Miniature American Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
Miniature American Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Yorkshire Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Miniature American Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Yorkshire Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Miniature American Shepherd: Daily Brushing0.8
Yorkshire Terrier: Specialty/Professional1.0
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Miniature American Shepherd5/5
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Miniature American Shepherd5/5
Yorkshire Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Miniature American Shepherd3/5
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Miniature American Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision defect
Epilepsy: Neurological condition
Cataracts: Vision clouding concern
Yorkshire Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Tracheal Collapse: Airway weakness
Dental Issues: Tooth decay risk
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
Portable size
Minimal shedding
Adaptable to apartment living
Long lifespan
Affectionate with family
Cons
High grooming needs
Can be yappy
Delicate physique
Stubborn streak
Difficult to housebreak
Miniature American Shepherd Fun Fact
Despite their small size, they retain all the working abilities of their larger Australian Shepherd ancestors!
Yorkshire Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs to catch rats in textile mills!
Heritage & Purpose
Miniature American Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in California during the 1960s as a smaller version of Australian Shepherds, these dogs were bred specifically for herding smaller livestock and companion work.
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Developed in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s, these small terriers excelled at catching rats in textile mills. Working-class weavers bred them for their hunting prowess and portable size.
Special Considerations
Miniature American Shepherd
Needs regular grooming to maintain coat condition. Requires substantial exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Yorkshire Terrier
Professional grooming needed for long coat maintenance. Daily brushing required. Small size makes them vulnerable to injury. Need protection from extreme temperatures.