Transylvanian Hound vs Miniature American Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Transylvanian Hound
Foundation Stock Service
Miniature American Shepherd
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Transylvanian Hound Overview
Majestic and athletic, the Transylvanian Hound displays a powerful build with a distinctive black coat marked by rich tan points. Standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder with a muscular frame, these dogs exhibit remarkable endurance and agility. Their expressive eyes and noble bearing reflect their hunting heritage, while their medium-length coat provides protection in varied terrain.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Transylvanian Hounds are more energetic than Miniature American Shepherds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Transylvanian Hounds require less grooming attention compared to Miniature American Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Transylvanian Hounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Miniature American Shepherds.
- Trainability: Transylvanian Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Transylvanian Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Miniature American Shepherds adapt better to apartment living, while Transylvanian Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Transylvanian Hound and Miniature American Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Miniature American Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Miniature American Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 13-18 inches 33-46 cm |
| Weight | 55-55 lbs 25-25 kg | 20-40 lbs 9-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Frequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Miniature American Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Good-Natured, Determined | Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Miniature American Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Transylvanian Hound Temperament
The Transylvanian Hound is known for being courageous, good-natured, determined, making them excellent family dogs. Their high intelligence means they learn quickly and excel in training. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Miniature American Shepherd Temperament
The Miniature American Shepherd is characterized by being good-natured, intelligent, devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Transylvanian Hound and Miniature American Shepherd, 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
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 5/5
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 5/5
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 5/5
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 4/5
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 3/5
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Transylvanian Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Transylvanian Hounds 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, Transylvanian Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Miniature American Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature American Shepherds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Miniature American Shepherds require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Transylvanian Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
Miniature American Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- PRA
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Transylvanian Hound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Loyal companion
- Good with family
- Athletic and enduring
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires space
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Transylvanian Hound and Miniature American Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.