Miniature American Shepherd
Also known as Mini Aussie, Miniature Australian Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 33 to 46 cm
- Weight
- 9 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
A small, athletic herding dog with a striking double coat and a sharp mind, essentially a compact version of the Australian Shepherd, with a strong drive to work and great devotion.
History and origins
Developed in California in the late 1960s from small Australian Shepherds, bred for a compact size while keeping its herding abilities. It became popular with riders competing in horse shows.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Collie eye anomaly
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Miniature American Shepherd FAQ
How big does the Miniature American Shepherd get?
The Miniature American Shepherd stands 33 to 46 cm at the withers and weighs 9 to 18 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Miniature American Shepherd shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Miniature American Shepherd live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Miniature American Shepherd need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Miniature American Shepherd good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Miniature American Shepherd live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are progressive retinal atrophy and Collie eye anomaly.
