Avoid Shel-Aussies as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Choose a Basque Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature Australian Shepherd

Unknown

Unknown

Ancient Times

Blue
Brown
Amber

Brown
Amber

Black
Brown
Isabella

Black

Black
Brown
White
Brindle
Cream
Gray
Fawn
Blue

Red
Isabella
Fawn

Shel-Aussies have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Basque Shepherds have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wavy

A Shel-Aussie can have a litter of 6-9 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Basque Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Corneal Dystrophy
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Patellar Luxation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts

Ear Infections
Cataracts
Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Radiographs
Urinalysis
Fluorescein Test
Complete Blood Profile
Intraocular Pressure
Blood Work
Complete Blood Count
Complete Ophthalmologic Examination
DNA Test
Electroretinogram

Hip X-Rays
Dental Examination
Ear Examination
Echocardiogram Tests
Chest X-rays

Shel-Aussies' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Basque Shepherds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Shel-Aussies need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Basque Shepherds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Shel-Aussie dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Basque Shepherds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Fetch, Tug-of-war, Chew Toys, Road trip, Swim, Run, Chase, Catch treats, Swimming, Walking

Playing with us

Shel-Aussies are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Basque Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shel-Aussie, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Basque Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Shel-Aussies usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Basque Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Shel-Aussies require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Basque Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Shel-Aussie should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Basque Shepherd should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

For an average 30-65 pound (14 - 29 kg) Shel-Aussie feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 40-79 pound (18 - 36 kg) Basque Shepherd feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Shel-Aussies are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Basque Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.