Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed ComparisonMiniature Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Miniature Australian Shepherd may grow 29 cm / 11 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Miniature Australian Shepherd may weigh 64 kg / 141 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Fila Brasileiro has almost same life span. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Fila Brasileiro has almost same litter size. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Fila Brasileiro 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.

fila brasileiro - historyHailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.

Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.

The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.

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.

fila brasileiro puppy - descriptionWith his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.

The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.

Temperament:

Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.

He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.

Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.

These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.

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.

fila brasileiro dog - characteristicsThe Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.

He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.

When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.

If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary 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.

fila brasileiro puppies - health problemsFilas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.

Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.

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 and Space:

fila brasileiro dogs - caringThe Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .

Grooming:

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.

Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.

A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Brazil
Height Male:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
4 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
Long and thick
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
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
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Pomeranian vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Pug vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Papillon vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  24. Samoyed vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  25. Great Pyrenees vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  26. Presa Canario vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  27. Labrador Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  28. Giant Schnauzer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  29. Goldador vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  30. Mackenzie River Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  31. German Longhaired Pointer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  32. Pyredoodle vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  33. Lurcher vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  34. Maremma Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  35. Sarplaninac vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  36. Himalayan Mastiff vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  37. Mountain View Cur vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  38. Native American Indian Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  39. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  40. Greenland Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  41. Komondor vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  42. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  43. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  44. Fila Brasileiro vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  45. Fila Brasileiro vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  46. Fila Brasileiro vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  47. Fila Brasileiro vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds