They also tend to be vocal, so they may not be the best choice for people who live in quiet neighborhoods. The Australian Shepherd was first bred from Pyrenean Shepherds. 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. You have to take the time and effort into training to get a well-behaved dog. Please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy pages for more information. The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix So: closed, Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Which Dog Should You Get, Pros And Cons Of Bernedoodles Owners Guide & Breed Facts, Pros and Cons of Australian Shepherds Should You Get This Dog, Australian Shepherd Overview What to Expect from these Awesome Dogs, 2. Also a higher energy level and craving for exercise. Mini Australian Shepherd - Top 10 Facts Pros and Cons of a Mini Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Breed name: Australian Shepherd Sometimes surgery is required. Once deafness is diagnosed via a hearing exam, your vet can help you and your dog to manage the condition. In 2011, the breed was renamed to Miniature American Shepherd and accepted into the American Kennel Clubs Stock Foundation Service. The Miniature American Shepherd - also known as the Mini Aussie - does very well with children and other animals if exposed early in life. Australian Shepherds were bred to be working dogs not simply pets to hang around the house or backyard. My dog breed reviews include positives AND negatives good and bad traits and characteristics on temperament, personality, behavior, exercise requirements, shedding, etc. Four years later, it gained recognition under the herding group. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. However, they also require a lot of physical activity and may be prone to separation anxiety. They are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. The male weighs in between 50-65 pounds, with the female being between 40-55 pounds. They are a breed that requires a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Also, Aussies tolerate both hot and cold weather. They are known for being affectionate with their owners and are often great with children. Exercise Requirements Any Aussies shorter than 14 inches are considered to be Toy Australian Shepherds. Australian Shepherds have wonderful personalities and adapt well to families with It's not uncommon to find minis with heterochromia, or eyes of different colors (typically one blue and one brown). The MASCUSA offers a breeder directory, as does the Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America. They are a breed that requires a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and If you do not provide them with enough exercise, they will be mischievous at home and invent ways to entertain themselves. Mini Australian shepherds are lively and active dogs, so they need plenty of exercise. Australian Shepherds are slightly more popular than Minis as the 17th most popular dog breed in the US. There are several sizes of Australian Shepherds. 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. Read them before you decide if this breed is the dog for you. Atlas is only 1 year and 4 months old but he knows over 30 tricks! The only difference between the two dogs is their size. If your dog doesnt get enough exercise, then he will become bored, hyperactive, and frustrated. Destructive behavior is inevitable if your dog is under stimulated. Australian Shepherds can develop genetically predisposed eye disease. By selectively breeding the smallest Aussies this miniature version was created. Working and herding dogs are normally very smart and therefore are very easy to train. An Aussie will have a tendency to bark if he is bored or doesnt have enough exercise. When the breed became popular in the state of California, it was mistakenly believed to have come from Australia. A trained Aussie is a happy Aussie. Mental stimulation is absolutely vital for any working breed. Aussie owners will have to commit to brushing their Shepherd every two or three days when their dog is shedding to remove dead hair. However, expect more shedding during the spring season. They are vigorous, bigger than life, energetic dogs, and need the same type of owner. If youre thinking about getting a mini Australian shepherd, its important to understand their diet. One of the admirable things about Australian Shepherds is their coats. 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. Eyes can range in color from brown to gold or green. Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds When a seizure occurs, the joints will lock or stiffen and the dog can collapse or faint. Second, keep their coat clean and well-groomed. Its beautiful fur can have anywhere from two to four colors at a time. They somewhat resemble the Dachshund, but the difference between length and height isn't as noticeable in this breed. 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 This breed is incredibly intelligent and will learn training quickly. Just like his full sized counterparts, he is classified under the herding breed group. If fun and fitness is your style, this furry athlete certainly has you covered in that department! Female dogs are less expensive than males. Australian Shepherds can perform many functions within a family and within society as a whole. 8. Australian Shepherds arent immune to separation anxiety so its a good idea to educate yourself on this particular disorder before bringing home an Aussie or any dog. Alex shared a little more on this subject based upon conversations with dog trainers. Watch Dogs, in fact, youll notice that theyre always active and alert, so no worries about strangers invading your home when you have an Aussie around the corner. However, mini Australian shepherds do have a few disadvantages. His small size results from generations of selectively pairing off and breeding the smallest Aussie Shepherds. Second of all, its important to understand that a mini Australian shepherds coat is quite heavy. These fur balls are incredibly affectionate and friendly. Honest FAQ: Australian Shepherd (2022) - Your Purebred Puppy Aussies are brainy, trainable, and tireless, and only a dedicated pet owner can handle this breed. 