Mini Aussies are a healthy breed but are predisposed to hip dysplasia, cataracts, epilepsy, spinal defects, and vision and hearing problems for merles specifically. The Mini Aussie is are loyal, loving, protective, and great with children.
But the fact that Aussies are a healthy breed doesn't mean they're without health problems. This breed is prone to joint, hearing, and vision problems, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. To keep your Aussie as healthy as possible for as long as possible, make sure to get your Aussie puppy from a responsible breeder.
In addition to heritable joint conditions, some mini Aussies are predisposed to a variety of genetic eye conditions that can cause blindness, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, detached retinas, Collie eye anomaly, and more.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian.
The Mini Australian Shepherd has a relatively long life expectancy and normally lives to between 12 and 13 years of age. However, some have been known to live to 15 years old.
You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are incredibly smart. These dogs will typically catch on to new tricks and commands in no time. However, this also means that you should be mindful of what you teach your dog and if you slip them any table scraps because your Mini Aussie won't soon forget.
They, like some other animals, have their one chosen person, which is probably you if your dog sits on you all the time. When the Australian Shepherd chooses their person, they begin to exhibit loyalty towards you, even to an extreme degree.
Australian Shepherds will bark at strangers, loud noises, and other animals as a way of getting rid of all that excess energy. More so, they can display the same type of behavior towards squirrels, thunderstorms, or even a passing car.
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.
Compared to full-sized Australian Shepherds, mini Aussies are somewhat more difficult to train. Their bladders are small, and they have shorter digestive systems. You will have to take them outside more often, as they just can't hold it as long as other dogs.
Characteristics of the Miniature Australian Shepherd
The miniature American shepherd generally has a lively and loyal temperament. It is a friendly, playful breed that loves people and even other dogs. Its temperament also is marked by its high intelligence and ability to learn various tricks.
Mini Aussies are similar smaller versions of Australian Shepherds. In many cases, they may not be much smaller at all. Their love for water will often be the same as a larger Aussie as well. For the most part, these dogs may love water if they are introduced to it at a young age.
Don't Play Too Rough With Australian Shepherd
They don't like to be pushed around, and they'll usually get their way. If you're looking for a fun, playful, and easy way to train your dog, then don't play too rough with Australian Shepherds.
Start by letting him start barking, then when stops barking, say "Quiet" in a firm commanding voice and give him plenty of praise and a treat or two. Repeat until he associates the cue "Quiet" with stopping the noise and getting a treat.
Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies will likely experience stress and separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies are also more likely to get anxiety if they don't get enough activity.
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
Dogs in general are known for being happy, cuddly, sweet, and soothing for a human to pet. 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.
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.
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.
"Are mini Aussies noisy? No. Most mini Aussies are relatively quiet, unless something extraordinary occurs about which they feel their family should be warned. Usually, a bark or two will suffice so long as their people acknowledge the disturbance.
The only time you should shave or trim a Miniature Australian Shepherd is at your vet's recommendation, usually due to a health issue.
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. 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.
The soft, fluffy undercoat keeps them warm, like a layer of insulation. The outer coat is longer and coarse. This provides some protection against rain, wind, snow, and direct sunlight. Like most dogs, the Mini Aussie does best when the weather is between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
They're smaller than full-size Australian shepherds — 14 to 18 inches tall and roughly 20 to 40 pounds, versus more than 18 inches and 40 to 60-plus pounds — and have wide variation in the color of their eyes, which can be mismatched or marbled in shades of bright blue, brown, and hazel; and mottled coats, which can be ...