Mini Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale

overview of the Mini Australian Shepherd Dog Breed

Do you need an athletic, intelligent, hardworking dog that is loyal and protective?

Take a look at our Mini Australian Shepherd puppies for sale below!

Mini Australian Shepherds have the same desirable traits as the standard-sized Australian Shepherd, in a smaller version! With strong herding instincts, this breed is active and alert to details. Mini Australian Shepherds are beautiful, intelligent, easy to train, and the perfect size!

Mini Australian Shepherds, or Mini American Shepherds, are great for smaller living spaces; however, they still need vigorous exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of time spent with their owners!

Purchase your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy today and start enjoying your energetic, intelligent, and loyal new companion!

You can also view our large selection of puppies available for sale as well.

Mini Australian Shepherd temperament

Mini Australian Shepherd Breed Temperament

A Great Companion: Australian shepherds aren’t just hard workers; they are loving companions, too! They are eager to please their owners. Devoted and loyal, you won’t be lonely with this dog! They want to be by your side all the time and shouldn’t be left at home alone for long periods.

Active & Athletic: Australian Shepherds love to run, and they have athletic bodies to back up their energy. Their agile and muscular form, combined with their energy and high stamina, make them great dogs for active owners and sports competitions!

Herding Instinct: The breed was bred for herding, and it takes this natural tendency to more than just sheep or farm animals. It has been known to try and herd animals, and even people, using nips, barks, and other herding techniques.

Intelligent: The breed has a keen intelligence and will learn new things quickly. If you start giving them consistent training and feedback as a puppy, they will grow to be an obedient and smart adult dog.

Alert & Protective: As part of the herding instinct, the breed has a wary eye for strangers or other intruders that pose a threat. They are quick to bark when something doesn’t feel right, and their first instinct is to protect whatever they are supposed to be guarding.

Adaptability: Despite their herding background, Miniature Australian Shepherds can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Playfulness: Mini Aussies have a playful and fun-loving nature. They enjoy interactive play and games with their owners.

It’s important to note that individual dogs can vary in personality and behavior, even within the same breed. Early training, socialization, and a loving environment play a significant role in shaping a Mini Aussie’s temperament and behavior. If you’re considering bringing a Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy into your home, make sure to research the breed thoroughly and be prepared to provide the care, training, and attention they need.

Mini Australian Shepherd Breed history

Mini Australian Shepherd History

There are some unknowns about the exact history and breeds used to create today’s Australian Shepherd breed, but one thing is known:  The breed we have today originated from Europe, not Australia!

Although named in the United States, the breed’s early ancestors did not originate in the United States or Australia – they came from Europe, most likely in the Pyrenees Mountains region.

An indigenous group of people, called the Basques, developed a bloodline of herding dogs for their large flocks of sheep and cattle.  As Australia opened up to cattle ranchers, groups of the Basque people went to Australia to grow their herds and farms.

During this time, it is thought they bred their dogs with several various types of collies.  

After a few generations, groups of Basques began migrating to California in the 1800s.  As they settled into California, many of the nearby ranchers admired the herding dogs of the Basques.  

Assuming the dog breed had originated in Australia, these Californian ranchers incorrectly labeled them “Australian Shepherd Dogs,” not knowing their origins were mostly from Europe.

Since they arrived in California, the breed has been widely recognized as a staple on ranches, cattle farms, and living with cowboys.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) entered the breed into the Herding Group in 1993.

In the 1960s, smaller Australian Shepherds were often used in rodeos and other traveling equestrian shows. Their smaller size worked well for traveling, and the Australian Shepherds were bred smaller to create the miniature we have today! 

The breed was originally called “Miniature Australian Shepherd” and still is in many places; however, the breed is registered with the American Kennel Club as “Miniature American Shepherd.” Today you can even find delightful Australian Shepherd mixed breeds, such as the Aussiedoodle and the Mini Aussiedoodle. 

AKC has recognized miniature American Shepherds since 2015.

Mini Australian Shepherd Average size

Average Mini Australian Shepherd Size

Adult Miniature Australian Shepherds are 14-18 inches tall and weigh 20-40 pounds.

