Mini Australian Shepherd Breed Guide

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.

Who are Mini Australian Shepherd dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Mini Australian Shepherd need?

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 Shepherd bark much?

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.

Do Mini Australian Shepherd bite?

Herding dogs are known to nip at the ankles of the animals they are herding. This, however, should not filter into their engagement with other animals or people.

It is going to be more challenging to get this habit out of a breed that does this instinctively and should be trained to do so when they are young.

A Mini Aussie puppy is going to be easier to teach than an adult dog, but it can be done. There are a few methods you can use to do this. Namely:

• The leave it method

• The time and place method

• The intervention method

What is the temperament & personality of a Mini Australian Shepherd?

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 weight & size of a Mini Australian Shepherd?

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.

How much training does a Mini Australian Shepherd need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for 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

• Elbow or Hip dysplasia

• Sight problems

• Blood clotting disorders

• Hypothyroidism

• Epilepsy

• Cancer

• MDR1 drug sensitivity

What is the lifespan of a Mini Australian Shepherd?

The life expectancy of up to 13 years. There are a few health problems to look out for when adopting a Mini Australian Shepherd, as there are downsides to having a miniature. This will affect their life expectancy.

How much should you feed a Mini Australian Shepherd?

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.

What is the price of 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.