Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Miniature Australian Shepherd
| Other Names | North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd |
| Nicknames | Mini Aussie |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 15 - 35 lbs. (6 - 16 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 13 - 18 in. (33 - 46 cm) |
| Coat | The double coat is of medium length and is very thick and full without giving the appearance of being fluffy. The hair is longer on the ruff, legs and rump and may be slightly wavy but never curly or kinky. |
| Colour | Coat colours are blue merle, red merle, black, and red, all with or without copper as well as with or without white trim. Eyes may be any combination of brown, amber, hazel, blue, or marbled. Some of these dog have eyes that are two different colours or may be marbled or swirled. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not a cross between an Australian Shepherd and another breed, it was actually developed in the late 1960's, mid 1970's by breeding the smallest of the Australian Shepherds. This constant breeding back to the smallest of the litters produced a consistently small breed that is even being further reduced in size to the toy variety. Although the Australian Shepherd originated in Australia as a herding and working dog, the Miniature Australian Shepherd was bred first in the United States. This was largely in response to the dog owners desire for a well behaved herding type dog with the coat variations found in the Miniature Australian Shepherd that would be more suited to smaller living spaces and yards in cities. In many areas the Miniature Australian Shepherd is still used as a working breed in competitions, and many people feel that the term miniature is a bit misleading as the smaller dogs are only miniature in size to the standard, and are not petite and tiny like other "miniature" breeds. |
| Personality | Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Miniature Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without enough mental and physical exercise. They need a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and thus easily bored. Socialize your dog well when it is a puppy to avoid it becoming suspicious of strangers. Some like to nip people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. They need to be taught herding humans is not acceptable. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are few Health concerns with the Miniature Australian Shepherd other than conditions of the eyes and joints. As with most of the Collie breeds Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) a general term for many types of eye disorders as well as PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy may be present. In cases where a merle colored male and female are crossed the puppies may carry a recessive gene for Deafness and blindness, so merles should never be crossed with other merles. Canine hip dysplasia is also found in the breed although breeders are working to eliminate this problem. |
| Grooming | The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | The Mini Aussie needs to be taken on daily, long walks. This energetic little dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, or better yet, some real work to do. |
| Other Considerations | The Miniature Australian Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay with a small yard. This breed will do well in cold climates. |
