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Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: King Of The Toys or Ameri or Decker Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier" Compare Miniature Pinscher and Miniature American Shepherd. Which is better: Miniature Pinscher or Miniature American Shepherd or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Pinscher Miniature American Shepherd Rat Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Working Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank713597
Reviews112
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier breeds.
King Of The Toys
Reh Pinscher
Zwergpinsc
Min Pin
Ameri
Mini American
North American Shepherd
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small
Medium
Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 8-9 pounds (about 4 kg) 15-35 pounds (6-16 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8.5 pounds (about 4 kg) 25 pounds (11 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Pinscher or Miniature American Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier height comparison:
Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $900-$1000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Pinscher or Miniature American Shepherd or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Miniature Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Clever
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Miniature Pinscher 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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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 Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?
High: Miniature Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Miniature Pinscher dogs are a social breed.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Miniature Pinscher dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature Pinscher 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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Miniature Pinscher is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature Pinscher is a highly playful breed.
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The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Apartment-friendly dog the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature American Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Miniature Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature Pinscher or Miniature American Shepherd or Rat Terrier?
Miniature Pinscher 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Miniature Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Pinscher bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Pinscher: 13 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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 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 Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Miniature Pinschers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Rat Terrier 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 Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Miniature Pinscher breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Miniature American Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Chocolate
Rust
Black
Blue
White
Merle
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Miniature American Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which drools least?
The Miniature Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature American Shepherd is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Miniature Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Smooth Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Pinscher or Miniature American Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Miniature Pinscher or Miniature American Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Miniature Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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 Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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 Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

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

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-6 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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 Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. 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.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Miniature Pinscher vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature Pinscher, Miniature American Shepherd, and Rat Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
No data available 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
United Kennel Club

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