Arthritis pain because of wear and tear on the hip joint can cause problems. The life expectancy for Aussies are 12-15 years. When it comes to colors, those include blue Merle, black and tan, red Merle, and black. Destructive behavior is inevitable if your dog is under stimulated. Trainability: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. Best Dog Food For Sustainability USA 2023. Prior to 2011, the breed was simply called Mini Australian Shepherd. It depends on their parentage and lines. If a full sized Aussie is a little bit too much for you, the Miniature Australian Shepherd may be your best bet. 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. A potential con is that they are known to be a high energy breed. Australian Shepherds have a mind of their own. His muzzle is medium sized, slightly rounded and ends in a black or brown nose. Because of this breeds strong herding instinct, getting enough mental stimulation and exercise is essential. Hip dysplasia is a genetic malformation in the hip socket. However, in a family setting, Australian Shepherds can also be excellent watch dogs. Yet, Australian Shepherds are not for everyone. There are several sizes of Australian Shepherds. Because this dog is a herding breed, you may find your dog tends to try to nip people or herd them. This dog is no couch potato! However, he will never be a particularly cuddly or affectionate pooch. They learn queues very quickly and can be trained to perform tasks well beyond basic tricks. Hes extremely cuddly and loves to give kisses! If you have concerns about your pups weight, consult with the vet. Other health issues can consist of hip dysplasia, a malformation in some dogs hip socket. The coat is medium to long and comes in the colors of red merle, black or red, and blue merle. Read more about what we do. Review their extensive grooming requirements and exercise needs before settling on this dog. Height: 18 to 23 inches High-energy dogs are meant to be exercised daily. Aussies have a lot of hair, which means youll be doing a lot of grooming. For example, a Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle create a mini. Every Australian Shepherd is different in temperament. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they make great family pets. Others may be calmer and milder. His rounded and floppy ears are known as rose ears. However, this particular miniature dog was not a product of the teacup trend. Some good options for their diet include dog food that is specifically designed for mini Australian shepherds, a diet high in protein, or a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids. Your puppy will let you know if he is feeling ignored by jumping and barking at you for attention. Australian shepherds Did someone say Australian shepherds? Most small dogs have longer lifespans than larger breeds. The largest meal should be given in the morning. 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. These dogs are happiest when they have a task to perform or kept busy. The Australian Shepherd is said to have sprung from these dogs. This breed adapts well to families with children and other dogs. You support us through our chosen links, which sometimes earn us an affiliate commission. According to the AKC breed standard, these dogs are slightly longer in body length than in height. A Miniature Australian Shepherd compared to the regular Australian Shepherds is virtually indistinguishable except for the size they come in. Mental stimulation is absolutely vital for any working breed. They admired him for his ability to effortlessly herd sheep, goats and even cattle. is the new trusted website created to help pets and their owners enjoy a happy life together. The Mini Australian Shepherd is not up to par with the regular Australian Shepherd when it comes to fieldwork. However, the breed also possesses some unique characteristics. Pros and Cons of Mini Australian Shepherd, Pros And Cons Of Being An Immigration Lawyer, Pros And Cons Of Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction, Pros And Cons Of Bleach Treatment Of Water, Pros And Cons Of Listening To Music While Working, Pros And Cons Of Living In Great Falls Montana, Pros and Cons of Stackable Washer and Dryer, Pros And Cons Of Doing Business In Mexico, Pros And Cons Of Wireless Brake Controller, Pros And Cons Of Living In Westminster Colorado. The AKC rate the Australian Shepherds affectionateness with the family as a three out of five on their website. First of all, its important to realize that a mini Australian shepherds coat is designed to be shed. They are very high energy and need almost An Aussie will have a tendency to bark if he is bored or doesnt have enough exercise. Aussies are brainy, trainable, and tireless, and only a dedicated pet owner can handle this breed. What Places Do German Shepherds Enjoy Being Rushed? He especially excels at games of tag and fetch. The breeder needed to wait a while for the desired outcome. Mini Australian Shepherds can only weigh between 20 to 40 pounds (9 and 18 kg), while the toy version weighs even less at around 12 to 17 lbs (5 to 8 kg). If you want to give them wet dog food, replace one of their kibble cups with one canned food. In 2011, the breed was renamed to Miniature American Shepherd and accepted into the American Kennel Clubs Stock Foundation Service. Rinse their coat thoroughly and dry it off. Some of them are quick-moving, hyperactive, and energetic. Weve already touched upon some of their roles as aides to people Australian Shepherds are slightly more popular than