Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed ComparisonMiniature Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Kerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Kerry Blue Terrier are having almost same height. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Kerry Blue Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same life span. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Kerry Blue Terrier 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.

kerry blue terrier - historyThe Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, with the name of the dog coming from a place known as County Kerry, and Blue being the color of the dog's coat.

The Kerry Blue was originally bred to control rats, rabbits and otters and was actually a working dog for a host of different jobs.

It was in 1922 that the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded and recognized by the AKC in 1924.

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.

kerry blue terrier puppy - descriptionThe Kerry Blue is a small dog standing at between 44 to 51cm and weighing anything between 15 and 18kg. He has dark eyes which give him that typical alert Terrier expression.

The ears are small and are carried up before flopping down. The high-set tail has always been customarily docked, giving him a compact, jaunty appearance but these days, the tail tends to be left long, curling somewhat over the back.

He has a coat which is quite wavy or curly and comes in different shades of grey or blue, while the puppies are born black, gradually becoming more blue. The dog is considered to be hypoallergenic as it doesn't shed a lot.

Temperament:

Kerry Blue Terriers are strong willed dogs, but with training and socialization they respond well to instructions such as sit, come, lie-down and stay. As a Terrier breed he is feisty, lively, strong-willed, stubborn, independent and impulsive. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are amicable with children and pets in the home.

Training and socialization develops a balanced attitude around his human family, other animals in the home and around strangers. He is an active dog too so whether he lives in the city or the countryside, he will require a lot of exercise as he is full of life.

You can’t just put him in the backyard and forget about him. He is an intelligent, social dog who will only do well when he is counted in as a family member.

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.

kerry blue terrier dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home and your life, you’re going to have a jaunty, lively, comical pet in your home, as he certainly has the reputation of making people laugh.

He is such an intelligent dog too and has no difficulty with learning new tricks. He takes his role of watchdog seriously too, as he loves his human family and wants to be looking out for them.

When you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home, you can be assured of jolly good fun from a true canine companion.

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.

kerry blue terrier puppies - health problemsYou aren’t going to be running to the vet often with your Kerry Blue as he is a healthy dog breed. However there are some common dog diseases that even the most healthiest of dogs can succumb to.

Always feed your dog the very best food there is so that he has a strong immune system that can fight off disease.

Entropion:

This is the inward rolling of the eyelid which can irritate the dog’s eye and even cause vision loss. Surgery can treat the problem.

Cancer:

Every dog can succumb to cancer. You may well find a lump or even detect a sore that won’t heal. Treatments for cancer can include medicines, chemotherapy and surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition to do with the hip joint. It can result in pain for your dog and even lameness. When you discover your pet no longer wants to play and he battles to get up after lying down, he will need to go to the vet. Dogs with this debilitating disease should never be bred.

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.

Grooming:

kerry blue terrier dogs - caringThe Kerry Blue’s coat doesn’t shed a lot but it’s a curly coat that will require brushing at least twice a week. He will also require clipping and trimming if you want to keep the coat manageable.

Diet:

Nutrition is a key part of a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier and instead of just plonking down a bowl of dry kibble every day, make his mealtimes something to look forward to, more sustaining and more interesting.

Top quality kibble is good every now and then but try mixing in some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables occasionally as well as a little bit of raw meat. You will be rewarded with bright eyes, a wet nose, bushy, wagging tail and less trips to the vet.

Make sure there is always a supply of fresh, cool water for him.

Exercise:

Active and lively, your Kerry Blue will need lots of robust exercise – a daily walk as well as ball games which ensure his muscles are kept strong and toned. Not only that, this exercise is important for keeping him fit and also mentally alert.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
Ireland
Height Male:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Height Female:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
5 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Irish Blue Terrier
Colors Available:
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
blackish, grey, Blue
Coat:
Long and thick
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
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, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Schnauzer vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  33. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Lakeland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Old English Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Scoland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Skye Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds