Irish Terrier vs Miniature American Shepherd
Compare Irish Terrier and Miniature American Shepherd side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Terrier
Miniature American Shepherd
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 50 cm
33 – 46 cm
Weight
11 – 15 kg
9 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
11 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
2/5
3/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium
Miniature American Shepherd
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Small
Summary
About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.
About Miniature American Shepherd
Compact, athletic herding dog bred in the U.S. as a smaller Australian Shepherd. Intelligent, devoted, and “velcro” with family, often reserved with strangers. Needs regular training, mental work, and exercise. Medium double coat in varied colors; generally healthy with 12–15 year lifespan.
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