Australian Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that can be used as family pets as well as herding dogs.
Most people believe that the Mini Aussie Shepherd is the smaller Australian Shepherd. Although they look similar, each dog has its own breed standard and characteristics.
Mini Aussies are the result of deliberate breeding of smaller Australian Shepherds. This article will provide more information on Miniature Australian Shepherd and Standard Australian Shepherd. It will examine their history, appearances, training, temperament, and health.
Mini Australian Shepherd vs Standard: History
Mini Australian Shepherd
In California, the Mini Australian Shepherd was created in the 1960s. Breeders mass-bred small, unregistered dogs to confuse the Australian Shepherd.
This breed was bred to be small and retain the active characteristics of the Australian Shepherd.
This breed was registered with the National Stock Dog Registry in 1983 as Miniature Australian Shepherd. Today, however, the breed is known as Mini American Shepherd.
This breed was popularized by many clubs in the 1990s. Mini Aussies were listed as rare breeds by many dog clubs. This made them more desirable.
Mini Aussies were once used to herd smaller stock such as sheep or goats. Because of their small size, intelligence, loyalty, and intelligence, Mini Aussies are a popular choice for pet owners. They can also be kept as household pets.
The Mini Aussie was also included in the American Kennel Club’s herding group.
Standard Australian Shepherd
The Standard Australian Shepherd was originally from Spain. It was used as a working dog by Basque shepherds, but it was developed primarily in the United States.
The Australian shepherds emigrated to Australia towards the end of 19th century. The Australian Shepherd was given to them.
Others believe that the Australian Shepherd was brought to America by European immigrants. Although the ancestry and origin of this breed remains a mystery, it is believed that dogs brought from Spain to Australia were bred with Australian working dog.
They are known for their dedication and intelligence in the workplace.
The Australian Shepherd was introduced to the UK in the mid-1980s by Mr. Jueckstock. It has been popular as a family pet, companion dog, and working dog.
They have been trained to be rescue dogs, blind search dogs and aids for the disabled in recent years.
Many Aussies are used in nursing homes and hospitals as therapy dogs. This shows just how versatile and intelligent this breed can be.
Mini Australian Shepherd vs. Standard: Size & Appearance
Mini Australian Shepherd Dog Breed
A Mini Australian Shepherd of full size is usually between 14-18 inches tall, and 13-17 inches for their female counterparts. Depending on the breed’s diet and age, this breed can weigh between 20 to 40 pounds.
The Mini Aussie’s coat is medium in length. It can be decked in a variety colors, including blue, red merle and red, black tricolor or complete tan with white markings. Their coarse double coat requires that they be brushed on average twice per week.
Mini Aussies shed less often due to their double coat. Mini Aussies shed twice a year. Once in spring and once again in fall. Mini Aussies are not considered white hair around the eyes and ears.
You can have your hair slightly wavy or straight. There is a little feathering at the back of your legs. The length of the hair outside the ears, the forelegs and the head is slightly shorter than the rest of the coat. The forequarters are the same length as the hindquarters.
The top of the skull is flat and has a clean cut. The feet are round and compact and the lips don’t hang above the lower jaw.
Standard Australian Shepherd Dog Breed
The average Standard Australian Shepherd female height is 18-20 inches. Their male counterparts are 20-22 inches. A female Aussie weighs between 30 and 44 pounds while a male Aussie weighs between 50 to 64 pounds.
The Standard Aussie is a well-balanced and well-proportioned breed that is slightly shorter than their height. They are medium-sized and muscular with a keen and alert look.
The male Aussie and the female Aussie are clearly different, with distinct physical traits.
Their head is proportioned well with their bodies and is slightly rounded. Their eyes can be amber, brown or blue and have marbling or flecks depending on the dog’s coat color. They are almond-shaped.
The ears are triangular and set high on the head. Their jawline is strong and their upper teeth are perfectly aligned with their lower teeth.
Their neck is mediumly long and their body is muscular with a strong chest and level topline.