Minis as the 17th most popular dog breed in the US. One of my favourite things about the breed is that their super handler focused and will do everything they can to make their person happy. Mini Australian Shepherd Guide: Puppies, Popularity, Size Atlas did not like being alone at first which is completely normal as a puppy. There are two different ways to create a miniature version of a larger breed: There are some benefits to miniaturization besides from just looking cute! It wasn't until 1993 that the breed's name was changed to Miniature American Shepherd. By the 1960s, this herding breed had become a rodeo star. Alex had a word of warning to prospective Aussie owners who dont consider themselves to be active people. Australian Shepherd appeared around the time of the 1840s Gold Rush, as we know it now in the western United States, mainly in Colorado. An Australian Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Eyes can range in color from brown to gold or green. He is registered as a Miniature American Shepherd under the American Kennel Club. You can avoid your dog from having these issues and get reports from the breeder about the parents recent eye exams. Its important to not allow them to have constant 24/7 access to you so they dont get use to being around you every waking moment. In the home, he will do very well as an alert watchdog. 6. Although these dogs originated from Aussies, they're now a distinct breed with their own quirks and charm. WebMini Australian Shepherd - Top 10 Facts Pros and Cons of a Mini Aussie Dog Dogs Now 38.4K subscribers Join Subscribe 1K 173K views 2 years ago Mini Australian Shepherd - This isn't a breed who will simply snooze on the couch; you'll need to dedicate several hours each day to your companion. Highly adaptable and trainable. Alex shared a little more on this subject based upon conversations with dog trainers. Expect to pay around $600 to $1000 for a Mini Australian Shepherd from a reputable breeder. If you dont think you can put in the time and effort into daily training or walking, I would suggest to look at another breed. They are vigorous, bigger than life, energetic dogs, and need the same type of owner. This means that they are not ideal for apartment living or for families that are not active. The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA has a Miniature American Shepherd Rescue that helps place dogs of this breed who have been surrendered. 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. At Ablison.com, we believe in providing our readers with useful information and education on a multitude of topics. There are a number of breeds with a reputation for being low-shedding dogs with hypoallergenic qualities. More family friendly than other working breeds. I would like to emphasize that socialization does not mean saying hi to every dog you see. Loyal. Both breeds have the same fur colors, temperament and care needs. He is friendlier than most other working breeds, as they all tend to be a bit more aloof. 3. Mini Australian Shepherd: Personality & Characteristics, Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA), Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America, Can become destructive if not provided sufficient mental and physical exercise, Numerous minis have found fame as Instagram influencers, including. Pros and Cons to Owning a Border Aussie Pros Intelligent, active, affectionate pet Great jogging (or another outdoor exercise) buddy Healthy hybrid breed Cons Requires quite a lot of daily exercise May become loud or destructive when bored Low availability from breeders and rescue organizations Fun Facts about the Border Aussie Australian Shepherds have wonderful personalities and adapt well to families with They have a dense undercoat that typically sheds twice each year. WebWhat are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Australian Shepherd, and when should it be done? Pro - Personable. helloBARK! The tail is either docked or is naturally bobbed. These smaller sized dogs were known by breeders as Mini Australian Shepherds until the 2010s. They share the same qualities as their larger counterparts but in a more manageable size. Use positive reinforcement training techniques with your Mini Aussie for best results! She can sing and dance. Today, they still herd smaller livestock, but are most often companion animals in households across the globe. A high-quality diet will help to keep their digestion healthy and may help to reduce the amount of hair that is shed. The Australian Shepherd was first bred from Pyrenean Shepherds. Although these dogs love children, they may begin nipping at ankles due to their herding mentality, which will require further training. The MAS has a medium-length yet dense double coat. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Minis are loyal companions who are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they can become very attached to their owners. Consider what you're looking for in your Aussie and decide whether to purchase or adopt. The Mini Australian Shepherd does not like to be stuck inside all day long! Australian Shepherds can sometimes get by with less physical exercise Even small tasks, like carrying sticks or toys, will cater to your dogs workaholic nature enough to keep him happy. Obedient and Needs A Lot of Exercise and Mental Stimulation. Because so many people call these dogs Mini Aussies, we'll use that name here. Alex shared that Australian Shepherds love being part of a family but will usually pick one person to be their favourite. They also tend to be vocal, so they may not be the best choice for people who live in quiet neighborhoods. Introducing The Full Grown Black Tri Australian Shepherd, What Are The Main Differences Between Blue Heeler Vs Cattle Dog, The Pros And Cons Of Purchasing A Puppy Less Than 100 Dollars. Friendly. However, they also require a lot of physical activity and may be prone to separation anxiety. Weve already spoken about their exercise needs but if youre someone who lacks the energy levels of the Aussie Shepherd, they may not be the right breed for you. Herder. It's so common, in fact, that it can be confusing to refer to these dogs as anything else. You can give your dog training treats but not too many because it can lead to obesity. Unfortunately the Australian Shepherd is not one of these breeds. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them ideal for first-time dog owners. The Mini Australian Shepherd is a fun sized version of the Australian Shepherd. If you dont exercise your dog daily, he may become bored, leading to destructive tendencies. It simply means learning to calmly exist around external stimuli. However, mini Australian shepherds do have a few disadvantages. Fifth, keep your mini Australian shepherds away from other animals that may cause them to shed. Without proper exercise, theyll become destructive. A very good watchdog. An unsocialized Aussie can become aggressive with strangers. For the right family, this breed makes an excellent companion. While they do have a lot of fur, in my experience, Atlas does not require a lot of grooming. However, do not let this dogs small size fool you; he is a lot of work. WebThis video is about the Australian Shepherd Pros And Cons, the good and the bad. 8. In some cases, a mini dog is produced by pairing a large and a small breed together. Its a good idea to start training your Australian Shepherd from a young age to establish basic obedience and understanding. Adult males stand between 14 and 18 inches tall, while females stand between 13 and 17 inches. It is also important to note that we may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on our website, which could result in receiving free products, services, or monetary compensation in exchange for featuring their products or services. Keeps their owner very active. Underneath his long and fluffy coat he has the muscle definition to prove it! Australian Shepherds can perform many functions within a family and within society as a whole. Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. We are committed to helping our readers make informed decisions about their finances, and encourage you to explore our site for helpful resources and insights. Aussies are prone to health problems. Well, lets find out together as we dive into the Australian shepherd pros and cons. Mini Australian Shepherds are susceptible to many of the health problems that a full size Shepherd can inherit. Their small size means they dont need as many calories as standard-sized Aussies. In addition to physical needs, Mini Aussies require adequate mental stimulation. Plenty of days of fun are ahead when you adopt a Mini Aussie. Finally, its important to keep in mind that mini Australian shepherds are high-energy dogs. But if your dog is socialized early, then he will adapt to visitors. The Mini Australian Shepherd is the dog breed of choice for most active Americans, and they certainly make great workout buddies. They hang down to just above his muzzle. 3. Aussie owners will have to commit to brushing their Shepherd every two or three days when their dog is shedding to remove dead hair. 9 Rare Mastiff Breeds That Are Large and in Charge. Theyre an alert dog breed who wont be afraid to raise the alarm if something feels suspicious. If you're searching for an energetic, affectionate companion, the Australian Shepherd could be the right breed for you! These small dogs have a wavy double coat with a thick outer layer and a downy undercoat, and its gorgeous. There are both pros and cons of owning an Australian Shepherd. If youve got an Aussie as a pet, its a good idea to give their brains a work out too. WebDog Breed Reviews: Honest Reviews of 180 Dog Breeds. See our Affiliate Disclosure page for more information. 5. With the introduction over, lets take a closer look at Australian Shepherd pros and cons. Mini Australian Shepherds may not be the most affectionate breed, but he is always eager to make you proud. Even a well socialized Mini Australian Shepherd will be quite distant and aloof to those outside of the family. This breed is also prone to hip dysplasia and epilepsy. 1. However, males grow a tad bigger than females. If you want a couch potato then an Australian Shepherd is not for you. Having said that, you should always supervise an Aussie around kids because some members of the breed may succumb to an instinctive drive to herd children. Now, they are recognized as two separate breeds with their own individual breed clubs. But do not just take our word for it. Make sure that your lifestyle is the kind that an Australian Shepherd will adapt to. This eager pooch is fantastic at befriending children and makes a great watchman for your home. Australian Shepherds can perform many functions within a family and within society as a whole. These are what we recommend for your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy: An Australian Shepherd has a thick coat with lots of hair. Plus, trim your dogs nails regularly to keep his feet healthy. But the Australian Shepherd can range from police to being aloof with strangers.