Miniature American Shepherd vs Drever
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Miniature American Shepherd
Herding Group
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Miniature American Shepherd Overview
Miniature American Shepherds showcase a compact yet athletic build, embodying the intelligence and agility of their larger Australian Shepherd ancestors. Their expressive almond-shaped eyes and medium-sized ears complement a well-proportioned head, while their double coat features various colors including black, blue merle, red, and red merle with white markings. These dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with an eager-to-please attitude.
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Miniature American Shepherds are more energetic than Drevers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Miniature American Shepherds require more grooming attention compared to Drevers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Miniature American Shepherds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Drevers.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Drevers adapt better to apartment living, while Miniature American Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Miniature American Shepherd and Drever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 15-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-18 inches 33-46 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 20-40 lbs 9-18 kg | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Miniature American Shepherd Temperament
The Miniature American Shepherd is known for being good-natured, intelligent, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Drever Temperament
The Drever is characterized by being loyal, even-tempered, determined, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Miniature American Shepherd and Drever, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Drever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Drever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
Drever
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Miniature American Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature American Shepherds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Miniature American Shepherds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Drevers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Miniature American Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- PRA
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Epilepsy
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
Pros & Cons
Miniature American Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Versatile working ability
- Compact size
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct may need management
- Requires consistent training
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Miniature American Shepherd and Drever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.