Mini Australian Shepherds may look very cute and endearing, but they are not the most affectionate pooch around. The Australian Shepherd is one of the smartest breeds of dogs. Honest FAQ Sojos Raw Dog Food And Dog Treats Review (2023), Three Exceptional Ways To Remember A German Shepherd Who Has Passed. Because of this protective nature, these dogs tend to be aloof with strangers. A profound predatory drive and inclination to chase. The AKC rate the Australian Shepherds affectionateness with the family as a three out of five on their website. Female dogs are less expensive than males. Playful . Unfortunately the Australian Shepherd is not one of these breeds. Mini Australian Shepherds may not be the most affectionate breed, but he is always eager to make you proud. Aussies need exposure to unusual sights, sounds, and people. If youre thinking about getting a mini Australian shepherd, its important to understand their diet. As Australian Shepherds naturally get very attached to their owner(s), they are a breed thats prone to separation anxiety. This blue heeler mix is very high energy and expects to be put to work. Thanks for the help on learning about Mini Aussies! Sometimes the females are manipulative plus smart enough to get what they want. Theyre also known for their beautiful coats, so make sure to give them a good brushing every week to keep them clean. Possible coat colors include: Mini Aussies are moderate to heavy shedders due to their double coat, so they require regular grooming. Some Mini Aussies are born with a natural bobtail, whereas others are born with a long, feathery tail. Minis are loyal companions who are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they can become very attached to their owners. Pros. Twice a year, this breed sheds excessively, so brushing will need to be increased with more frequent baths. Most people take their Aussies out for at least 1-2 hours each day, on top of training sessions. All of these sizes are measured at the withers or shoulders: Miniature Australian Shepherds will not grow more than 18 inches tall, and both males and females will weigh around 20 to 40 pounds. They learn queues very quickly and can be trained to perform tasks well beyond basic tricks. They are known for being affectionate with their owners and are often great with children. Blue French Bulldog Breed Information, Pictures & Facts, What Is A Shorkie? They have an under and outer coat which means they do shed quite a bit. They have a rounded, medium-length muzzle and triangular ears that sit close to the head. Aussies have a lot of hair, which means youll be doing a lot of grooming. Because of this breeds strong herding instinct, getting enough mental stimulation and exercise is essential. Males can reach a maximum weight of 25 to 30 pounds and females remain between 15 and 20 pounds. If you're searching for an energetic, affectionate companion, the Australian Shepherd could be the right breed for you! In this article, well speak to some Australian Shepherd owners to get a firsthand insight into the breed. The information on this website is intended for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional, medical, veterinary or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used as such. They have a dense undercoat that typically sheds twice each year. This master of agility just loves to show off. However, these pint-sized pets can be even more energetic than their larger relatives. When it comes to colors, those include blue Merle, black and tan, red Merle, and black. Your puppy will learn fast, but only if you are willing to teach and show him until he gets it right. For the right family, this breed makes an excellent companion. The dogs most lovable quality is his irrepressible and exuberant attitude. However, your kids must be old enough to handle its energy and exuberance. Its known that they blow their coats twice a year which means you will notice a lot of stray hair balls floating around your house. Australian Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health problems similar to the regular Aussie Shepherd, and some of them include: Other than this, there is another big problem, which is the dogs Merle coloration. Aussies become bored quickly and need to be stimulated to stay out of trouble. They are also great with children and can make excellent playmates. If youre someone who loves to exercise, whether its going for a jog, hiking in the hills or exploring the seaside, your Australian Shepherd will be the perfect workout buddy. Miniature Australian Shepherd They can also thrive as aides to the physically handicapped, police dogs as well as search and rescue dogs. They are a working breed, which means they require both physical AND mental stimulation. Weve already touched upon some of their roles as aides to people Facts You Need to Know. Their top coat is long and fluffy, and the underlayer is very dense and wooly. A Mini Aussie can keep an active family entertained for hours on end. 25 Pros And Cons Of Owning An Australian Shepherd They are also wary of strangers. Alex shared a little more on this subject based upon conversations with dog trainers. Miniature American Shepherd - Pros and Cons - WagAve In 1968 a lady named Doris Cordova decided to shrink the Australian Shepherd to a more compact size, but without compromising the qualities it already had. Heart, bone, and joint problems are all particularly common in miniature and teacup dogs. Copyright 2023 - raylexshepherds.com. An Aussies coat is medium to long with colors ranging from blue merle, red merle, red or black. 25 Pros And Cons Of Owning An Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd: The Pros & Cons Of Owning One, 23 Pros And Cons Of Owning A German Shepherd, German Shepherd: The Pros & Cons Of Owning One, ShephardS Beach ResortS Policies For Guests, 10 Signs Of A Sick Rabbit Symptoms Your Rabbit Is Sick, 7 Best German Shepherd Puppy Training Tips, New Puppy Essentials New Puppy Shopping Checklist, 5 Different Ways To Give Pill Or Capsule To Your Dog. Also a higher energy level and craving for exercise. Although these dogs like to work, they can also make excellent family pets with the right owners and in the right setting. If you're searching for herding dog breeds, take a loot at other breeds in this category to ensure this is the right fit for you. If you want to adopt this beautiful breed of dog, do your homework first. This is very important if you want a happy, well-rounded dog. It can include other dogs, cats, children, and even birds. Adult males stand between 14 and 18 inches tall, while females stand between 13 and 17 inches. But the Australian Shepherd can range from police to being aloof with strangers. You need to go over all the pros and cons if youre considering adopting an Australian Shepherd. They are intelligent and easy to train. Trainability: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. A potential con is that they are known to be a high energy breed. We are quickly becoming the resource of choice for all dog owners looking to learn more about their best friend. For more information, click the video below: https://thehappypuppysite.com/australian-shepherd-temperament/, https://facty.com/network/answers/things/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-an-australian-shepherd/, https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/australianshepherds.html, https://www.thesprucepets.com/breed-profile-australian-shepherd-1117935, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rcESyhbP8E, 1818 N Vermont Ave They are a breed that requires a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. If I was considering an Australian Shepherd, I would be most concerned about Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are intelligent and can hoodwink a novice owner. First, make sure your mini Australian shepherds get enough exercise. Mini Australian Shepherds: A Quick Guide to Their Diet. You will need to give your dog enough of both to keep his mind and body satisfied. Their working coats naturally repel a lot of dirt which means I dont have to brush him that often. Do not expect a Labrador. Australian Shepherds love to spend all their time with their family. Australian Shepherds bred for exhibition in the dog show ring are usually larger, stockier, less athletic and agile, with a more "luxurious" coat. These dogs are a high-energy dog that is loyal, affectionate, and family orientated. Another advantage of owning a Mini Aussie is that they make excellent watchdogs. His limitless energy and high intelligence make him quite a handful for inexperienced and first time owners. His muzzle is medium sized, slightly rounded and ends in a black or brown nose. Mini Australian Shepherds work as well in the home as they do on the farm. Obedient and I own a Toy Australian Shepherd. If you can provide them with a lot of outdoor playtime, that will be great, but they also need a lot of indoor playtime, as well. He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. There are both pros and cons of owning an Australian Shepherd. This means that they require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. While they will love every member of your household, they will end up bonding to one person more over the others. The following are answers to commonly asked questions: The following are pros and cons of this breed: If you love the personality, trainability, and adorable appearance of the standard Australian Shepherd but would prefer a smaller version, the Miniature American Shepherd may be the perfect dog for you. I have a mini Aussie. This means that they are not ideal for apartment living or for families that are not active. So, you will need to provide them with a 30 min long walk and at least an hour and a half of good exercise every day.