FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

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Temperament
Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, 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. Very lively, agile, and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Miniature Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without enough mental and physical exercise. They need a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. Socialize them well when they are a puppy to avoid them becoming suspicious of strangers. Some like to nip peoples heels in an attempt to herd them. They need to be taught herding humans is not acceptable. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.

Health Problems
The vast majority of merled Miniature Australian Shepherds are heterozygous merles (one parent is merle the other is solid) and these merles are not at risk for any special health problems due to their coloration. Be sure to check the hearing on merle puppies. Hip and eye problems can occur (PRA, CEA, HSF4). Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs, that are otherwise okay to give another dog, but if tested positive for this gene can kill them. Ensure sire and dam of puppies have been tested and are certified clear prior to purchasing a puppy.

Height and Weight
Height: 13-18 inches (33-46 cm)
Weight: 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg)

Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years.

Living Conditions
The Miniature Australian Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay with a small yard. This breed will do well in cold climates.

Exercise
The Mini Aussie needs to be taken on daily, long walks. This energetic little dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, or better yet, some real work to do.

Eyes
Eyes - brown, blue, hazel, amber - or any variation or any combination including flecks and marbling (one or both eyes).

Color
Color comes in blue or red merle, red or black tri-color, all with white and or tan markings. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white.

Coat
The medium-length coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd also known as Miniature American Shepherd is slightly wavy and moderate in length. The coat may be straight or slightly wavy, and should have feathering on the back of the legs, and a mane and frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the forelegs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat.

Grooming
The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.