Are Miniature Australian Shepherds Smart? Miniature Australian Shepherds are incredibly smart. These dogs will typically catch on to new tricks and commands in no time.
Miniature Australian shepherds are known for their high energy and athletic skills. They are affectionate with adults, kids, and other pets, and they are stunningly beautiful dogs often with striking eye colors.
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.
Mini Aussies are shepherd dogs. All shepherd breeds are naturally very active because of the herding work that they were originally bred for. That is why, today, Aussies are regular competitors in dog sports. A lot of hyperactivity in Mini Aussies stems from not meeting their needs for physical and mental exercise.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Strong guardian instincts Aussies are protective watchdogs. Reserved with strangers Aussies are closely attached to their family but do not tend to seek contact with strangers, or easily accept strangers as “friends.” This does not mean they are shy or aggressive. Aussies are selective in their social interactions.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.
Of course, Aussies need plenty of physical exercise: no less than one hour per day, and preferably upwards of two hours. This goes for both standard and mini Aussies. Beyond the physical however, Aussies need to work out their brains.
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.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don't know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Australian Shepherd
According to Whistle, which manufactures GPS trackers for pets, Australian Shepherds are the 15th most likely breed to run away, with owners losing this breed an average of . 09 times per month.
Interestingly, while small dogs typically have longer life expectancies, mini Australian shepherds, which the AKC recognizes as the miniature American shepherd, have a life expectancy of just 12-13 years.
Mini Aussie dogs are active dogs for life, often well into old age. However, owners will notice a decrease in activity level in their dogs' older years. Their puppyhood will be extremely hyperactive until they are around two years old.
Your Mini Yorkshire Aussie is a mix of the Miniature Australian Shepherd (or Mini American Shepherd) and Yorkshire Terrier and, as such, can take on the appearance traits of one or both of the parent breeds.
Take your dog outside often.
Your puppy should be taken outside at least every two hours. Once they hit 20 weeks, they may be able to hold it for four hours. Don't plan on leaving them home for much of the day when you first adopt them. It simply won't work.
They need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, and a job to do to be entertained at all times. They love going for walks or even hikes but should be kept on a leash as they have high chasing instincts. These dogs shed a lot, so they need to be groomed regularly. Brush your Mini Aussie every day.
Your Mini Aussie puppy is intelligent and easy to potty train. They frequently pick up commands quickly and observe closely. However, you must do your part as an owner in training it with some hard work. Potty training them should be easy if you are dedicated to the process.
No. These dogs are not naturally aggressive and make excellent family pets in many homes — they're active, loyal, and loving dogs. So if you're looking for a new canine best friend, an Australian shepherd could be one of the best dogs for you and your family.
The Australian Shepherd is not bred to dig and will only resort to digging if he is not stimulated enough to satisfy his need to be busy and involved with his owner.
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.
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.
This breed can become very territorial and this behavior could lead to aggression or shyness, and that could lead to your beloved dog biting someone. Clean house be gone. The Aussie has a beautiful, thick coat you will need to brush regularly to remove any debris and to prevent his fur from matting.