Searching for a canine companion with beauty and brains? The Miniature Australian Shepherd may be a good match.
This unique breed has a gorgeous coat and striking eyes, energetic personality, and impressive intelligence. Miniature Australian Shepherds were bred down in size from small Australian Shepherds and eventually reached their current size in the 1970s. These medium dogs can thrive in almost any environment—as long as they get enough exercise and attention!
If you’ve heard of the Miniature American Shepherd, these two dogs are one and the same! The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes this dog as the Miniature American Shepherd, which is the breed’s official name. Breeders, rescues, and adoption agencies may use one or both names.
Read on to learn about the Miniature Australian Shepherd’s temperament, trainability, grooming needs, and more!
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: United States
- Size:
- Weight: 20-40 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Appearance
The Mini Australian Shepherd looks much like its larger counterpart, the Australian Shepherd. These dogs have a soft double coat typically found in black, red, blue merle, or red merle. Merle is a coloration that appears speckled or marbled.
These dogs also commonly have bright blue eyes. You may also come across a Mini Shepherd with hazel, amber, or brown eyes, though these variants are less common.
If you love Australian Shepherds but prefer a medium-sized dog, you might find this miniature breed a good match. Minis stand between 13-18 inches high and weigh between 20-40 pounds, while a standard Australian Shepherd can weigh up to 65 pounds.
Health & History
The Mini Australian Shepherd descended from herd dogs who helped farmers and landowners flock sheep. Whether you plan to put them to work or not, they have high energy and need plenty of exercise and room to roam outdoors.
Kim Gardner, an American Kennel Club-recognized breeder since 2004, says Miniature Australian Shepherds are a fairly healthy breed, but she adds that genetic testing is crucial when it comes to responsible and ethical breeding. “Our parent club requires several tests done to help ensure healthy puppies,” she says. “I, along with many other breeders, do full panels checking for genetic abnormalities.”
Some puppies born from two merle parents can have an increased risk of deafness and blindness due to pigment issues. While this is not always the case, pet parents should note that dogs with hearing and vision impairments can still live a full and healthy life, though they require extra attention and training.
Temperament
Mini Australian Shepherds are bright and energetic, traits that can make them outstanding canine companions. They’re highly intelligent, which may come as no surprise given their herding dog roots.
“Mini Australian Shepherds learn quickly and typically want to please their human,” Gardner says. “They can be stubborn at times but are also protective, loving, and want to be with their person.”
According to Gardner, the breed is fairly split when it comes to meeting new people. “Some are reserved around strangers, while others are very outgoing,” she says. “This typically depends on how socialized they are as a puppy.” As with any breed, early socialization can help your dog healthily engage with new people and animals.
Training
Mini Australian Shepherds are extremely trainable. Working with your Mini Shepherd early can help keep them from developing unwanted habits, like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or nipping.
“These dogs aren’t couch potatoes, so activities that use up energy are essential,” Gardner says. “They are smart and if not properly trained and exercised, they’ll find things to keep themselves busy that you might not like, such as chewing or digging.”
Active breeds require space to run around and plenty of exercise. If you’re bringing a Mini Australian Shepherd into your family, dedicate time to daily walks and provide them with a yard or outdoor space to roam. While your Mini Shepherd’s high energy may mellow with age, you can make sure they live their best life by giving them plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Ideal Human And Environment
If you’re seeking a great family dog, the Mini Australian Shepherd may be a good option. These active dogs enjoy homes brimming with people and energy. But they can also thrive in quieter settings, as long as they get plenty of exercise and attention.
“Some puppies prefer quieter homes while others are high-energy,” Gardner says. “I’ve placed puppies in homes with busy, energetic kids and they do great. I’ve also placed puppies in homes with older people who also do wonderfully. These dogs are adaptable and, if you understand the breed, you can often integrate them into your lifestyle.”
Just keep in mind that it’s important to prepare your home and family before introducing dogs to children and other pets.
Grooming
Caring for your Mini Australian Shepherd’s coat will require some TLC! They shed their coats twice a year, so expect shedding to become the norm in your household.
If you brush and groom them regularly, they won’t shed as much as some other breeds, but they still do shed, Gardner says. “Their fur can get matted, especially behind the ears, so brushing is essential.”
In addition to brushing your dog weekly, you’ll also need to bathe them and trim their nails regularly.
If you prefer to leave hygiene care to the professionals, plan to budget between $50 and $125 per appointment with any reputable dog groomer. You’l also want to make sure to get preventative eye and dental care, especially as your dog ages. Regular tooth brushing and eye cleanings can reduce a dog’s risk of health issues.
Adopting A Mini Australian Shepherd
Whether you plan to adopt a puppy or rescue an older dog, bringing a pet into your home can be a rewarding experience.
However, the experience won’t necessarily come cheap. According to Rover’s Cost of Pet Parenthood 2024 survey, upfront expenses for a new dog typically range from $870 to $4,565 in the first year, so it’s wise to prepare your wallet ahead of time for this exciting new expense!
Working with a breeder
You can use the American Kennel Club (AKC) search tool to find a responsible Miniature Australian/American Shepherd breeder near you. When considering working with a breeder, it’s crucial to do your research. Plan to ask for references, meet the breeder at their home to learn how they care for their dogs, and ask questions regarding the parents’ lineage and health history.
Working with a rescue or shelter
This popular breed also finds its way into shelters and rescue centers. This may happen when a litter has been saved from a puppy mill or an adult dog has been surrendered to be re-homed. In addition to lower adoption costs, rescuing an older dog has many pros: For example, they’re typically already housetrained, and they often have lots of love to give!