17 Best Guard Dogs for Protection and Family Companionship. Mini Australian Shepherd The Complete Guide to the Miniature What Kinds Of Raw Meat May I Give My German Shepherd? She is also very entertaining. Mini Australian Shepherds need a wide outdoor space to run with reckless abandon. The Mini American Shepherd is the 34th. Miniature Bull Terriers: Characteristics and Trainability. However, this particular miniature dog was not a product of the teacup trend. The breed averages from 18 to 23 inches in height and 40 to 65 pounds in weight. Weve already touched upon some of their roles as aides to people with disabilities, police, narcotic and search and rescue dogs. If you have concerns about your pups weight, consult with the vet. First, make sure your mini Australian shepherds get enough exercise. Active. Naturally, the Australian Shepherd has been a member of the American Kennel Clubs Herding Group since 1993. These dogs are highly intelligent, are energetic, and take well to training. In modern times, this breed can serve as both a family companion and a low intensity working dog. Australian Shepherd Pros And Cons As an active person myself, I love the fact that I can take Atlas out for hikes and trails, without worrying whether or not he can keep up. Find out what height and weight to anticipate as your Australian Shepherd grows from puppy to adult. This breed adapts well to families with children and other dogs. It can include other dogs, cats, children, and even birds. The life expectancy for Aussies are 12-15 years. The breed has been called a lot of different names over the years, California Shepherd, Spanish Shepherd, and New Mexican Shepherd. Despite their small size, these dogs are bundles of energy, which means they have relatively high exercise requirements. Hip dysplasia is another common issue for this dog breed. She is absolutely adorable. Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix One of the most unusual and unique dog breeds in existence, these pups are intelligent, loyal, outgoing, fun, and loving. The mighty Paw Dog Grooming brush will be perfect for keeping your Aussies glorious fur well groomed and free of tangles. Miniature Australian Shepherd Helping keep watch over the house and the yard. Australian Shepherds bred for exhibition in the dog show ring are usually larger, stockier, less athletic and agile, with a more "luxurious" coat. They are in my personal opinion, the *best* breed to ever exist. It is unfair to keep large active breeds in small apartments. Mini Australian Shepherds were bred over 30 years prior, with the purpose of being small enough to travel easily with rodeo cowboys. Miniature Since this breed is born for farm and outdoor work, its protective double coat is resistant to water and harsh weather. 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 first and foremost, atopedia Australian shepherds are one of the most playful dog breeds out there. They are energetic but dont have the size to herd cattle. Requesting the parents paperwork and health records is also a good idea. Australian Shepherd appeared around the time of the 1840s Gold Rush, as we know it now in the western United States, mainly in Colorado. He has much more energy than other small dog breeds. They have a rounded, medium-length muzzle and triangular ears that sit close to the head. When it comes to shedding, mini Australian shepherds are definitely not your average dog! This can make them ideal for families that want a dog that will alert them to any potential threats.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-box-4','ezslot_5',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-box-4-0'); One of the biggest cons of owning a Mini Australian Shepherd is their high energy levels and exercise needs. This results in smaller and smaller dogs over each generation. List of Miniature Most breeders should have genetic testing done on both parents to prevent passing down harmful diseases. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they make great family pets. Los Angeles, CA, United States, Mo-Fr: 8:00-19:00 Mini Australian Shepherds: A Quick Guide to Their Diet. If youre looking for a smaller version, there are miniature versions of Australian Shepherds. When it comes to colors, those include blue Merle, black and tan, red Merle, and black. Patellar luxation is one of the most common joint disorders for many small and teacup-sized dogs. Mini Australian Shepherds eyes can be brown, blue, or amber. This dog reserves all of his love for his family and close friends. You can expect to pay between $900 and $1,500 for a well-bred puppy. Because this dog is a herding breed, you may find your dog tends to try to nip people or herd them. Adult males stand between 14 and 18 inches tall, while females stand between 13 and 17 inches. Theyre an alert dog breed who wont be afraid to raise the alarm if something feels suspicious. He loves all people and all dogs. Overall, mini Australian shepherds are great dogs, and they make great family pets. They admired him for his ability to effortlessly herd sheep, goats and even cattle. You need to provide your dog with opportunities to exercise, release energy, and do fun and exciting things. One of the most common complaints owners have about their mini Australian shepherds is that they constantly shed.shedding is a natural process that every dog goes through, but there are a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds. An adult Mini Aussie dog needs 2-3 cups of kibble a day, at 1-2 cups per meal. Merle-colored dogs tend to be much more expensive. 