On the other hand, aversive training is not only inefficient but cruel for the dog, too. Were inclined to agree. However, not just any kibble will do. Play games and teach them tricks to stimulate both their intellects and bodies, and youll have a satisfied Miniature Australian Shepherd that just wants to jump into your arms at night and cuddle you to sleep. Your vet will have a better sense of what your specific dog requires than any kibble manufacturer. The hair is usually some variety or blend of flat and straight, or slightly wavy, with smoother skin around their faces and at the bottom of their legs. However, they need consistent brushing, but not bathing (although this is completely dependent on how often your dog is outside and rolling around in muck). Otherwise, their natural sense loyalty and love for their humans will turn into something sad and destructive. social@canna-pet.com Similar to Miniature dogs of different breeds, they originated when a breeding program opened up to consolidate and streamline smaller Australian Shepherds. The MAS sports a mid-length double coat thats highly weather resistant. Kibble meets their nutritional needs and obviously its a rather convenient option (both in terms of serving and availability). The American Kennel Club describes the Miniature Australian Shepherd as a highly versatile, energetic dog (that) makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. At the very least, puppy classes are a must (especially because Mini Australian Shepherds have a propensity to nip, yap, and chasespurred by their herding drive). Being that the origin of the Miniature Australian Shepherd comes from a herding dog, they exhibit the quintessential traits of the respective archetype. However, this doesnt make them immune to illness or health complications. Regular playtime goes a long way to ensure that these pups live long and happy lives as part of your family. Owing to the place of origin, these dogs are recognized by the AKC under the name Miniature American Shepherd. It shouldnt be too demanding and time-consuming to make a makeshift agility course in your backyard (if you happen to have one). Coming just in time for the holidays is a calendar full of the most adorable puppies youve ever seen. If you want an animal as special as this, youll need to seek out a specialist breeder and that comes with a hefty price tag. Training this dog for various dog sports including herding, agility, and fly ball will help to work off some of its extra energy. This means dry food suitable for their age (puppy, adult, senior), size (small, obviously), and activity level (a small breed thats also quite active). Negative reinforcement and harsh training methods are thankfully a thing of the past. This breed will challenge their owner at any given opportunity, and they naturally seek leadership (all the while theyre not really that sensitive, meaning they want someone to take the lead, or theyll take it themselves, in which case its important to iron out whats wrong and right from the get-go. The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a medium-long double coat a soft, dense undercoat and a longer weather resistant outer coat. Miniature Australian Shepherds are attentive and somewhat protective but, overall, they aim to please. Belgian Malinois Abandoned by the Russians Switches Sides, Comfort Dogs Arrive in Uvalde to Offer Support After School Shooting, How to Transition Your Pet to New Pet Food, 2022 is Going to Be Hot, Thanks to Australian Firefighters Calendar, Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test For Cats: What Every Cat Parent Needs, Coming Soon: Beetl, The Poop-Picking Robot, Trifo Ollie AI Home Robot Vacuum and Video Review. This breed thrives doing this. Expect quite a bit of work in the exercise department with your Miniature Australian Shepherd. But then again, none of the best pups do. Its important to note that it can be screened for, only stressing the importance on receiving health clearances for the parents. Another example is hip dysplasia, an inherited condition that has no cure. Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards. These beautiful coats (which come in colors form autumn red, blue merle, tri-colored (skin, whitish, and black)) truly give the MAS character. But most importantly, it would mean that theyd have an efficient course to spend their energy at. The one silver lining is it can be diagnosed well before the dog has gone blind, allotting a fair amount of time for both the owner and canine to prepare for the future. So how excited are we that Beetl Robotics has. Thats when the AKC at long last admitted the Miniature Australian Shepherd to the Foundation Stock Service (under the name Miniature American Shepherd). Within the home, the owner should establish themselves as the alpha (immediately) and hold a firm but not aggressive hand. At first night blindness ensues, which eventually progresses into difficulty seeing during daylight, and unfortunately evolves into complete blindness. Naturally aloof and a bit standoffishness to strangers, these dogs are dignified and comfortable taking the lead in situations. However, they are also prone to obesity so make sure that the nutritionally-dense food youre giving them is well spent through exercise. Receive 25% off your next order when you share your testimonial with us! We always bring them with us anytime we travel! Bathe them as needed, and use a product that wont deter the coat of its natural oils. Naturally docile, the lessons will sink in and theyll know to bring them home. Basically, theyd take the smallest purebred Australian Shepherds and then mate them with others akin to their size, producing a miniature variation of the breed that still holds all the merit of an Australian Shepherd, yet is just smaller. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an incredibly intelligent breed and is eager to learn. The Miniature Australian Shepherd typically lives anywhere from 13-15 years. Despite, age, weight, metabolism are also integral factors to consider when administering a balanced diet to your MAS. Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Princess, a year old Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix from East Hartford, Connecticut. No pooch can be immune to that! So, if they are not given adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation, this breed is likely to develop behavioral problems. Healthy weight is important- you don't want your pet to be too skinny nor too chubby. A MAS not properly introduced or trained around children needs to be supervised closely if theyre around little ones. Of course, if you lack a spacious fenced-in yard, you can always utilize the childrens obstacle courses that some parks have. Fortunately, these beautiful and loving dogs are more than worth it. Often those who own Miniature Australian Shepherds do so because they want them on the ranch, or to herd their droves, and thus they go through extensive training to learn how to be a landrace animal, and a utility on the farm. When combined with their energy levels, this separation anxiety can result in a lot of destroyed furniture and nasty surprises. Exercise is a perfect time to incorporate training, too. The Miniature Australian Shepherd was bred from small specimens of the Australian Shepherd breed starting in 1968. Thankfully, they are widely available. Here, the details are everything. These dogs can be trained for a variety of dog sports including agility, obedience, herding, fly ball, disc dog, and so much more. These dogs certainly shed, and will need to be maintained to mitigate this issue. 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Keeping them leashed while their puppies (when youre out walking) is incredibly important, as this dog has a tendency to run off towards anything they think needs herding.. Our nutritional products are available for purchase worldwide. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a very healthy breed, with their life expectancy extending well past a decade. This breed will provide everything that you are looking for. The MAS is a herding dog, meaning if untrained, theyll try and herd children. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Miniature Australian Shepherdnow known as the Miniature American Shepherdoriginated rather recently, having come to existence in in the late 1960s. As with any pup, its always a good idea to start early with any training and socialization. Learn more about how this works. Training a Miniature Australian Shepherd is a dynamic, exciting, and necessary process. There are treatments available for this condition and surgery if its bad enough. Princess is spayed and vaccinated. The rest comes naturally for the Miniature Australian Shepherd. And then some! Less than a day after the senseless massacre in Uvalde, where 21 people lost their lives to a mass shooting, comfort dogs are being brought to help the first responders and survivors cope with the trauma. With such an intense energy and need to exercise, if their needs arent met, they can turn destructive within the home and grow both tireless and anxious. Her life and ours has changed like night and day. Theyre fantastic pets for owners who have the time to devote to them (for training and exercise), have a natural enthusiasm that makes them wonderful adventure buddies, and are both loyal and loving within the household. Since the 1960s theyve only gained popularity, and since they do well with children (if theyre socialized with them at a young age) they make a great pet for the family, and are small enough to adapt to most living situations. To prevent this, teach your pet to feel safe when home alone, and crate train them on time. Not only are Miniature Australian Shepherds small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train. If you have trouble finding a brand of kibble that meets your Miniature Australian Shepards needs, then its always wise to consult with your vet. They are naturally pretty. Diet isnt really a problem with this breed, as theyre built for longevity and arent fickle about their food choices. If thats a walk to the store, down the street, or on a bike ride to the beach, the MAS is completely content being at your side (and they have serious stamina, too). Because the Miniature Australian Shepherd is not genetically different from the Australian Shepherd (except for its size), it is prone to the same conditions. Baby steps, people. It causes severe pain when walking, an abnormal gait, lameness in the leg(s), and at worst immobility. So, if you are looking for a small and compact dog with the strong work ethic of a much larger breed, consider the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This means that theyll challenge their owner at every turn (if given the opportunity) and that they need firm and consistent leadership or their need for stimulation will steer them towards mischief. They are through and through a herding dog. Believe it or not, this breed was actually developed in 1968. Take them to the vet for a yearly checkup, but generally this is an incredibly healthy breed. Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Bindi, an approximately 2 years old mixed breed dog from Shelburne, Vermont. A lot of this comes from the inherent traits of the Australian Shepherd. Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): this condition occurs when the joints develop abnormally (most common in the elbow) and the cartilage doesnt form correctly. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a friendly and active breed that loves to play. Once your new puppy gets home and meets the family, its time to start teaching them the basics. Use a dilution solution before brushing these canines, as their long hair can often tangle, and if its not treated beforehand then brushing can be a painful experience for them. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): a common eye disease in dogs, this condition occurs when the photoreceptors in the back of the eye begin to fail. Thankfully, the breed is quite obedient and super quick to learn. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is part of the AKCs Herding Group. The genes are to blame here, just like many other issues that can potentially affect these dogs. Theyre highly trainable, intelligent, loving and loyal to those within the home, and aloof towards other canines and strangers, although hardly ever aggressive. Start with the basics such as walking on a leash and potty training before moving on to the more complex stuff, like teaching commands or training for dog sports. You merely need to establish yourself as the alpha in the relationship and that takes a firm, yet gentle hand. Dont make the mistake of neglecting your dogs diet. Fortunately, veterinarians are particularly skilled in dealing with cataracts, and surgery can be used to remove them if theyre bad enough. We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. Sure, theyre great for an apartment just dont leave the cooped up there for long! We love our dogs. This breed requires a long daily walk in addition to plenty of outdoor play time. The breed was officially recognized by this renowned canine club in 2015 as Miniature American Shepherd. The coat can be either straight or wavy. It is important to start puppies with training and socialization at a young age to prevent the development of problem behaviors. But generally, the dog will live a perfectly healthy life and often change their gait to adjust to the bad hip. As always, to make sure that your new pet stays happy and healthy in your care, you should provide the pup with a well-balanced diet. It causes a gradual loss of eyesight, which can result in complete blindness or partial blindness. The AKC recognized the breed in 2015. Weve got Trifo Ollie AI Home Robot Vacuum and Video to make a clean sweap. A mix between a Poodle and a French Bulldog, Froodle crossbreed combines the best traits of its parents into one, new designer dog. So its always wise to keep your little pup active to ensure that they stay healthy and happy. These dogs have always been known as master sheep herders that would react swiftly to every command from their owner. So socializing them early in their development is a wise idea. The Miniature Australian Shepherd (now referred to as the Miniature American Shepherd, being that it was developed here in the states) ranks 36th on the AKCs most popular list of 155 dog breeds. No two dogs are going to eat the same, and its important that the owner monitors their diet and ensures theyre receiving the proper nutrients, and that theyre not gaining excessive weight (although obesity isnt really a worry with this breed). It ranges in severity and there are multiple treatments available for the condition. Your Miniature Australian Shepherd will love it, just take your time and be patient if you want to see the best possible results. In terms of hygiene, brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to avoid tartar and bacteria build ups. It can be a thin line between an average sized Australian Shepherd, and its miniature counterpart. For many years, it was impossible to get these two organizations on the same page. It took a while, but it happened. A weekly brushing should suffice, with double or triple that when the season calls for it. Of course, this age is reached with proper care, balanced diet, and regular checkups at the vet. With positive reinforcement, a leading attitude, and plenty of patience, you will soon see positive results. The Mykolayiv Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine has grown by four paws recently thanks to the addition of a trained special forces dog. These dogs are loyal and affectionate and they get along well with active children and families. Often, owners will underfeed this breed due to their size, when in actuality they need a bit more sustenance due to their incredibly high activity level. Motivate your pet by rewarding their success with treats and excited praise. Sometimes you want an athletic working dog that isnt big enough to qualify as a roommate. Both the AKC and the UKC grouped the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd together. Their compact size makes them a perfect pet for anyone living in an apartment, provided that you still give them the activity and exercise that they need to live long and healthy lives. Though the coat is fairly long and thick it does not require more than occasional brushing to remove mats and loose hairs. Predictably, the Miniature Australian Shepherd does well on a high-quality dry dog food diet. Eventually, youll get to any trick or sport that you have in mind. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a friendly and active breed that loves to play. Equestrians became particularly keen to the dog since it was small enough to live at home, easy to travel with, and intelligent enough to be an asset on the ranch. The litter size for Miniature Australian Shepherds can range between five and nine puppies. Little tunnels, hurdles, and all sorts of odds and ends can guarantee hours of fun for your Miniature Australian Shepherd. Literally. Certain size parameters need to be followed in order for the breed to fit its description, however. Canna-Pet has worked wonders for his uncomfortable skin. Miniature Australian Shepherds also tend to be apprehensive around strangers, but they are generally not aggressive with people. She is spayed, house trained, crate trained, and vaccinated. Even if they seem to match the requirements on a package of kibble, there might be some unseen variable that changes things. Thats abuse, not training. He also seems more relaxed in the car now and actually falls asleep rather than pacing. If a Miniature Australian Shepherd is introduced to children at a young age, and both parties are taught how to properly interact with one another, they make fantastic companions, lovers, and protectors of the young ones (and they love to play!). Their coat is dense enough to protect them during winter (its also quite water resistant) and then sheds in the spring to lose its weight before the summer heat comes along. You will need to pick out a premium brand that offers the right blend for the unique requirements of a dog like the Miniature Australian Shepherd. These dogs have a great deal of mental and physical energy so they require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent the development of any sort of problematic behavior. Miniature Australian Shepherds can be trained for a wide variety of dog sports including agility, herding, obedience, disc dog, fly ball, and many more, as they excel in them just as the original Australian Shepherd dog does. By using small Australian Shepherds, Cordova and a handful of other breeders were successful in creating a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd. High quality healthy food is important for recharging those batteries. Not only is the Miniature Australian Shepherd small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train. But Maxs journe. In many cases, health problems are related to the genes that are responsible for the common merle coloration in this breed particularly hearing and vision-related conditions. Unlike PRA, there are ways to treat cataracts, and theyre often successful. Back then, Doris Cordova of Norco, California began a breeding program with the dream of developing a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. The average life expectancy of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is between 12 and 15 years. These dogs naturally want to herd, and will do anything to run freely. With the affectionate and loyal traits of the Miniature Schnauzer, and the goofy, temperamental aspects of the Chihuahua, a truly unique cross-breed emerged Chizer. Thank you for helping our girl, she is our world! Also, this breed wants to please their owners, so it will only contribute to the efficiency of this training method. Obesity and health issues can be one step away. Dont neglect their activity requirements if you want your pet to be happy and well-behaved. If you are on the lookout for a smart, trainable, and family friendly dog, look no further than the Miniature Australian Shepherd. Of course you do! They benefit from having a yard to run around in, and will love to accompany you on anything you do. As a breed, they can be prone to separation anxiety as they grow very close to their families. Remember that even though they are smaller than their parent breed, they need the time outside. The most effective strategy for training Miniature Australian Shepherd (or any dog, to be honest) is to use positive reinforcement tactics. So, these dogs dont come cheap. The conditions which can afflict a MAS are as follows: Hip Dysplasia: a condition that is quite common amongst highly active breeds, it occurs when theres displacement between the femur and the hip joint. SO much so that were willing to follow behind them and pick up their crap. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an incredibly active and energetic dog. Information contained or made available through the Canna-Pet website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice. Despite their smaller size, the MAS needs around 30-45 minutes of exercise per day, and more if youre living in an apartment. Juvenile Cataracts: the condition occurs when theres an opacity on the lens of the eye (eye-related health issues are the most common type in Miniature Australian Shepherds). He is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Some of the most common conditions affecting this breed include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts, epilepsy, collie eye abnormality, and spinal defects. As an added bonus, it should help keep you happy and healthy as well. the French Pit is full of surprises: the mix between a French Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier proved to be a match made in heaven! The average weight of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is between 17 and 30 lbs. The MAS needs around 1-2 cups of high-quality dry food per day, broken into two even meals. Owing to their compact size, people often forget that they have the same needs and drives as their larger shepherd cousins. Examine every facet of their body for anything suspicious (inflammation, redness, parasites, infection, etc.). Yet, throughout the short history of the breed, there has been a great deal of controversy. They really live up to all that hype. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. + Get a coupon for 30% off a future order. Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Mia, a 4 years old mixed breed from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. These dominant and confident little canines are intelligent enough to herd (which makes them highly trainable and docile) but theyre not without their own sense of independence. Dont expect your Miniature Australian Shepherd to be the center of attention or to want to play with all your friends/other dogs (although this very well could be the case), but if you expose them to other dogs, people, and social environments early on theres a better chance theyll be more of a socialite. But all-in-all what youre getting from a Miniature Australian Shepherd is just an Australian Shepherd in a smaller form. Canna-Pet produces the only legal, veterinarian-recommended, non-prescription CBD products for animals. Photo credit: Photo credit: Helen Rose Gabriel/Shutterstock; Rachelli Dangelo/Bigstock.com; susanspix/Bigstock.com. A positive reward system should be used when they exhibit good behavior. We are very thankful! This is why its important that when purchasing a puppy, your breeder can provide health clearances for both of the parents. So the upkeep on these pups wont be too difficult. Buy Our Products at Local Retailers & Veterinarians, Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America, Assisi Botanicals Our Products for People. Thing is, they adore the training. Youd be surprised how quickly your Miniature Australian Shepherd would get the hang of it. These little dogs crave stimulation, and its often satisfied when theyre trained. Theyre not the all-around friendly dog that wants to greet and love everyone, rather they hold themselves with an air of reserved caution, and only open up once the person has earned their trust. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. And even though your mini-shepherd might not herd sheep, theyll still be eager to obey commands, to run, and do tricks.The key is to start training early and to maintain a firm, consistent hand throughout the process. Provide plenty of exercise and engage their bright minds with puzzle toys and interactive playtime. These dogs require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent the development of unwanted behaviors. Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. rescues:Mini Aussie Rescue. This breed is a smaller form of the Australian Shepherd that is rapidly increasing in popularity. This ensures that you are rearing a wonderful four legged friend for the coming years. Do note, they shed the most at the end of winter, making them seasonal shedders, and will often need extra care at the end of the year. Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Ace, a 2 years old Catahoula Leopard Dog and American Pit Bull Terrier mix from Westampton, New Jersey.