Here at MiniZoo, we stock a bunch of awesome animal figurine brands, and Schleich and CollectA are our best sellers. Both of these collections include a huge variety of realistic, great quality animal figurines, and when shopping for toy animals, it can be helpful to know more about these two brands.

Are they different? Do I have to choose just one brand? If I mix them, will they look ok together?

Let's compare the two brands, so you can make the best choice for your needs, whether you’re after animal figurines or toy dinosaurs for play or display.

(If you want a quick answer... we always encourage you to choose the figurine you like the look of best, no matter which brand it comes from!)

Similarities between Schleich and CollectA

Sizing

The sizing between the two brands is comparable with all wildlife, sealife and farm figurines, so you can seamlessly mix between brands with ease. One exception is the Dinosaurs. Schleich dinosaurs are larger than the regular CollectA dinosaurs, which reflects the pricing difference, however, the deluxe range of CollectA dinosaurs is a lot larger, and can work well with the Schleich dinosaurs.

If you're ever unsure, you can always double check the sizing measurements in the product description.

Quality

The quality of Schleich and CollectA is comparable as both brands make their products from the same non-toxic PVC materials. All figures are also hand painted, which means that no two will be exactly the same, just like the real animals! It also means that the painters can get every detail painted with precision, including eyes and marks like stripes and spots. There may be paint variations between batches and this can make collecting even more exciting! Depending on your use of the figures, some wear may be noticed over time with both brands. If used in water play, sensory activities or in rough play, paint fading or scratches may occur, as is with any toys when they’re in small hands.

Differences between Schleich and CollectA

Details

Both Schleich and CollectA produce highly detailed animal toys for kids. CollectA’s newer releases are especially realistic, making them perfect for collectors too. In recent years, we've seen the styling of Schleich change with new owners taking over the company. If you're familiar with older Schleich models, you might find their recent releases to be more colourful, with more expression in their faces. The details are not quite as intricate as they used to be in some models. If you're a fan of older Schleich, we suggest delving into the world of CollectA. CollectA keeps realism and detail as their main focus, so all models released up to date look true-to-life, which can be more appealing for educators and collectors.

Variety

While the Schleich range is impressive, CollectA have a lot more figurines available in their wild, farm and dinosaur collections. However, that doesn't mean CollectA has more variety overall. While a couple of unicorns can be found in CollectA’s range, there are no other mythical or magical creatures, so if you want to expand into these realms, Schleich offers fairies, mermaids, unicorns, dragons, monsters and more in the Bayala and Eldrador play worlds.

Size Differences

As mentioned earlier, the sizing is comparable between the two brands for the majority of their figurines, however, CollectA also offer a few different sizes. Deluxe Horses in 1:12 Scale and Deluxe Dinosaurs are available from CollectA, and these are larger than the standard size. CollectA also offers Mini Tubes which are smaller figurines, suitable for activities and sensory play plays.

Price Differences

Both brands are priced well in the Australian market for quality and long-lasting animal toys, but of the two brands, CollectA is the more affordable option.

Name Stamps

On the bottom of your branded animal figures you will find a stamp with some information about the product. Both Schleich and CollectA have their brand stamp on their figurines. CollectA figures also have the name of the animal stamped onto them, so you can see which figure is the Minke Whale and which is the Blainvilles Beaked Whale! It's also super handy for all the different dinosaurs too! This feature carries throughout the entire CollectA range, including the miniature tube figurines.

Starter Sets, Play Sets and Accessories

Choosing where to start can be overwhelmng for some, and a ready-made starter set might just be what you need. CollectA offers Gift Sets in a variety of themes at a great price point, so you can start with sealife, wildlife, farm or dinosaurs, and then expand on your collection with the individual models later on. Schleich only offer two starter sets: one wild, and one farm.

Schleich, on the other hand, offers various large playsets within their many categories. From horse stables and chicken coops to helicopters and dino temples, there are playsets designed to capture little imaginations and provide extra play value, no matter what their interest is in!

While CollectA offer some individual accessories, their range doesn’t include such large play sets. CollectA specialises in individual items that you can buy separately, and then build your own miniature worlds with. Such accessories available in the CollectA range include trees, fences, hay bales and riders that aren't available individually from Schleich.

New Releases and Retired Items

Both Schleich and CollectA release new items every year, replenishing their range and improving their detail and accuracy. Every year, Schleich also discontinues items from their range. This can mean that particular animals can be harder to come by as Schleich often retire models without recreating them. The value of Schleich items can increase once they are retired, so this may be a factor when you're choosing your animals. As long as they are still in good condition, you will be able to sell them on later to Schleich collectors.

While CollectA also discontinues some models, its not as often as Schleich. CollectA still have figures from when they first began (some from 20 years ago) and so, while their newer releases have improved, they do still keep their older models in their range, and these don’t always match their current level of detail.

So... Schleich or CollectA?

You want to know the bottom line? It may not help.. choose both! We recommend mixing both brands together to make your animal collection the best it can be. Knowing that the sizing is comparable between these two brands, you can comfortably choose which animal you like from either brand and build your collection into something that YOU love, no matter which brands are included.

Shop both Schleich and CollectA here at MiniZoo. We stock the entire range of both brands, offered at the best deals in Australia!

For more examples of Schleich vs CollectA (and our other brands), visit our Instagram or come join our Facebook community to see photos from others!

(originally written 21/9/21. Updated 2025)