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Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Ameri or Canis Ovilis Fenyesi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Miniature American Shepherd. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Miniature American Shepherd Mudi
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States Hungary flagHungary
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2435486
Reviews612
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi breeds.
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Ameri
Mini American
North American Shepherd
Canis Ovilis Fenyesi
Hungarian Mudi
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi? Compare adult weight ranges.
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 15-35 pounds (6-16 kg) 18-29 pounds (8-13 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) 25 pounds (11 kg) 23.5 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi? Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) 17 inches (43 cm)

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

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $900-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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 Mudi dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which is easiest to train?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Mudi dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is most alert?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average watchdogs.
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Mudi dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is most protective?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average defenders.
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Mudi dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Lively
Gentle
Watchful
Companionable
Adaptable
Guarding
Keen to Work
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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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Mudi dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi?
High: Shetland Sheepdog 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: Mudi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Mudi dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Mudi 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?
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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Mudi barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Mudis, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
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 Mudi indoors.

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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is most flexible?
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Mudi dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Mudi bite force: Ordinary.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Mudi: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Mudis are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Mudi should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi health problems comparison:
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
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

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

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which breed is most active?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Mudi 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
Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need.
Mudi dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi?
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Mudi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Miniature American Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Mudi has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups 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. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

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

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

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Low 🔽

The Mudi has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Smooth Dense
Curly
Wavy
Shiny
Short
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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.
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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 Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or Mudi? Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Mudi dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog 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

Mudi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 2-6 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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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Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Mudi Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, and Mudi. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
No data available No data available

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