Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature American Shepherd? Which one to choose?

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I really need your help...

I’ve been thinking about getting a dog for about six months now. I’ve done quite a bit of research on different breeds, but now I’m having second thoughts:

I’m torn between a Shetland Sheepdog (a Sheltie) and a Miniature American Shepherd...

We’re a family of four, including two boys aged 3 and 6, and we live in a flat right opposite a large forest.

It’s a bit of a mixed environment—we're in town but also right by the woods.

I’m looking for a well-adjusted dog who will be a proper member of the family; they’ll have their own place in our home. So, a relatively calm dog is what we're after.

We’re happy to do agility at the weekends. However, during the week, it’ll only be three walks a day: 20 minutes in the morning, 30 at midday, and 40 or more in the evening when we get home, as we obviously work full-time.

We’re ready to put the work in, but I’d really value your advice...

Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks so much!

Translated from French
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3 answers
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    • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your reply! Yes, I agree, I think I’ll go and visit breeders for each breed to get a better feel for them.

    I’m with you on the Sheltie; it seems like a better fit, even if I do prefer the look of the Mini Aussie.

    I really need to choose a dog for its temperament rather than just its appearance...

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    I think the best thing to do would be to visit some breeders to get a proper feel for them.

    What I can tell you is that the few Mini Aussies I know are first and foremost proper Australian Shepherds, with pretty much the same requirements as the full-sized ones. So just bear in mind that getting a mini doesn't mean less work.

    I think a Sheltie is less high-energy and easier for a novice to handle. They’re dogs that settle down much more easily than an Aussie. Quite a few of the latter pull on the lead, jump up a lot and are real little whirlwinds when they’re young!

    In my opinion, Shelties are more laid-back. Your boys would be able to walk a Sheltie on the lead quite quickly, for example, and play with it without being jumped on. You can’t really say the same for an Aussie! At least not for quite a while.

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    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    If you're looking for a fairly calm dog, between the two I’d definitely say the Sheltie. The Mini Aussie is just as energetic as the standard one, so a very high-energy dog... I don’t know the Sheltie that well—he’ll be happy doing agility, but will he be alright during the week? I’m not sure...
    Translated from French

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