds (6-16 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1000 $400-$600 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average defenders.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average to High: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature American Shepherd indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Papillon indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Miniature American Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
No data available Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need.
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Miniature American Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup 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.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Black
Blue
White
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Miniature American Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Miniature American Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Smooth Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or {name3 shedding:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best with kids?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog?
No
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Miniature American Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Papillon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Miniature American Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Miniature American Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
2-6 puppies 2-4 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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