It's not uncommon to find minis with heterochromia, or eyes of different colors (typically one blue and one brown). Keep in mind, a bored mini can easily become a destructive mini. She is pure bred, 100% Aussie as per Wisdom Panel DNA. This is something that should be considered before bringing a Mini Aussie into your home. He would howl and bark whenever he thought he was alone, which was quite rough for me. Hes extremely cuddly and loves to give kisses! If you are interested in owning one, be sure to research the pros and cons of this breed before making a decision. It is unfair to keep large active breeds in small apartments. An unsocialized Aussie can become aggressive with strangers. Australian Shepherds are excellent watchdogs because of their innate protective streak. These dogs excel at obedience competition, dog sports, agility, and even Frisbee. WebThis video is about one The Miniature American Shepherd Pros And Cons!! However, please note that the content provided on our website is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered as professional financial or legal advice. Australian Shepherds and Miniature Australian Shepherds are undeniably similar, but a few key differences set them apart, despite their shared history. This means that even if you try to brush them every day, theyll still shed. They can also thrive as aides to the physically handicapped, police dogs as well as search and rescue dogs. Dog sports are a great way to fulfill both of these needs. Given their intelligence and eager-to-please nature, these dogs are easy to train. These dogs can also become overweight quickly, which is another reason for the need for daily exercise. Unfortunately the Australian Shepherd is not one of these breeds. We want to provide dog lovers with the best information about dog breeds, care and welfare. It's so common, in fact, that it can be confusing to refer to these dogs as anything else. Australian Shepherd Mini You need to feed your dog a high-quality dog food to keep him in good health. 5. Miniature Some Aussies want to be the boss and are stubborn and will make you prove that you are the boss. Despite their adorable appearance, this particular breed is actually quite territorial and wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. Plus, Aussies try to herd cats, which makes the family cats very unappreciative. This blue heeler mix is very high energy and expects to be put to work. When it comes to colors, those include blue Merle, black and tan, red Merle, and black. What is the difference between the two dogs? Australian Shepherds are slightly more popular than Minis as the 17th most popular dog breed in the US. A Mini Aussie can keep an active family entertained for hours on end. You need to provide your dog with opportunities to exercise, release energy, and do fun and exciting things. Miniature versions of large working breeds are also a better fit for apartments and urban homes than their full sized siblings. Merle-colored dogs tend to be much more expensive. I brush him every couple of days and only bathe him every couple of months. Some Australian Shepherd owners may struggle with their dog being reactive in certain situations. These small dogs have a wavy double coat with a thick outer layer and a downy undercoat, and its gorgeous. Set aside 45 minutes for walking and spend the rest of the time for training and play. Merle appears in patches of blue or red mixed with a dusting of white. Nothing satisfies a Mini Aussie better than a job well done. In fact, the best herding dogs are often smaller, a good example is the Corgi. The Australian Shepherd is smart, agile, and full of energy. Australian Shepherd As of 2015, the American Kennel Club recognizes Mini Aussies and full sized Australian Shepherds as two different breeds. Use a comb to brush their hair in the direction you want it to grow. A silly quirk of the breed is their ability to smile! 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. It is not advisable to breed two merle dogs together. Australian Shepherd Minis: Hypoallergenic Or Not? Most Australian Shepherds have a wonderful personality, and they get along with other dogs and children. The breed standard for the Mini Australian Shepherd describes him as a little dog with a strong build. 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. Alex shared that Aussies tend to be extremely loyal dogs who love to please their owners. So, if you cant keep up with their shedding schedule, you may want to reconsider adopting one. Twice a year, this breed sheds excessively, so brushing will need to be increased with more frequent baths. The following are pros and cons of this breed: Pros: Cons: Enjoy most activities with their family : Can become destructive if there isn't enough mental or physical stimulation : Mini Australian Shepherd: Personality & Characteristics. Although these dogs love children, they may begin nipping at ankles due to their herding mentality, which will require further training. Of course, there is no way you will invest their booming barking foreign constant activities they love being outdoors when you take them for a stroll now how is this a disadvantage of having them well if youre a busy pet parent you may not always have the time or energy to play with them so if you The Blue Buffalo adult dry dog food will be a healthy and nutritious food choice for your Australian Shepherd as their active doggos; just see how they jump around in delight. From chewing up the furniture, your shoes, or anything else to relentless barking. 25 Pros And Cons Of Owning An Australian Shepherd All rights reserved. The Mini Australian Shepherd is not up to par with the regular Australian Shepherd when it comes to fieldwork. Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Remember that this breed isnt for everyone. Aussies have a strong bond with their owners. Actually, they are the same dog! However, both the Mini Aussie and larger Australian Shepherd live from 10 to 12 years. If your dog doesnt get enough exercise, then he will become bored, hyperactive, and frustrated. A profound predatory drive and inclination to chase. Other than obviously being significantly smaller, the mini is a bit longer than they are tall. is the new trusted website created to help pets and their owners enjoy a happy life together. Hes such an affectionate cuddly sweetheart. These are what we recommend for your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy: If you have ever owned one, you have probably felt their endless affection. Regardless of his size, he must be respected as a working dog. Australian Shepherds can perform many functions within a family and within society as a whole. Pyrenean Shepherds were bred by the Basque people