Mini Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

9-14 kg

Height

33-45.7 cm

Lifespan

12-13 years

Jump To

About the Mini Australian Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Mini Australian Shepherd is a fun-loving dog and just the most beautiful with its different colour eyes and coat.

It is a mini version of the standard Australian Shepherd but does not fall short in other aspects!

This breed loves its owners and makes the perfect family dog. Why would you not want a tiny, beautiful dog with all of the stamina and playfulness of a puppy around?

Get to know everything there is about this breed in this article. It may just be the one for you.

mini australian shepherd dog breed photo 3

mini australian shepherd dog breed photo 2

mini australian shepherd dog breed photo 1

mini australian shepherd dog breed photo 4

What is the history & origin of the Mini Australian Shepherd?

The Mini Australian Shepherd originated in the Basque region of Spain and has no connection to coming from Australia at all. They were sheepherders and working dogs to the shepherds who came with the sheep that were being imported from Australia to Spain.

North American ranchers then started importing Australian Shepherds, as they too were importing sheep from Australia. When the shepherds came with their dogs, they were impressed with their work but wanted a smaller version.

These mini versions of the Australian Shepherd are known by two names. Miniature American Shepherds and Mini Australian Shepherds.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd was officially registered with the American Kennel Club in 2010, and in 2015 they were registered as a herding breed.

What is a Mini Australian Shepherd breed?

The Mini Australian Shepherd is a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd. They are a mix of two breeds, specifically the large Australian Shepherd and a smaller breed. This process introduces the dwarfism gene, and then they are repeatedly bred with the runts of the litters.

The Miniature American Shepherd is developed by using the runts of the litter, while the Mini Australian Shepherd dog can be developed at any point in the breeding process.

The only downside of this is that if mixed with a smaller dog breed, the Mini Australian Shepherd may have the physical characteristics and the temperament of the non-Aussie breed.

Who is a Mini Australian Shepherd best for?

They are ideal for people who love the standard Australian Shepherd but who may not have enough space to house them. They have inherited the energy and need to work from the Australian Shepherds but do not require as much physical stimulation.

They, therefore, cost less to feed, require less physical stimulation as well as less space. If you are living in an apartment, these are the dogs for you!

They are the ideal family pet as they get along well with children and are very playful. As active dogs, they are eager to take on any task given to them. If you are a person who would like a dog to help you get things done, the Mini Australian Shepherd is the one to do so.

Mini Australian Shepherd Grooming & Shedding

Miniature Australian Shepherds have a long luxurious double coat so grooming them is essential. It is recommended that they be brushed three times a week to avoid a build-up of hair and knots.

Their shedding seasons are usually in early spring, when it is starting to get warmer, as well as in late summer, when it is starting to get cooler. During these times, you are going to want to groom them more regularly.

They should be bathed at least once a week, especially if they have been your companion throughout your outdoor activities. Bathing them will also make sure that their fur and skin remain healthy.

Trimming their nails once a month is recommended to avoid scratching you and your floor or furniture. This is especially for dogs who spend the majority of their time inside. If they are mostly outside, their nails will wear down naturally and will not need as much attention.

Their ears should be checked weekly and cleaned at least once a month. You can use a ph balanced ear cleaner for this.

You should be brushing your mini Australian Shepherds’ teeth every day but if your furry friend is of the kind that hates it, then weekly is good too. Provided you are giving them teeth cleaning toys on the other days.

Do Mini Australian Shepherds bark a lot?

Mini Aussies are known for excessive barking. They are going to bark at a stranger, other dogs or even a car driving past. If you are looking for a dog that is going to be as quiet as a mouse and who lays around all day, the Mini Aussie is not the dog for you.

They are an active breed, and for small dogs, they have big personalities. This means all of this high energy is going to be expressed verbally.

It is important to keep them entertained as their barking can also mean that they are bored or understimulated both mentally and physically.

Dogs can be trained to stop barking, and the Mini Aussie is no exception. Teaching them from a young age what is and is not acceptable behaviour is very important.

What is the average weight & height of a Mini Australian Shepherd dog?

Mini Aussies can weigh between 9 kg to 14 kg and can grow between 33 cm to 45.7 cm.

It is very important here to be aware of what breeds mini Aussies were mixed with as this will ultimately decide the size.

Are Mini Australian Shepherds easy to train?

Mini Aussie Shepherds are very easy to train, as they are very active and intelligent dogs. This combination makes them the best kind of dogs to train.

You are going to need time and be consistent. It is always a good idea to start training when they are young.

Create a good bond with your dog first, use positive reinforcement and be strong with the use of the word “no”.

Settling their herding behaviour when they are young, especially if they are coming into a household that is not that kind of farm life environment is important.

How do Mini Australian Shepherds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Here is what you can expect from your Mini Australian Shepherd personality:

High energy
Intelligent dogs
Needs mental stimulation
Needs physical stimulation
Are not aggressive and can live in a house with multiple dogs
A family dog and are good around children of all ages
They are good watchdogs and will bark to alert
They are playful and are somewhat puppy-like throughout the dog’s life

Does the Mini Australian Shepherd have any common health issues?

Here is what you can expect from your Mini Australian Shepherd personality:

High energy
Intelligent dogs
Needs mental stimulation
Needs physical stimulation
Are not aggressive and can live in a house with multiple dogs
A family dog and are good around children of all ages
They are good watchdogs and will bark to alert
They are playful and are somewhat puppy-like throughout the dog’s life

What is the lifespan of a Mini Australian Shepherd?

Mini Australian Shepherds are prone to quite a few health problems because them being mixed breed and miniature. These are some of the problems to look out for.

Obesity: Prone to weight gain, which can lead to further health complications.
Elbow or Hip Dysplasia: Genetic conditions affecting joint fit that can cause pain and mobility issues.
Sight Problems: They may experience various eye conditions, impacting vision.
Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions that affect the blood’s ability to clot, which can lead to serious health risks.
Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder that can lead to weight gain and other metabolic issues.
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures.
Cancer: This breed may be susceptible to various types of cancer as they age.
MDR1 Drug Sensitivity: A genetic sensitivity to certain medications that can cause adverse reactions.

How much does a Mini Australian Shepherd need to be fed?

Feeding at the end of the day is very much dependent on the size of the dog and its dietary requirements.

It is recommended that you feed your mini Aussie 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food twice a day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Mini Australian Shepherd in Australia?

You are going to have to take into consideration where you are getting your dog from if you are adopting them from a reputable breeder or a shelter.

However, the average cost for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies from a breeder is between $2500 to $3500.

Mini Australian Shepherd FAQs

Is the Mini Australian Shepherd ideal for first-time dog owners?

They are ideal for first-time owners as they fit into many kinds of environments. They are easy to train, and if you can handle their shedding habits, then you will be fine.

Do Mini Australian Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety?

They are very much prone to separation anxiety and should not be left alone for a long time. It is very important to give them a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation as they thrive in these kinds of environments.

Practising solo play with them is a good way to show them that being alone can be fun. When you leave, it is best not to make it a big deal as this can lead to anxiety and stress. Rather make a big deal when you get back so that they understand that you will never actually leave them alone for good.