Their shoulder blades are flat and long, while their legs are straight and strong. Their feet are small and round with well-padded pads. They also have arched toes. Their tail is medium-long and has slight feathering.
They can be found in black tri, red tri or blue merle coats.
Mini Aussie vs Aussie: Temperament
Mini Aussie
Miniature Australian Shepherds are active, friendly dogs that love to play. They are loyal, affectionate, and can get along with children and active families. Although they are protective and attentive, they want to please their owners.
Mini Aussie Shepherds have a lot to offer in terms of physical and mental energy. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to avoid any undesirable behavior.
Because of their small size, most people forget that they are just as driven and have the same needs as larger shepherds.
You must make sure your Mini Aussie is happy and well behaved. You can engage their minds by providing lots of exercise and puzzle toys, as well as interactive playtimes for them. This will ensure that your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy is happy and healthy.
They enjoy spending time with their families and can become anxious if they are left alone.
The Miniature Aussie is generally friendly with people, but can be anxious around strangers. You should socialize your Miniature Aussies as soon as you can.
Standard Aussie
The Australian Shepherd was originally bred for work. Their intelligence and instinct to protect and guard are strong even in a home.
This breed is best for those who are active and have a lot of energy. If you spend most of your time outside, however, this breed is ideal for you.
Aussies are energetic dogs and need to be kept busy. Boredom can lead to serious behavior problems. Aussies are prized for their loyal and attentive nature. They can be used as both a working dog or a herding dog.
They are calm and even-tempered and will be reserved with new people. It takes them time to become comfortable with strangers.
As they don’t like being left alone, Aussies can be very demanding. They will always be with you once they have formed a relationship.
Aussies are territorial and will protect their environment. If they aren’t properly trained, it can become a problem.
Miniature Australian Shepherd Vs Australian Shepherd: Training and Exercise
Mini Australian Shepherd Dog Breed
Because of their energetic nature, Mini Australian Shepherds need at least an hour of exercise each day. This can include long walks and outdoor playtime. The exercise can be split into two sessions: 30 minutes of brisk walking in the morning, and 30 minutes in the evening.
Because they are eager to please their owners, Mini Australian Shepherd puppies can benefit from obedience training. It can take some time to get them trained to perfection.
It is important to start training your puppy as soon as they are small. If you are distant, angry, or irritable, they will feel discouraged.
Mini Aussies will benefit from training in agility, herding, flyball, and other activities that can be used to help conserve their energy.
You can praise them and give them treats. To help them feel supported, you should be their mentor and friend.
Standard Australian Shepherd Dog Breed
Aussies are high-energy dogs and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy. Aussies will be happy if they have something to do. If left unattended, they may develop destructive behavior.
Australian Shepherds are well-known for their ability to herd, and they excel at sporting activities like flyball or competitive obedience agility.
It is essential that you teach your Aussies the basics of obedience and good manners once they arrive at home.
You can start teaching them sit, come and heel, stay, leave, quiet, bed, and up.
Dogs that aren’t exercised enough can develop nervousness, which can lead to instability.
Mini Aussie vs Breed Standard: Grooming
The double-coated Standard and Mini Aussie dog breeds both have the same coat. They have a double coat, which is a combination of smooth fur at the top (known as guard hairs) and fluffy fur beneath that is separate from their skin. This creates a small air pocket for warmth.
Each breed of dog needs to be brushed at the very least once a week so that their undercoats don’t get matted. Their undercoats can also be shed so it is important to brush them regularly.
Mini Aussie vs Standard Health Problems
Mini Australian Shepherd
A Mini Australian Shepherd can live a long and happy life if they are well-groomed and cared for. The health of the Mini Australian Shepherd and their diet will also affect their life expectancy.
This breed has been known to be prone to genetic problems and other chronic diseases.
Mini Aussies are most commonly affected by hereditary cataracts and progressive retina atrophy.
Mini Aussies can be bred by responsible breeders and are generally healthy. They do not inherit genetic disorders from their parents. You should only purchase Mini Aussies from reputable breeders.