of France and Spain. They are vigorous, bigger than life, energetic dogs, and need the same type of owner. This dog is no couch potato! He should also be the only dog in the house. Australian Shepherds can perform many functions within a family and within society as a whole. Pros and Cons of Australian Shepherds [Research] Unfortunately, miniaturization can be hard on a dogs body. Its a good idea to start training your Australian Shepherd from a young age to establish basic obedience and understanding. They are energetic but dont have the size to herd cattle. The ULTIMATE Dog Training Course: http://bit.ly/TopRatedDogTraining If you want to adopt this beautiful breed of dog, do your homework first. An Aussie is a medium-sized dog with the male being 20-23 inches in height and the female being 18-21 inches tall. As herding dogs, it should come as no surprise that Australian Shepherds are extremely smart dogs. Every Australian Shepherd is different in temperament. It is one of the few small dogs that can play safely with larger breeds, but does not play very well with smaller dogs. A little exercise can help keep their energy levels up and help them to stay healthy overall. You support us through our chosen links, which sometimes earn us an affiliate commission. Plus, trim your dogs nails regularly to keep his feet healthy. When it comes to shedding, mini Australian shepherds are definitely not your average dog! They are also great with children and can make excellent playmates. Australian Shepherds were bred to be working dogs not simply pets to hang around the house or backyard. They are intelligent and easy to train. Its beautiful fur can have anywhere from two to four colors at a time. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. He has much more energy than other small dog breeds. Members of the breed have a stocky and compact body structure. Too many people acquire this breed because of its athletic prowess and intelligence, but don't provide enough opportunities for the dog to vent his energy and do interesting things. Can be trained to perform a wide variety of duties. Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix Wash your Miniature American Shepherd once per month with pet shampoo or more frequently if they get dirty. Enrichment games, puzzle toys, or even interactive feeders can also be great for these busy dogs. These dogs are smart and enjoy having a function to fulfill. Aussies are incredibly energetic and require exercise daily. Alex shared his experience with taking care of Atlass coat (@miniatlasadventures). This means that they require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Almost all the Aussie coats have tan (copper) points or have white markings. Once deafness is diagnosed via a hearing exam, your vet can help you and your dog to manage the condition. They admired him for his ability to effortlessly herd sheep, goats and even cattle. First, make sure your mini Australian shepherds get enough exercise. Marvelous Dogs 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Mini Australian Shepherd vs Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Australian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd. But with the right training and plenty of exercises, this trait can be managed. Herding behavior may show as pushiness or bullying and he may try to herd small children. Marvelous Dogs articles are intended to be used for a general nature only. On the one hand, they are loving and loyal companions that can be easy to train and make excellent family pets. Mini Australian Shepherds eyes can be brown, blue, or amber. 4. 2. Still, this breed will always find a way to make you proud, he absolutely thrives off his owners approval. But this puppys big energy can make things difficult. Heres some advice from our Aussie owner Alex. If your dog is exercised daily with outdoor stimulation, then he will be an excellent pet. This is especially true for dogs as smart as Mini Aussies. The Miniature American Shepherd is often incorrectly called the Miniature Australian Shepherd, though at one time this was an appropriate name for the breed. Contrary to popular belief, this breed is not officially known as the mini Aussie, and they have different traits. These puppies, too, tend to have severe visual and auditory problems most of the time. Fortunately Mini Australian Shepherds learn very quickly. At the same time, you can just take your Aussie for multiple walks a day and throw in some training sessions too. Other health issues can consist of hip dysplasia, a malformation in some dogs hip socket. You'll need to provide your mini with at least 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity each day. Finally, its important to keep in mind that mini Australian shepherds are high-energy dogs. The miniature Australian shepherd is exactly what its name implies: a miniature Aussie. One of the admirable things about Australian Shepherds is their coats. You always need to have fresh, clean water available. Due to the Mini Australian Shepherds double coat, they do shed but not a lot, probably not as much as the dogs with similar coats. 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. They also tend to be vocal, so they may not be the best choice for people who live in quiet neighborhoods. A very good watchdog. Aussies need exposure to unusual sights, sounds, and people. Destructive behavior is inevitable if your dog is under stimulated. He is better than full sized Aussies at herding smaller livestock such as goats and younger sheep. The dogs most lovable quality is his irrepressible and exuberant attitude. They thrive with vigorous activity and are versatile. They have a rounded, medium-length muzzle and triangular ears that sit close to the head. Facts, Traits, Personality & More. 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. Were here to help enrich the lives of animals and their families. WebAustralian Shepherds bred for herding/performance are usually smaller, with a more lithe, agile build, and a shorter coat. In some cases, a mini dog is produced by pairing a large and a small breed together. Even a well socialized Mini Australian Shepherd will be quite distant and aloof to those outside of the family. For the right family, this breed makes an excellent companion. 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. Australian Shepherd Facts You Need to Know. Also a higher energy level and craving for exercise. Boredom can lead to excessive barking and very destructive behavior. Females stand between 13 and 17 inches which is five inches smaller than standard sized females. Australian Shepherds are believed to have descended from Border Collies. Weve already touched upon some of their roles as aides to people