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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mini Aussie or Chrysanthemum Dog or Teddy Bear? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon" Compare Miniature Australian Shepherd and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu Shichon
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States China flagChina United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank38120307
Reviews2191
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon breeds.
Mini Aussie
Mini Aussie Shepherd
Mini Australian Shepherd
Miniature Aussie Shepherd
North American Shepherd
North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Teddy Bear
Zuchon
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon? Compare adult weight ranges.
20–40 pounds (9-18 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 10-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
30 pounds (13.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon? Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon height comparison:
13–18 inches (33-46 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 19-21 inches (49-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
15.5 inches (39.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 20 inches (51 cm)

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $800-$1200 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon?
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Shichon is a commonly available dog breed.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience 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, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shichon dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shichon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shichon dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Loving
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Social
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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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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 Shih Tzu vs Shichon?
Average to High: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shichon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon social needs comparison:
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shichon 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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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shichon dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shichon 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 Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Shichon barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Shichon is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
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 Shichon indoors.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

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

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shichon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shichon 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, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Miniature Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shichon bite force: Weak.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Australian Shepherd: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shichon: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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 Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shichon 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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shichon 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 Shih Tzu vs Shichon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon health problems comparison:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Juvenile Cataracts
Iris Coloboma
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Allergies

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which breed is most active?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Shichon 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 Shih Tzu vs Shichon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shichon dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Shichon dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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 Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Shichon has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shichon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Fluffy
Dense
Curly
Silky
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon? Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shichon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which is best with kids?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Shichon 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.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shichon dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shichon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shichon dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature Australian Shepherd or Shih Tzu or Shichon?
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shichon dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon?
Yes
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shichon 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
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shichon 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.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Shichons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu vs Shichon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. 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

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

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

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature Australian Shepherd, Shih Tzu, and Shichon. Which has most recognition?
America's Pet Registry
American Canine Association, Inc.
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
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry

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