Most Mini Aussies usually have medium-length coats with fur that can be straight or wavy. There are some short-coated Mini Aussies that have shorter, flatter, less feathery fur, but they are less common than long-haired Aussies.
Australian Shepherds have thick fur that consists of a topcoat and an undercoat. Their coat is typically medium to long in length, and the fur is often thick or plush to the touch.
With one look at their thick, weather-resistant double coat, you can probably come to your own conclusion that Mini Australian Shepherds do indeed shed. Twice a year, you can expect shedding to increase when your pup 'blows coat,' which involves them losing their undercoat for the change of seasons.
Should you ever cut the fur off this breed? No, there's generally no need to give your Australian Shepherd a haircut. The only exception is trimming the hair around the feet, legs, and ears, which can get long. You will also have to cut out matts if your dog's hair gets tangled.
Most Mini Aussies usually have medium-length coats with fur that can be straight or wavy. There are some short-coated Mini Aussies that have shorter, flatter, less feathery fur, but they are less common than long-haired Aussies.
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he won't want to cuddle at all. Let's take a look at some reasons this might be the case. Their age.
Aussies are cotton ball fluffy when they're tiny and then they loose all that fluff and have this thin, soft, wispy chicken feather coat for a while during their adolescent phase. As they get closer to being 1 year old they finally get a long, slightly more dense and coarse adult coat (see pics below).
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months. Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
In the case of the Australian Shepherd pup, tail docking is a procedure that benefits the life of the dog. A shorter tail prevents potential breaking later in life and ensures a cleaner and more sanitary lifestyle for the dog and its owner.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
If you're looking for a constant companion, this is the breed for you. Known as “Velcro Dogs,” Aussies may form an almost fanatical attachment to their family. This can lead to his mistrust of, and misbehavior toward, strangers.
Your loyal dog wants to be around his owners and family, not left alone outdoors. While he may love nice weather and sunshine, he doesn't like extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or cold, thunderstorms, and snow. This applies to Mini Aussies of all colors and sizes. Please let your Aussie live indoors!
The quick answer is, no, you shouldn't shave your dog in summer. And this doesn't just apply to super-furry Northern breeds, but to other double-coated breeds as well. Herding breeds like Aussie Shepherds, Border Collies and Shelties are double-coated.
Do NOT shave this breed, as it messes up the delicate balance of the coat, which insulates them from heat and from cold by holding a layer of temperate air close to the body. The coat may never grow back the same if this breed is shaved.
While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Interestingly, while small dogs typically have longer life expectancies, mini Australian shepherds, which the AKC recognizes as the miniature American shepherd, have a life expectancy of just 12-13 years.
The tremors may be a sign of a largely benign condition called hypomyelinogenesis. Some owners report it only happens when the dog is excited or stressed but it can also happen when the dog is standing calmly. The muscles, usually in the hindquarters but sometimes in the forequarters, too, will quiver.
Some reasons dogs may alter their gait and start walking sideways: Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip ball and socket joint. Vestibular Disease, a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance that commonly impacts older dogs (more info here) Injury or pain.
Are Mini Aussies always hyper? Mini Aussie dogs are active dogs for life, often well into old age. However, owners will notice a decrease in activity level in their dogs' older years. Their puppyhood will be extremely hyperactive until they are around two years old.
At 2-3 years of age, Mini Aussies are considered mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. In other words, they will start to calm down! That said, Aussies are naturally active dogs and will remain so into old age.
Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.