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. Mini Australian shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds on the market today. He has been selectively bred over generations for hard labor on the farm. Mini adult males stand between 14 and 18 inches tall, and this is six inches smaller than the standard size. Nothing satisfies a Mini Aussie better than a job well done. Australian Shepherd Pros And Cons - YouTube The name confusion runs deep with this breed: The original Mini Aussie breed club, the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA), decided to change its name and drop "Australian" when the AKC requested it, because they didn't want two similar breeds registered in competition. With the introduction over, lets take a closer look at Australian Shepherd pros and cons. Start by brushing their hair away from their face and ears. Merle fur patterning is the result of specific genes. 5. Australian Shepherds tend to be quite territorial so theyll be naturally suspicious of unfamiliar faces wandering into their home. Dolly is an Emotional Support Animal and she lives up to her work. He is registered as a Miniature American Shepherd under the American Kennel Club. Otherwise, they may become shy or suspicious of people. Given their intelligence and eager-to-please nature, these dogs are easy to train. Today, they still herd smaller livestock, but are most often companion animals in households across the globe. Herding behavior may show as pushiness or bullying and he may try to herd small children. What Places Do German Shepherds Enjoy Being Rushed? These dogs need to be able to vent their energy doing interesting things. The Mini American Shepherd Club of North America was founded in 2011. They have an under and outer coat which means they do shed quite a bit. Last updated: Jan 25 2023. Because of this protective nature, these dogs tend to be aloof with strangers. If your Aussie isnt socialized, then he can become aggressive in a new situation. He is better than full sized Aussies at herding smaller livestock such as goats and younger sheep. Working breeds are a lot easier to train than non-working breeds. Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. Let a Mini Australian Shepherd in, and your household will never be the same again. Members of the breed are also incredibly energetic, affectionate, and obedient. Youll be surprised to see how they excel at agility competition if you train them with proper care and guidance. He excels especially at games of tag and fetch. Its also important to start training them at a young age. He expects his owner to be just as active as he is. Mini Aussies are very friendly and make great pets for families with children. Finally, its important to keep in mind that mini Australian shepherds are high-energy dogs. When some Basques set sail for the Australian continent in the 1800s, these cattle ranchers brought their dogs the Pyrenean Shepherd (describe as the progenitor of the modern Aussie). Australian Shepherd Black, tan, brown and white are all of the most common colors. A Miniature Australian Shepherd compared to the regular Australian Shepherds is virtually indistinguishable except for the size they come in. Other than obviously being significantly smaller, the mini is a bit longer than they are tall. Their small size means they dont need as many calories as standard-sized Aussies. He bonds to his family closely and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. The ULTIMATE Dog Training Course: http://bit.ly/TopRatedDogTraining As herding dogs, it should come as no surprise that Australian Shepherds are extremely smart dogs. Still, his instincts mean that he can be quite a handful. Members of the breed have a stocky and compact body structure. He can fit into smaller family homes that his full sized sibling may not be able to. This means that they are not ideal for apartment living or for families that are not active. Use a shampoo designed for dogs to clean their coat. Most small dogs have longer lifespans than larger breeds. Particularly hairy minis often benefit from having the hair trimmed around their bottom to keep the area clean. This is part of their natural grooming process, and its something that you should expect. It simply means learning to calmly exist around external stimuli. These dogs can become destructive and start barking if not given enough stimulation. Dogs of either sex tend to weigh between 20 to 40 pounds on average and typically stand between 13 and 18 inches tall at the shoulder. We support our readers with informative reporting and thorough research to help find the best ways to enhance the lives of pets and their owners. Australian Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs. If you're searching for an energetic, affectionate companion, the Australian Shepherd could be the right breed for you! 2. These are what we recommend for your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy: Rinse their coat thoroughly and dry it off. A Mini Aussie is a lot of work, but he is wonderful company. Sa: 8:00-14:00 An Aussie will alert you to incoming strangers or possible danger whenever it happens. Sometimes the females are manipulative plus smart enough to get what they want. If your Mini Shepherd carries a homozygous merle gene, there is a 25% chance that he will be deaf from birth. Australian Shepherds naturally choose someone to be their person and if you are lucky to be chosen then you can definitely count on lots of snuggles and attention from them. Fifth, keep your mini Australian shepherds away from other animals that may cause them to shed. and is 3 years old. By the 1960s, this herding breed had become a rodeo star. The Australian Shepherd is said to have sprung from these dogs. After the program became a success, it soon got the attention of many other breeders, and from then on, the Miniature Australian Shepherd was everywhere. Unfortunately, the breeding program wasnt an immediate success. The tail is either docked or is naturally bobbed. As herding dogs they are very energetic and pay constant attention to their surroundings. Yet, Australian Shepherds are not for everyone. It is one of the few small dogs that can play safely with larger breeds, but does not play very well with smaller dogs. In 2015, the MAS was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Australian Shepherds are believed to have descended from Border Collies. For the following few decades, these dogs were known as Miniature Australian Shepherds.