Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed ComparisonToy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Bearded Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Toy Australian Shepherd may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Bearded Collie. Toy Australian Shepherd may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Bearded Collie. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Bearded Collie has almost same life span. Toy Australian Shepherd may have less litter size than Bearded Collie. Toy Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Bearded Collie requires High maintenance

History

toy australian shepherd - historyThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

bearded collie - historyThis long-haired herding breed was bred by mixing the two sheepdog breeds: the Scottish dogs and the Polish sheepdogs. The Bearded Collie gained the popularity during the last century by winning some of the Dog Shows. This friendly dog with the beautiful coat is surely one of the most specific pets. Nowadays, the Bearded Collie is very popular. The organizations for breeding, saving, rescuing and adopting this breed can be found in the USA.

Description

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

bearded collie puppy - descriptionThe Beardie is easy to recognize because of the longer hairs on the cheeks, chin and under the lower lip. This medium-sized Bouncing Beardie is usually the great family pet because he is very friendly and loving. This breed is extremely active and they are energetic despite their longer bodies. They grow up to have more than one coat colour, but they are all born one coloured. They always have white or cream markings. This smart dog can be very stubborn and independent, if you keep your dog in a yard, he will use every chance to escape.

Characteristics

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

Children friendliness

bearded collie dog - characteristicsThe Bouncing Beardie is great with children. They are very playful, jumpy and have generally very sweet and gentle personality. Children love them because they never get tired. If properly socialized, this dog can be the main attraction for any child.

Special talents

Herding, agility shows, obedience competitions, treibball, show dogs, trally...

Adaptability

This breed is very friendly. If your family is about to raise the Bearded Collie, prepare to have a pet that is highly affectionate and bonded with the members of the family. They don’t do well if left alone. They usually don’t bark and they are never destructible, but loneliness somehow triggers odd behaviour with this breed. They are not usually scared of strangers. If they are trained and socialized, you will be able to take your Beardie anywhere you go.

Learning ability

Some say that is very easy to train the Bearded Collie. The rule for this breed is to start the obedience training while they are very small. They are generally very independent, and they will try to do things in their own way. If you start your training early before your Beardie forms this kind of personality, you will have a wonderful pet.

Health Problems

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

bearded collie puppies - health problemsThis breed is generally very healthy. They don’t have some major health issues. Some of the issues that are registered are:

Progressive retinal atrophy

The degenerative disease that causes the blindness.

Thyroid glands diseases

When the hormone produced by the thyroid gland is abnormally low.

Hip dysplasia

That is generally the hereditary disease, can also be caused by bad diet or injuries.

Allergies

To food, chemicals, pollen, dust...

Ear infections

That usually happens because of their dropped ears that are not very easy to clean.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

Diet tips

bearded collie dogs - caringRaising your Bearded Collie pup on a high-quality food is usually enough for a puppy. Make sure that portions are appropriate for his age and weight. Once your pet is more than six months old, they will need only two meals per day. They get obese very easy. Don’t train them with the treats.

Tips for good health

To care for your Bearded Collie, you must be aware of the grooming responsibilities that come with this longhaired pet. During the shedding period, it is required to brush them daily. Bathing is not a regular necessity but it will be easier to keep him clean and well groomed if you care about your pet all the time. Some people like to shorten the coat for their Beardie, and it is usually done during summer. Make sure to take him to regular ear, eye, teeth and hip vet checks.

Tips for games and exercises

The Bearded Collie is a breed that requires daily activity. They have very playful nature and they love to run, play and spend time outdoors. The best option will be a big yard so that Beardie can run for hours without the leash.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Beardie, Bouncing Beardie
Colors Available:
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
Black, brown, fawn. Usually with white or cream marks.
Coat:
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Harsh outer coat and soft undercoa
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  26. Bearded Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  29. Bearded Collie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  30. Bearded Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Catahoula Cur vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. Bergamasco vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  42. Queensland Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. German Coolie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  46. Red Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  48. Blue Lacy vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds