The most asked questions about the Miniature Australian Shepherd

Last updated on September 23, 2022

The Miniature Australian Shepherds are lovely dogs. They’re intelligent, loyal, and entertaining. There are many things I can write about this breed. However, for now, I will stick to the basics. This article will cover the most asked questions about the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

The most asked questions about the Miniature Australian Shepherd

As the popularity of the Miniature Australian Shepherd rises, more people search the web for information about this breed. Hence, I decided to help you. In this article, you will find all the answers you need. So, these are the most asked questions about the Miniature Australian Shepherd:

• What’s a Miniature Australian Shepherd?
• How was the Miniature Aussie created?
• Are Miniature Australian Shepherds good family dogs?
• How big is the Miniature Australian Shepherd?
• Is the Mini Australian Shepherd a breed?
• How much do Miniature Australian Shepherds cost?
• When is a Miniature Australian Shepherd fully grown?
• Do Mini Australian Shepherds shed?
• Are Miniature Australian Shepherds hypoallergenic?
• Do Mini Australian Shepherds bark a lot?
• How do I know if my Australian Shepherd is a mini?
• Do Mini Australian Shepherds have tails?
• Are Miniature Australian Shepherds easy to train?

Keep reading for answers of the most asked questions about the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

What’s a Miniature Australian Shepherd?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small herding dog. However, do not let the size of this furball fool you. The Mini Aussie can do an excellent job when it comes to working. This dog is a smaller version of the very popular Australian Shepherd. So, the Mini Aussie has all the qualities of its cousin, but it is significantly smaller. Thus, the Mini Australian Shepherd is better for people living in apartments.

How was the Miniature Aussie created?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd was created in the 1970s by a group of American breeders. The creators of the Mini Aussie had the idea to produce a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. So, they crossbred the smallest Aussies they could get. Thus, they created a separate, petite breed with the same traits as the Australian Shepherd.

Are Miniature Australian Shepherds good family dogs?

When it comes to being a good family dog, the Mini Aussie fares the same as the regular Australian Shepherd. These dogs are loyal, obedient, protective, playful, and entertaining. They bond with their owners and tend to please in every possible way. Hence, the Mini Aussie is a fantastic family dog. However, the Mini Aussie is still a herding dog. So, you will have to train your pup not to herd your children or other animals.

How big is the Miniature Australian Shepherd?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd can be 13 to 18 inches tall, with 20 to 40 pounds. The regular Aussie Shepherd can stand 18 to 23 inches tall, weighing 40 to 65 pounds.

Is the Mini Australian Shepherd a breed?

Yes, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a separate breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Mini Aussie in 2015, making them a relatively young species. Their larger cousins, the Australian Shepherds, were recognized in 1991.

How much do Miniature Australian Shepherds cost?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the regular-sized Aussie. If you’re thinking about buying one, expect to pay $1,000 to $3,500. However, a Mini Aussie with champions parents can cost $6,000. For comparison, the median price of the regular Aussie is between $650 and $950.

When is a Miniature Australian Shepherd fully grown?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd will reach its full size at nine months. However, some specimens can grow until they become two years of age.

Do Mini Australian Shepherds shed?

Miniature Australian Shepherds are moderate shedders. These dogs shed throughout the entire year. However, there are two major shedding seasons. The coat of the Mini Aussie is double-layered. The inner layer is dense and fluffy. It serves as an insulator. The outer jacket is harsh and long, and it waterproofs the dog. So, the Mini Aussie needs to be groomed as much as the standard-sized Australian Shepherd. It would be best to brush your Mini once a week during regular shedding seasons. However, heavy shedding periods require daily brushing. Nevertheless, the Mini Aussie is smaller than the ordinary Aussie. Hence, with this his dog, you’ll have less body to brush.

Are Miniature Australian Shepherds hypoallergenic?

Mini Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. Their skin, urine, and saliva produce allergens that might cause reactions in some people. However, regular grooming will partially solve this problem. Yet, if you have serious allergy issues, you might be better with another breed. But, bear in mind that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic.

Do Mini Australian Shepherds bark a lot?

Do you know the barking rule? The smaller the dog, the louder it is. Well, this is the case with the Mini Aussie as well. Standard Australian Shepherds are a noisy breed. However, their smaller counterparts love barking even more—Mini Aussies woof at pedestrians, passing cars, or a running cat. This noise can be very inconvenient, especially in an urban area. Nevertheless, you can train your Mini Australian Shepherd to bark only when necessary.

How do I know if my Australian Shepherd is a mini?

You can only know if your dog is a Mini Aussie by measuring it. If the dog’s higher than 18 inches and heavier than 40 pounds, well, you got yourself a regular-sized Aussie. When buying a Miniature Aussie puppy, there’s no way to say if the baby is a regular or a miniature Aussie. Therefore, you will have to trust your breeder. This is why we recommend buying from respectable breeders only.

Do Mini Australian Shepherds have tails?

Ranchers would often dock the tail of the Australian Shepherd as a safety measure. Having a short seat makes herding safer and easier. So, as the years passed, this practice changed the Aussie’s genetics. Hence, more and more Australian Shepherds are now born with a natural bobtail. Mini Aussies are no exception, so some have a medium-long tail, but others come with a bobbed tail. Still, this tail is long enough to be happily wagged around.

Are Miniature Australian Shepherds easy to train?

The Mini Aussie Shepherd is relatively easy to train. These dogs are intelligent, obedient, and eager to learn and please. However, if we compare this dog to its larger cousin, the regular-sized Aussie is easier to train. Not because Aussies are smarter than Mini Aussies. The reason lies in the smaller bladders of the Mini Aussies. These pups need more breaks; thus, they need more training time.