Australian Shepherd Miniature – Dog Breed Information

Last Updated on June 12, 2022

Australian shepherd miniature is a smaller version of the high energy Australian Shepherd dog breed. Australian shepherd miniature grow up to 18 inches tall and weigh up to 40lbs as adults. Like the Australian Shepherd the Australian shepherd miniature dogs can be standard herding and farm breeds are also intelligent, loyal and very active.

In this article, we’ll have a look at the Australian shepherd miniature breed traits and characteristics when it comes to their health, temperament and traits.

Additionally, We’ll also see where to adopt or buy Australian shepherd miniature puppies, and what to look out for when you want a small version of a full sized dog breed.

The birth of Australian Shepherd Miniature

Australian Shepherds are hard working and full of energy with a 40–65 pound body, due to their high energy not everyone is able to deal with this dog.

To overcome this some of the breeders in the 1960s started to establish a new breed from some of the smallest Australian Shepherd. Later, the Australian Shepherd Miniature was found which attracted so many breeders and owners all over the world.

There is still a very slightly small naming confusion between Australian Shepherd Miniature vs Australian Shepherd mini. Even today some of the people refer to the Australian Shepherd Miniature as the Australian Shepherd mini.

Australian Shepherd Miniature Breed Overview

Group: Herding

Height: 13 to 17 inches for female, 14 to 18 inches for male

Weight: 20 to 40 pounds

Coat: Medium-length double coat

Coat colour: Blue, red, blue merle, or red merle with/without white markings and/or tan points

Life Span: 12 to 13 years

Temperament: Intelligent, active, playful

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United States

Characteristics of the Miniature Australian Shepherd

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Medium

The Look of a Australian Shepherd Miniature

Australian Shepherds Miniature are little longer than tall and a rustic breed. Having rounded heads with medium length muzzles with almond shaped eyes. Australian Shepherds Miniature have deep chest and triangular ears, and their tails are straight.

Australian Shepherds Miniature can be found in black, blue merle, solid red or red and red merle colours with white and/or tan markings. Australian Shepherds Miniature have weather resistant coats that are slightly wavy and create a little bit of mane. Overall Australian Shepherds Miniature have a medium length with cuddly look.

The Traits of Australian Shepherd Miniature:

Australian Shepherd Miniature dog breeds are courageous, loyal and very affectionate, and can be excellent companions with children. They can be a great friend and guardian for your house and farm. They are always eager to please to fulfill their owner’s needs and wants. Very lively, agile, attentive, highly intelligent and easy to train.

Australian Shepherd Miniature can be nervous and destructive if you leave them alone for a period of time without much mental and physical exercise. Having full of energy, these dogs always want to do a job, so they get bored easily if you leave them alone.

Australian Shepherd Miniature can be well socialised with newcomers in your home if you train them from the early days of puppies. Coming from Australian Shepherd dog breed, this dog are also a quite workers, and enjoys working small stock.

Australian Shepherd Miniature is not usually aggressive if you properly train them when they are puppies.

General Care for Miniature American Shepherd

Being a high energetic dog, American Shepherd Miniature needs a lot of exercise every day. This dog breed requires proper training and socialisation from the early stage to avoid behavioural issues.

Exercise

Australian Shepherd Miniature are smart, athletic dogs full of energy that needs mental and physical challenges to keep them healthy and happy. Otherwise, they might develop behavioural problems, such as excessive barking and unwanted chewing.

At least one to two hours of exercise is needed per day either through walking, jogging, hiking and playing. Australian Shepherd Miniature don’t like being alone or idle, they always prefer to be active with humans or always want to engage with any activities.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise everyday both physically and mentally. You can buy various types of toys which can make your dog engaged without the need of you.

Grooming

Grooming Australian Shepherd Miniature is not a difficult task, as their coats don’t need trimming or shaving. You need to brush them at least weekly to prevent tangles and to remove loose fur. They also shed the hair a couple of times a year, during spring and fall.

During the shedding time you need to brush them multiple times a week to keep up with their loose fur.

You can bathe your dog roughly every month, depending on the condition of your dog. Cut their nails as and when required to avoid scratching.

Clean their ears at least weekly for wax build-up, debris and irritation. Try to brush their teeth daily as possible.

Training

Australian Shepherd Miniature are quite smart and always eager to please their owners, this makes them interested and highly trainable. You need to start their training as early as they are at a young age with basic obedience training to prevent them from forming bad habits.

Provide positive training methods, and start socialising your dogs when they are puppies with different peoples, other dogs in various locations, to make sure they build their comfort and confidence while growing into well mannered and adaptable companions.

FAQs:

Are Australian shepherd Miniature good family dogs?

With proper training and socialisation this dog breed can be excellent family pets. However, due to Australian Shepherd herding instinct, they might nip at the heels of children especially when kids are being rambunctious.

Are Australian shepherd Miniature good apartment dogs?

American shepherd Miniature can be adaptive to apartment living as long as they get enough time outside for exercise and mental stimulation every day. Otherwise, they might be prone to problem behaviours, such as excessive barking.

How much is a Australian Shepherd Miniature ?

If you’d rather purchase a Australian Shepherd Miniature puppy from a reputable breeder, you’re looking to pay between $625 AUD and $2500 AUD, with an average cost of $1110 AUD.

Should I get a Australian Shepherd Miniature?

Australian Shepherd Miniature are protective, loyal, intelligent and versatile. They can be your home companion pet or a comfortable herding livestock, Because of their intelligence, they are easy to train.