Your Mini Aussie will be happy and healthy if they have regular visits to the vet. Mini Aussies can also be susceptible to vision problems and blindness.
Standard Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds have the same genetic health problems as other breeds. It is worth learning about these conditions if you are considering getting one of these intelligent dogs.
Common health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Allergies can also be caused by certain foods, airborne pollens and dust mites.
After being neutered or spayed, Aussies can gain weight. Therefore, it is important to monitor their exercise and daily caloric intake in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Mini Aussie vs Standard Aussie Nutritional Needs
Your dog’s age will determine how much and what kind of dog food you should feed your Aussie. For example, an Aussie puppy is more likely to develop a debilitating hip condition. The risk is higher if the dog is fed too much calcium.
It is important that you find the right dog food for your dog’s nutritional needs.
Senior Aussies require more protein and less calories than younger dogs. Your Aussie should eat a balanced diet that includes the right amount of calcium and nutrients to be a large-sized dog.
Mini Aussie vs Standard Aussie Cost
A Mini Aussie costs between $1200 to $1500 while a Standard Aussie costs between $500 and $900. Prices for both breeds vary depending on their pedigree, bloodline and reputation of the breeder, the location, and the health of the puppies.
Re: Australian Shepherds High Maintenance?
Absolutely. The Australian Shepherd is a great example of a dog that requires a lot of attention. They make wonderful companions but are more difficult to care for due to the health issues they face and the excessive amount of hair they shed.
Dogs are very energetic, and they need to be exercised and stimulated mentally in order to remain happy and healthy. You can choose to adopt another breed if you don’t feel ready for the responsibility.
Last words
Mini Australian Shepherds share the same needs and characteristics as Standard Australian Shepherds. You need to understand the similarities and differences of each breed before you decide which one to buy.
Mini Aussies are smaller in fur volume, need less space and can be more comfortable indoors, whether they’re crowded or not.
Standard Aussies, on the other hand, need more space and prefer to spend most of their time outside. They make great work dogs and are perfect for managing large animals.
Both dogs need the same training and exercise to keep them busy. These dogs make great pets and are great additions to your family.
To ensure you buy a healthy dog from a reliable breeder, do your research. Regular visits to your vet will help ensure that your dog is healthy and lasts a long time.
Mini Australian Shepherd vs Standard Australian Shepherd FAQ
Are Standard Aussies or Mini Aussies good family dogs?
Both dogs are loyal, loving, and friendly and form strong bonds with their families and owners. A Mini Aussie is a better choice if you have a smaller yard or house.
The Standard Australian Shepherd is an excellent choice if you are looking for a larger dog and enjoy doing things with your dog.
Is the Australian Shepherd a good house dog?
Yes. Yes. Both Mini Aussies and the breed standard make great house dogs, but they also love to be outdoors and are very outdoorsy. This dog breed is best suited for a large home, although they will do fine in a smaller one as long as there is plenty of outdoor time.
Which Breed is More Intelligent?
Both the Mini Aussies and Standard Aussies are intelligent dogs. They were originally bred to be working dogs and must understand their commands in order to make informed decisions when it comes to herding animals.
They need mental stimulation to keep them happy and productive. You can challenge them with advanced training, such as herding games and treat puzzles.
Which Breed has a longer life expectancy?
The Standard Australian Shepherd is more healthy than the Mini Australian Shepherd. An Aussie can live between 13-15 years while a Mini Aussie can live between 12-13 years. Healthy, balanced diets and regular exercise can help both dogs live longer.
What is The Miniature Australian Shepherd Club Of America (MACC)?
Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America is the oldest registry of the Mini Australian Shepherd. It was founded in 1996. They collaborate with breeders and owners to promote sound breeding and the welfare and recognition of the Mini Aussie. They are supported by many club members and partners around the globe.
Mini Australian Shepherd vs Standard Australian Shepherd Dog Food Smart.
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