Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd has only recently been considered an official purebred dog by the AKC(2015). These little pups are also often referred to as ‘Mini Aussies’ as they are essentially a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. Like their larger relatives, these pups have a strong herding instinct and love to work. They are considered to be extremely intelligent, so training them should not be an issue. That being said, interactive games are a must so that they do not become bored.

In the 1960s, small Australian Shepherds were often seen working in the US Rodeo Circuit. They were shown to spectators as a display of intelligence and incredible capability. Breeders began reducing the size of these pups even further and the Miniature American Shepherd that we know today weighs between 20-40 pounds. As the name of the breed suggests, this doggo was indeed developed in the United States.

Since these dogs have the mentality of a working dog, you can expect them to have tons of energy. These little guys will always be ready for a play session, and for that, they are more suited for active owners. Taking these dogs for a walk around the block once a day will not be enough, they need to run for extended periods every day. Taking your Miniature American Shepherd to the dog park is a great way to let them burn off their energy and socialize with other pups. Don’t be surprised when you see your dog doing laps around the park for an hour straight.

This dog is becoming increasingly popular because of all of the great traits that it possesses. They love being in a family environment and will display a ton of love and affection. These dogs are considered to be very loyal and it shows, they will stick by their owner's side no matter what. The Mini Aussie is also super adorable, and they will always be the center of attention when other people are around. Just be aware, these dogs do not enjoy being left at home alone for long periods. If you leave them at home alone for the day with a tank full of energy, you can be sure that you’ll be coming home to all kinds of surprises!

Image used under license from Shutterstock.com