Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonMiniature Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Miniature Australian Shepherd may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Istrian Sheepdog. Miniature Australian Shepherd may weigh 24 kg / 52 pounds lesser than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same life span. Miniature Australian Shepherd may have more litter size than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

miniature australian shepherd - historyUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

istrian sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

Description

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

Characteristics

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

Health Problems

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Slovenia
Height Male:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
3 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
Long and thick
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  13. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  15. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  16. Istrian Sheepdog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  17. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Istrian Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  20. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  21. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  22. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  29. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Pomeranian vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Pug vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Papillon vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds