Miniature Australian Shepherds...
What's good about 'em...
What's bad about 'em
If you want a dog who:
- Is exactly like an Australian Shepherd, only smaller
- Is very intelligent, one of the most capable and versatile breeds in all of dogdom
- Can be found in different temperaments, from energetic and work-oriented, to milder and calmer
- Loves to work and thrives on vigorous outdoor exercise
- Has a lovely feathered coat that comes in striking colors
A Miniature Australian Shepherd may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with:
- High energy and passion for keeping busy
- Demanding behaviors and need for lots of companionship
- Restless, destructive behaviors when bored, i.e. when not given lots of exercise and mental stimulation (training)
- Potential for timidity or skittishness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
- Typical herding instincts: circling, poking, nipping, and barking
A Miniature Australian Shepherd may not be right for you.
| Caution!
The Miniature Australian Shepherd can be a handful for the normal household. This is a working dog who needs a good amount of physical exercise and whose mind needs to be kept stimulated through frequent learning. The amount of mischief he can get into when bored will truly dismay you.
If you simply want a companion dog, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking, AND to get involved in weekly obedience classes at the intermediate and advanced levels, or agility classes, or herding activities, I do not recommend this breed.
Australian Shepherds were never intended to be simply household pets. Their working behaviors (chasing, nipping, poking, barking, circling, gathering, strong prey instincts toward smaller animals, territorial instincts toward strange dogs) are inappropriate in a normal household setting.
Trying to suppress these "hardwired" behaviors, without providing alternate outlets for their high energy level, can be difficult.
Australian Shepherds are also problematic in the health department. Heed the warnings on my Miniature Australian Shepherd Health Page and see my book for complete step-by-step advice on how to interview breeders about genetic testing and hereditary disorders. |
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