Fun Mini Australian Shepherd Facts For Kids

An active breed, mental stimulation, devoted, highly energetic – these are all the terms associated with Miniature Australian Shepherds. It is said that the Mini Australian Shepherd and the Mini American Shepherd are the same breeds.

To be accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), a few revisions to the breed standard and a name change to Mini American Shepherd was done. Some breeders still use the term Mini Aussie, while others use Mini American Shepherd to avail of the benefits of being registered in the 'American Kennel Club'.

This article includes information like Mini Australian Shepherd size, Miniature Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds facts, and so on.

Breed History

Although there are many theories concerning the Australian Shepherd's origins, this breed as we know it today evolved entirely in the United States.

Mini Australian Shepherds share their history with Australian Shepherds. The origins of this breed may be traced back to Basque; a province between Spain and France. Aussies were utilized as working and herding dogs by shepherds in the region since they excelled at both.

This breed made its first appearance in California in the ’60s. Dog breeders began mating the tiniest Australian Shepherds to create a smaller version of this impressive canine. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is the result.

Are Mini Aussies Good Family Dogs?

Miniature Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. These puppies like being around kids as they are considered to be playful. This breed may be ideal for you if you want a companion who can keep up with the kids, accompany your family on a trek, and be a great cuddle companion at the end of the day.

Exercise And Living Space Requirements

Mini Australian Shepherds are athletic and energetic, requiring moderate exercise, but they are also adaptive to their owners' lifestyle. As long as their owners provide adequate exercise, they stay healthy. They like going on outdoor trips with their owners to keep their minds and bodies occupied.

Ease Of Training

The majority of Mini Aussies are smart and reasonably easy to train dogs. Begin training them the day you bring your dog home. During training sessions, be persistent, patient, and encouraging, and don't forget to praise and treat your dog for a job well done.

When your dog has mastered a few orders, don't be afraid to introduce them to more complex commands—Mini Aussies will enjoy the mental challenge. The importance of socialization in rearing a dog with a well-rounded personality cannot be overstated.

Health And Nutrition

Mini Aussies, like other dogs, require a well-balanced and age-appropriate diet. It's ideal if you portion out each meal and don't let them eat all day. Remember to keep track of how many treats you give your dog—too many might lead to weight gain. The same goes for any human food crumbs you may accidentally feed your dog.

Mini Australian Shepherds are not just prone to common canine health issues; they're also prone to hereditary health issues unique to the Australian Shepherd breed.

Grooming

Little Australian Shepherds need their hair to be brushed multiple times a week as this keeps their coat healthy and helps collect excess hair before it sheds around your house. Brushing your dog's teeth with a canine-friendly brush and toothpaste will help lower the risk of periodontal disease.

Check your pet's ears once a week and clean them out with a dog-safe ear cleaning solution if they seem unclean. Mini Aussies' nails should be clipped once a month. Your dog will also require a bath every month, although this will depend on your dog's activity.

Finding A Mini Australian Shepherd

If you're planning to buy a small Aussie puppy from a breeder, be sure their puppies are registered. Also, only look at pups who have been kept in a hygienic environment. Verify that they are healthy and well-cared for.

Getting a mini Australian Shepherd from a shelter can be a fantastic alternative. It may be difficult to locate a rescue facility dedicated to the mini Australian Shepherd. Take a look at the organizations that rehome Australian Shepherds.

Mini Australian Shepherd Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Mini Australian Shepherd?

The Mini Australian Shepherd, or Miniature American Shepherd, is a small herding dog breed. They are good-natured, intelligent, and devoted herding dogs. They are also known as the North American Shepherd. They are a new breed that came into existence by breeding medium-sized Australian Shepherds.

What class of animal does a Miniature Australian Shepherd belong to?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs to the Mammalia class and falls in the Canidae family.

How many Miniature Australian Shepherds are there in the world?

Mini Australian Shepherd is classified under the 'Least Concern' category in the IUCN list. They are bred all through the year. They are a popular family pet, especially in North America.

Where does a Miniature Australian Shepherd live?

The small Australian Shepherd falls under the category of a pet dog. Since it is a pet dog, it is usually found in its owner's house.

What is a Miniature Australian Shepherd's habitat?

The Mini Australian Shepherds are bred for herding. They reached their small size through the gradual breeding of small Australian Shepherd dogs. Though they are smaller, most of their traits are similar to their close relative, the Australian Shepherd.

Who do Miniature Australian Shepherds live with?

As the Mini Aussie dogs are bred to be pets, they enjoy staying with people. They love to interact with their humans. They are very devoted and loyal and love moving around with their owners. They are also bred as herding dogs, in such cases. They prefer staying on ranches, herding smaller as well as larger livestock.

How long does a Miniature Australian Shepherd live?

The average life expectancy of a Mini Australian Shepherd is around 12-13 years. They are fortunate to have a healthy solid, and proportionate body.

However, there are chances of them getting overweight quickly. So, having a close watch on food and calorie intake is extremely important. Regular Vet check-ups and parasite control will help the dog enjoy an active and healthy life.

How do they reproduce?

A Breeder should consider a few things before starting to breed these fantastic dogs. First is the litter size, which depends on male and female dogs.

These are usually healthy and sturdy dogs. A male Shepherd dog will likely have good quality sperm with the potential of fertilizing more than a single egg. This tends to increase the litter count.

Now, it depends on the mother and her health to develop the babies and give birth without complications. In the Australian Shepherd breed, the father usually might face reproductive issues like testicular problems.

To breed a Miniature American Shepherd, you need to be cautious while breeding two Merle Aussies as the resultant litter becomes the double merle gene. The Mini Australian Shepherd puppies from that litter can turn out to be all white and might be facing health issues and underdeveloped internal organs.

What is their conservation status?

The Mini Australian Shepherd is currently not listed on any conservation registry. This indicates that the population of this dog breed is stable and is not on the verge of extinction.

Mini Australian Shepherd Fun Facts

What do Mini Australian Shepherds look like?

Are you looking to buy a cute-looking dog with a gaze that will completely melt your heart? Look no further than a Mini Aussie. The compact-sized Mini Australian Shepherd resembles its full-sized version, the Australian Shepherd.

The Mini American Shepherds are endowed with a double coat of fur of medium length and coarseness. The outer coat comes in various solid colors or can also be merled. They can also be with or without white and tan markings. Blue merle, red merle, and tricolor are popular outer coat color combinations.

Their coat can be straight or wavy and smooth or a bit coarse. The quantity of the undercoat varies with climate changes. The breed generally has a docked or natural bobtail.

How cute are they?

A miniature Australian Shepherd looks extremely cute. Their beautiful appearance and their loyalty and agility make them a much sought-after dog breed.

How do they communicate?

The wide-eyed look that your Mini Australian Shepherd shows you look adorable. It is also a mode of communication for your dog with you.

It is a way of saying that he wants some attention and love from his master. There are some other ways by which a Mini Aussie can communicate – butt wagging (docked tails are a breed standard), squints and blinks, paw signals, licking its face, and yawning.

The various actions communicate various situations like happy, stressed, angry, or asserting authority.

How big is a Mini Australian Shepherd?

The Mini Aussie, as the name suggests, is a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd dog which is of medium size. The height of females ranges from 13–17 in (33–43.2 cm) and a male between 14–18 in (35.6–45.7 cm).

This compact-sized dog is slightly longer than it is tall. They have a moderate bone structure that suggests strength and proportionate to body size and height.

How fast can a Mini Australian Shepherd run?

The Mini Australian Shepherd is a versatile, energetic, and agile herding dog breed. They are swift runners and make great athletes. This easy-to-train breed runs faster than average dog breeds.

Though there are no precise measurements, it is said that a Mini Aussie can run at a speed of 35 mph (56.3 kph). Some Aussies can even reach a speed of 40 mph (64.4 kph). The combination of agility, strength, and stamina allows them to run and work over different terrains.

How much does a Mini Australian Shepherd weigh?

The Mini Australian Shepherd enjoys a perfect build. They are a strong breed and weigh between 20-40 lb (9–18.1 kg).

What are the male and female names of their species?

The male and female of the species do not have any separate names.

What would you call a baby Mini Australian Shepherd?

A baby Mini Australian Shepherd is referred to as a Mini Australian Shepherd puppy.

What do they eat?

Mini Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely energetic and have great stamina. They require high-quality, protein-rich with a healthy balance of essential fatty acids to provide proper nutrition commensurate to their lifestyle.

Mini Australian Shepherds are omnivores, but they can only digest limited plant-based materials. So they should be given easily digestible plant-based carbohydrates. They eat whole meat proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, dry kibble, canned wet food, raw vegetables like pumpkin, fruits in limited quantities, and peanut butter.

Are they slobbery?

No, they are not excessively slobbery. These miniature Australian Shepherds might drool when they anticipate food, when they are stressed out, or when they are excited.

Would they make a good pet?

Definitely, the Mini Aussies make for extraordinary pets. They are brilliant and always want to please their masters. Their friendly, non-aggressive temperament and goofy attitude will easily make them a household favorite within a few moments. Lastly, they also bark at the sight of someone unknown.

Did you know...

Mini Australian Shepherd puppies are a great addition to your family. However, you need to remember that they shed in moderate amounts and more during shedding season. The shedding season usually occurs twice a year. Weekly brushing is required to keep their double coat at its best. A grooming session once in six months also works like a charm.

Characteristics and health issues

The Miniature Australian Shepherd possesses a very pleasing personality and an easy-going temperament. They are always eager to please their masters and are very devoted to their families.

They require a lot of exercise due to their high energy needs. Long daily walks, playing frisbees and fetch, running, and playing tug are some exercises you can engage in for a healthy and happy pet. The Mini Australian Shepherd is generally a healthy breed.

However, if they are not taken care of properly, they can face health problems. Progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia are common health problems to watch out for.

Getting your own Mini Australian Shepherd

At a good breeder, the average cost of a Mini Australian Shepherd will be around $1000. If you look for unique coats like merle, you might have to shell out a few bucks more. This breed of dog likes to snuggle with its family members. So, it becomes difficult to leave them alone, especially initially.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Australian shepherd coloring pages.