Interesting Things to Know About Australian Shepherds Mini
Last Updated on July 4, 2023
The Miniature Australian Shepherd has become extremely popular among people looking for an active and intelligent dog ready to become a great companion.
The Australian Shepherds Mini have much in familiar with the Aussies we know, but they are recognised as a separate breed. Let’s dig deeper to find out what makes this dog so unique.
The history of the Australian Shepherds Mini
Some people still believe that the Aussie and the Australian Shepherds Mini are just different varieties of the same breed. However, they are considered to be distinct breeds. The history of this fabulous dog began in the 1960s when several breeders decided to produce a smaller version of the Aussie, preserving its best qualities.
The Australian Shepherds Mini has gained massive popularity among dog owners who need a loving and hard-working companion but are not ready to bring a large dog home. In this case, the Australian Shepherds Mini would be ideal pets.
The appearance of the Australian Shepherds Mini
If you have ever seen the Miniature Australian Shepherd, you will agree that it resembles the Aussie. No doubt, size is the significant difference between the two dogs. Some people ask whether these Mini Shepherds look anything like pug puppies but don’t seem to share anything resembling their size or appearance.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are small dogs with solid body structures. The males usually stand between 14-18 inches (36-46 cm), and females – 13-17 inches (33-43 cm). The dogs of this breed can weigh between 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg) and live about 12-13 years.
The Australian Shepherds Mini has a beautiful coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. The coat colour is a blue or red merle. The dogs may also be black or red tricolour with tan or white patches.
Personality and temperament of the Australian Shepherds Mini
If you are planning to become the owner of a Miniature Australian Shepherd, keep in mind that this dog can live a happy life only if it has something to do. So, it will be your responsibility to keep the dog busy. Otherwise, your pet will become irritable and turn to destructive behaviour, making your house a complete mess.
But if you treat your dog right, you will see how wonderful it can be. The Miniature Australian Shepherds are usually.
- Intelligent
- High energy
- Playful
- Protective
- Loyal
- Easy to train
These dogs are devoted friends. They always want to please their owners. The Australian Shepherds Mini depends on humans and can’t stay alone for long. Early socialisation is crucial for these dogs as well. If you buy this brilliant dog, get ready to spend a lot of time with it.
Sometimes people forget that these small dogs have the exact needs as their larger cousins. Because Miniature Australian Shepherds have a lot of physical and mental energy, they regularly require exercise and mental stimulation. So, you should do your best to provide plenty of exercises to keep your dog constantly busy and motivated. Owners of this breed should never forget about this fact, or it will be hard to avoid problematic behaviour.
Training the Australian Shepherds Mini
Like their larger cousins, the Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy to train. Due to their high intelligence and activity, these dogs learn new tricks very quickly. It’s worth mentioning that you should start training your dog as early as possible to achieve even better results.
The Australian Shepherds Mini can be successfully trained for a wide variety of dog sports, including
- Agility
- Herding
- Obedience
- Fly ball
- Disk dog
It would be best if you also remembered that this breed likes long walks. That’s why walking your dog at least twice daily is recommended. And these walks should last no less than 90 minutes. Try to spend extra 30 minutes playing with the dog. Jumping and chasing are their favourite activities.
Remember that using positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your Mini Aussie. Simply put, this technique is based on rewarding the dog for good behaviour. When you reward the dog, you encourage it to repeat the behaviour you like.
Using treats is a great idea when training your Mini Aussie. However, you should know how to use them correctly. Make sure that the treats you use are small and will not add too many calories to your dog’s diet. When choosing the proper treatment for your Mini Aussie, read the nutritional information on the package carefully. Plus, give the treat only when the dog deserves it.
Feeding your Miniature Australian Shepherd
When you bring a puppy home, you become responsible for its health and happiness. And well-balanced diet is one of the critical factors contributing to the proper growth and development of your puppy.
The Mini Aussie thrives on a diet that includes high-quality dry dog food. This type of food seems to be a convenient option for owners who are too busy to cook food alone. Plus, high-quality dry dog food contains all the essential vitamins and micro-elements to help your pet stay healthy. The only thing you have to do is to choose a premium brand that can be trusted.
Because the Australian Shepherds Mini spends a lot of energy, they love to eat. If your dog consumes large amounts of food uncontrollably, it will become obese quickly. It’s well-known that obesity can undermine your dog’s health and lead to even more severe problems.
Keeping your Mini Aussie’s coat healthy
Every dog looks fabulous with a shiny coat. Mini Aussies shed a lot. That’s why you should brush your dog regularly to control its shedding. Plus, you should check the coat for any dirt, ticks or fleas. Finding a special brush or comb will never be a problem.
The Australian Shepherds Mini are excellent pets for active families with older children. The Mini Aussie will bring joy into your life and help you get the most out of it.