Australian Shepherd Miniature – Dog Breed Information

Last Updated on July 4, 2023

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

In this article, we’ll look at the Australian shepherd miniature breed traits and characteristics regarding their health, temperament and traits.

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

The birth of the Australian Shepherd Miniature

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

To overcome this, some breeders in the 1960s started to establish a new breed from some of the smallest Australian Shepherds. Later, the Australian Shepherd Miniature was founded, attracting many breeders and owners worldwide.

There is still a minor naming confusion between Australian Shepherd Miniature and Australian Shepherd mini. Even today, some 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 females, 14 to 18 inches for males

Weight: 20 to 40 pounds

Coat: Medium-length double coat

Coat colour: Blue, red, blue merle, or red merle with/without white markings and 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 an Australian Shepherd Miniature

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

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

The Traits of Australian Shepherd Miniature:

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

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

Australian Shepherd Miniatures can be well-socialised with newcomers in your home if you train them from the early days of puppies. Coming from the Australian Shepherd dog breed, these dogs are also quiet workers and enjoy 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

As a highly energetic dog, American Shepherd Miniature needs a lot of exercises daily. This dog breed requires proper training and socialisation from the early stage to avoid behavioural issues.

Exercise

Australian Shepherd Miniature are intelligent, 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 daily through walking, jogging, hiking and playing. Australian Shepherd Miniatures don’t like being alone or idle; they always prefer to be active with humans or always want to engage in any activities.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day, both physically and mentally. You can buy various types of toys that can engage your dog without your need.

Grooming

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

Brushing them multiple times a week to keep up with their loose fur during the shedding time would be best.

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 as daily as possible.

Training

Australian Shepherd Miniatures are pretty bright 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 people and other dogs in various locations to ensure they build their comfort and confidence while growing into well-mannered and adaptable companions.

FAQs:

Are Australian shepherd Miniature good family dogs?

This dog breed can be excellent family pets with proper training and socialisation. 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 an Australian Shepherd Miniature?

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

Should I get an Australian Shepherd Miniature?

Australian Shepherd Miniature is protective, loyal, intelligent and versatile. They can be your home companion pet or comfortable herding livestock; their intelligence makes them easy to train.