Muggin vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Muggin vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonAustralian Kelpie is originated from Australia but Muggin is originated from United States. Australian Kelpie may grow 37 cm / 15 inches higher than Muggin. Both Australian Kelpie and Muggin are having almost same weight. Both Australian Kelpie and Muggin has same life span. Both Australian Kelpie and Muggin has almost same litter size. Australian Kelpie requires Moderate Maintenance. But Muggin requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
undefined
Australia
United States
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
10 - 14 cm
3 - 6 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
8 - 10 cm
3 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
12 - 22 kg
26 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Kelpie, Barb
Carlin Pinscher Pug Miniature Pinscher Mix, , Pug-Pin, Pugscher, Min Pin Pug Mix
Colors Available:
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
brown, black, golden, white and everything in between , cream
Coat:
short and dense
short and fine
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

australian kelpieThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

mugginThe Muggin is not a purebred dog but rather a cross breed. The hybrid dog population has exploding in the United States in the past ten to fifteen years. A lot of the success of crossbreeding can be attributed to the marketing of these dogs as “Designer Breeds”.

Designer breeds are developed because someone wants some of the characteristics of Breed X and some of the characteristics of Breed Y. Therefore, Designer breed XY is developed. In order to understand this hybrid dog, you need to understand the two purebred breeds they come from. The Muggin is the result of crossing the purebred Pug and the purebred Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin. So, we need to look at the origins of these two purebred breeds.

They are also referred to as Pin Pugs, Min Pin Pug, Pug Pin, Pugscher and were originally the Carlin Pinscher. However, these days there are other breeds besides the Pug and Min Pin making up the gene pool for the Carlin Pinscher. Because of this the Muggin has been separated from the Carlin Pinscher. The American Canine Hybrid Club has accepted the Muggin name for the Pug Min Pin cross.

Pugs are originally a Chinese breed and they were companions rather than working dogs of any kind. During the Han Dynasty they were the dogs of royalty. At the same time there were dogs very much like the pug in Japan and Tibet. The Pugs came to Europe by way of trades with the Dutch who then brought them to Europe. They were named the Mopshond and they caught the eye of the royalty in Europe as well.

Pugs were imported to the United States after the U.S. Civil War and in 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and called Pugs.

The Min Pin traces its origins to Germany a few hundred years ago. They were “ratters”, guarding the house and stables from all types of vermin. Most dog people believe that the Min Pin is much older than this, perhaps by thousands of years. Yet there is no detailed history to support that. Most believe the breed comes from the German Pinscher line. There might also be some Daschund and Greyhound in that line.

They were once called the Reh Pinscher. This was their name when they came to North America in 1919 and then the breed was renamed in 1972. The Miniature Pinscher Club of America was started in the early 1900’s while the AKC recognized the Min Pin in 1929. Today the Miniature Pinscher is a family dog, a companion.

The Muggin is a loving and loyal dog. All they want is for you to be happy and to share that happiness with them. They can also easily become a one person dog and bond intensely with that one person. They are not a hybrid that you can leave home alone while you go to work for 8 to 10 hours a day. No, the Muggin needs attention and lots of it. Despite this they are great with both kids and other dogs.

Because they are a cross breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, some hybrid registries do recognize the Muggin. These include the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Dog Registry of America.

Description

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

muggin puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned, the Muggin is a cross between the Pug and the Miniature Pinscher. They are small, shave sturdy legs, floppy ears, and a wrinkled forehead for the most part. Like all hybrids however, all first generation dogs do not look the same. Some might resemble the Min Pin more and others the Pug. Some might have the stockier body of the Pug and the short tail of the Min Pin. Or one could have the Pug’s curly tail and the athletic body of the Min Pin. The snout can be short or long, the ears heavy and floppy or small and thin.

Their coats will usually be fine and short, and colors can vary a lot. They might be black and tan like a Min Pin, or more like a Pug with a solid color of cream, brown, black, white or golden. They also tend to shed quite a bit no matter which parent they take after the most. They will either have brown noses and black eyes or brown eyes and black noses or any combination of black and brown.

If Muggins are only bred to Muggins the second and third generations will resemble each other more than the first generations will. However, at this point many breeders will try to strengthen the breed by occasionally adding in to the gene pool other dog breeds.

Characteristics

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

Children friendliness

muggin dog - characteristicsThey are good with children but should be supervised.

Special talents

Energetic and loving little dogs.

Adaptability

Very adaptable if taken for walks or has space in a yard. Can live anywhere under those circumstances.

Learning ability

Very intelligent but strong willed dog. Needs strong leadership from their person.

Health Problems

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

muggin puppies - health problemsThe first generation of Muggins may face all the health issues of either or both their parents, while second and third generations tend to have less health issues, They types of issues the first generation of Muggins might face include:

Nerve Degeneration – Degenerative Myelopathy or Dm – causes paralysis and eventually fatal.

  • Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication to prevent seizures.
  • Patellar Luxation – kneecap movement can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Hypothyroidism – responds to medication.
  • Demodectic Mange and skin issues including allergies
  • Eye issues – including cataracts and Cherry Eye.
  • Yeast and Staph infections
  • Myotonia Congenite -Rare disease cause muscle contractions and stiffness.
  • Von Willebrand’s – inherited clotting disorder – no treatment unless needing surgery
  • Congenital Magaeshphagus – enlarged esophagus from birth is treatable.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes – small dog hip joint disorder causes lameness.
  • Liver Issues – cause discomfort and could be fatal
  • Reverse sneezing – minor issue not serious but may sound like the dog is choking.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

Feeding the puppy

muggin dogs - caringThis crossbreed has a definite propensity to overeat and become obese from puppyhood. Feed the puppy a small dog dry food 3-4 times a day a total of ¾ of a cup to 1 cup.

Feeding the adult

Again don’t over feed the adult Muggin or he will become obese easily. Feed at least twice a day one to one and half cups total.

Points for Good Health

High Energy

Games and Exercises

With the athleticism of the Min Pin taking precedence over the less active Pug, the Muggin is a fairly active dog. The Muggin is also not effective by the Pug’s difficulty with heat and cold. They love to go on long walks and need exercise to keep from being bored and destructive. However, remember there is a Pug in your Muggin and if she is not into exercise don’t try to get her to do more than she can.

You do want your Muggin to get enough exercise to fend off any tendency to be overweight. They are good at agility, jogging, obedience and watchdog activities.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Muggin vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Muggin vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Muggin vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Muggin vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Muggin vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Muggin vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Muggin vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Muggin vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Muggin vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Muggin vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Muggin vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Muggin vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Muggin vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Muggin vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Muggin vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Muggin vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Muggin vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Muggin vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Muggin vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Muggin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Muggin vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Muggin vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Muggin vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Muggin vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Australian Kelpie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Kelpie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Kelpie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Kelpie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Kelpie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Kelpie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Kelpie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Kelpie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Kelpie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Kelpie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Kelpie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Kelpie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Kelpie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Kelpie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Kelpie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Kelpie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Kelpie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Kelpie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Kelpie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Kelpie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Kelpie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Kelpie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison