Like most dogs, the Mini Aussie does best when the weather is between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Your dog can still suffer from heat stroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, and hypothermia in extreme weather conditions.
The age range when a dog goes into heat for the first time varies, and an Australian shepherd goes into heat within the first twelve months of its life. However, this can even delay further if they have any underlying health issues. But it is rare if they go into heat before they reach six months of age.
Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
If you live in a warmer climate or somewhere where it is not too cold, then yes your Australian Shepard can have a good life outside. The only thing to be mindful of is that they need shelter from sun and rain and will require plenty of space for exercise!
Although coastal Australia isn't known for especially cold weather, when the winter months arrive there are a number of steps you should take to keep your dog healthy and warm. Of course, some dog breeds handle winter weather better than others, but as the temperature drops, so does your pup's tolerance for the cold.
At around 12 – 15 degrees most pets will probably be quite safe. At 10 degrees, you need to keep an eye on them as it can be potentially unsafe depending on their age, general health, and breed.
Ideally, your dog should have separate sleep and play areas. All dogs need a safe location with shelter to shade them from the sun and protect from the wind and rain. Even in Australia with our relatively mild winters, a cold wind and wet weather puts a dog at risk of hypothermia.
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 most common risk of your dog sleeping outside is feeling cold and therefore discomfort. However, in very cold areas dogs can be susceptible to hypothermia, which occurs when a dog's body temperature drops too low. Mild to moderate symptoms include weakness, a lack of alertness and muscle stiffness.
If the tips of your pet's ears are warm, they're probably warm enough all over – the extremities tend to get cold first. Animals which are smaller, leaner, or animals with shorter coats will feel the cold much more acutely.
Best House Temperatures for Dogs
In the winter, 68 F to 72 F is comfortable for you and your dog. Don't set the thermostat lower than 60 F when you're gone. Give puppies, older dogs, small short-haired dogs and less healthy dogs a warm bed or an extra blanket on the couch.
Australian Shepherds enjoy cold weather, but cannot live outside in it.
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.
Most Australian Shepherds do not require a coat because their natural coat provides ample protection in cold weather. However, if your Australian Shepherd has a thin coat, or if he or she is very young, old, or unwell, a coat may be required to give extra warmth in extremely cold weather.
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!
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.
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.
Generally speaking, dogs will be okay until the temperature drops to below 45°F. At that point, they may start to “feel” cold (and might seek out shelter or a way to stay warm). At 32°F, small dogs, elderly dogs, and dogs with preexisting health conditions should probably stay indoors.
As a general rule of thumb: at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable. at 32°F (0°C) and below, small, thin-coated, young, old and sick dogs should not be left outside for long. at 20°F (-7°C) and below, dogs become vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite.
Yes. All dogs can benefit from blankets. Young, old, and sick dogs need the added comfort. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and dogs who are prone to be more cold-blooded need the extra warmth.
Small and medium breeds with thinner coats will struggle in -4°C conditions. Bigger dog breeds with thicker coats can withstand temperatures of -6°C. At -7°C dogs are at a risk of developing hypothermia and frostbite and going in these conditions is not recommended for most breeds.
For medium and large breed dogs, it's best to avoid temperatures colder than -10C, although this varies by breed. Long-haired, and double-coated dogs tend to do well in much colder weather than their short-haired, and single-coated counterparts.
While broad generalizations are difficult, cold should not become a problem for most dogs until the temperature falls below 45 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.