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.
Lifespan. The Mini Australian Shepherd has a relatively long life expectancy and normally lives to between 12 and 13 years of age. However, some have been known to live to 15 years old.
Australian Shepherds live 13 to 15 years on average. This is similar to other dogs their size and weight. This is comparable to other canines of the same size and weight. They often stand between 18 and 23 inches tall and have a medium build.
According to the Australian Shepherd Club of America, Aussies may experience a number of health issues, including: Hip dysplasia: This is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. Elbow dysplasia: These are multiple abnormalities in the elbow joint. Epilepsy: This can cause occasional seizures.
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are incredibly smart. These dogs will typically catch on to new tricks and commands in no time. However, this also means that you should be mindful of what you teach your dog and if you slip them any table scraps because your Mini Aussie won't soon forget.
Bluey (7 June 1910 – 14 November 1939) was a female Australian cattle dog owned by Les and Esma Hall of Rochester, Victoria, Australia. According to Guinness World Records, Bluey lived 29 years, 5 months, and is the oldest dog ever verified.
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.
Mini Aussies are similar smaller versions of Australian Shepherds. In many cases, they may not be much smaller at all. Their love for water will often be the same as a larger Aussie as well. For the most part, these dogs may love water if they are introduced to it at a young age.
Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
At 2-3 years of age, Mini Aussies are considered mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. In other words, they will start to calm down! That said, Aussies are naturally active dogs and will remain so into old age.
Australian Cattle Dog
An Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey holds the record for the longest-lived dog - reaching an incredible 29 years of age. The breed normally lives for around 15 years.
Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. However, they are predisposed to a few health issues more common to the breed.
Give your pup a bath every 2-3 months, but don't overdo it or you may risk irritating and drying out their skin. Use a dog-safe blow dryer to fully dry their fur and leave them feeling spiffy. Don't forget the nails—keep them comfy by trimming the nails regularly. Long nails can cause foot pain in dogs.
Height: Ideally, males should be 14 to 18 inches tall at the withers; females, 14 to 17 inches. Weight: Approximately 20 to 40 pounds.
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 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.
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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies will likely experience stress and separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies are also more likely to get anxiety if they don't get enough activity.
Start by letting him start barking, then when stops barking, say "Quiet" in a firm commanding voice and give him plenty of praise and a treat or two. Repeat until he associates the cue "Quiet" with stopping the noise and getting a treat.
This active breed's fun-loving personality makes it all the more striking when they start to display signs of pain or discomfort in their hips and hind legs. There are several skeletal and muscular issues that can cause leg pain in dogs. Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one of the most common canine ailments.
The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners. True to their herding instincts, Aussies are very protective of their families and territory and will let you know if strangers approach, but they are not considered aggressive.
As a general guideline, though, the American Veterinary Medical Association breaks it down like this: 15 human years equals the first year of a medium-sized dog's life. Year two for a dog equals about nine years for a human. And after that, each human year would be approximately five years for a dog.
Flat-faced dog breeds, including French Bulldogs and Pugs, have the shortest life expectancy, a new study has found. According to vets at the Royal Veterinary College, brachycephalic dogs don't live as long due to the increased risk of breathing problems, skin fold infections and spinal disease they face.