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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mini Aussie or Little Blue Dog or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese" Compare Miniature Australian Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd Maltese
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Italy flagItaly
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3811733
Reviews273
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese breeds.
Mini Aussie
Mini Aussie Shepherd
Mini Australian Shepherd
Miniature Aussie Shepherd
North American Shepherd
North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
20–40 pounds (9-18 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
30 pounds (13.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese? Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese height comparison:
13–18 inches (33-46 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
15.5 inches (39.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese?
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese?
Average to High: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese?
Miniature Australian Shepherd 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.
Australian Shepherd 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.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Miniature Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Australian Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Miniature Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese 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?
Average
The Miniature Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Juvenile Cataracts
Iris Coloboma
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Red
Red Merle
White & Black & Tan
Blue Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an average drooler.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

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

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Feathered Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Maltese? Miniature Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Good With Comparison

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

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

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

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
2-6 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?
America's Pet Registry
American Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
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

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