Average Mini Australian Shepherd lifespan

Mini Australian Shepherd Lifespan

You can expect your Miniature Australian Shepherd to live 12-15 years.

Mini Australian Shepherd body features

Mini Australian Shepherd Average Body Features

As you may have noticed, Miniature Australian Shepherds have unique eyes! Their eyes may be two different colors or a combination of colors, including brown, blue, hazel, and amber. They can also have flecks and marbling in their eyes. 

Their beautiful coats often are multi-colored. The primary color is usually a shade of black, blue merle, red, or red merle. Their coats are typically trimmed with white or copper, or both.  

Miniature Australian Shepherds have an inner, waterproof coat and an outer coat. Their outer coat is either straight or wavy and medium-long length.

grooming Your Mini Australian Shepherd Puppy

Grooming A Mini Australian Shepherd

Since Miniature Australian Shepherds have a double coat, they regularly shed a fair amount and even more during shedding season (usually twice a year). Because of their thick, beautiful hair, they’ll need a thorough brushing at least once a week and daily brushing during shedding seasons. Tools such as slicker brushes or undercoat rake will help to remove the shedding hair. 

Your Miniature Australian Shepherd will also need other basic care such as nail trimming and teeth brushing. 

Keeping Your Mini Australian Shepherd Puppy Healthy

Keeping A Mini Australian Shepherd Healthy

Miniature Australian Shepherds are a healthy breed; however, here are some conditions to be aware of:

• Deafness
• Cataracts
• Epilepsy

Two Mini Australian Shepherds with merle patterns should not be bred as their puppies can inherit recessive genes associated with blindness and deafness.
Here are the recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club from AKC.org:

• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA Test
• MDR1 DNA Test

Like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues among dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or potential lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from too much running on hard surfaces, especially when they are puppies.

Typical Mini Australian Shepherd Allergens

Average Mini Australian Shepherd Allergens

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both humans and animals shed these skin cells. Dander is attached to the hair that dogs shed. 

Because of their double coat and heavy shedding, Mini Australian Shepherds are not a good choice for some with allergies. 

 Allergens can be kept lower if they are brushed and bathed regularly and kept clean.  

If you have someone in your home with animal allergy concerns, please consult your family physician.

• How much exercise does a Mini Aussie need?
  Aussies are active dogs! Your Aussie should have at least 30-60 minutes of high-energy exercise per day. They may also appreciate some real work to do.
• Can Mini Australian Shepherds be left alone?
  Mini Aussies can become accustomed to time alone. However, keep in mind that a lonely, bored Aussie may become destructive. Make sure your Mini Australian Shepherd is well accustomed to being alone before leaving them for longer periods of time.
• Should I address herding behavior in my Mini Aussie?
  Yes! You should address herding behavior with a firm, gentle hand so your Aussie doesn’t start to think he is the alpha in the pack. Make sure he knows you are the one in charge.
• Do Mini Aussies bark a lot?
  Aussies are vigilant, protective dogs and some do bark a lot. They may bark continually for long periods of time if they are bored and under stimulated.
• Are Mini Aussies friendly to strangers?
  Some Aussies are very friendly with strangers. However, they tend to be wary around strangers and loyal to their families.
• Do Mini Aussies make good watchdogs?
  Aussies aren’t usually aggressive, but they are definitely watchful and wary. They will alert you to anything out of the ordinary.
• Why do Mini Aussies sometimes have different colored eyes?
  Aussies definitely have unique eyes! When an Aussie has two eye colors it is called heterochromia. It is a genetic phenomenon that only happens when both parents pass the heterochromia gene to a puppy. Puppies with heterochromia will also have certain coat colors. Different colored eyes is nothing to worry about in your Mini Australian Shepherd. It's just a unique character trait!
• Do Mini Aussies shed a lot?
  Mini Australian Shepherds are average shedders. Their coats will need routine maintenance to keep them looking good.
• Do Mini Aussies usually have docked tails?
  Mini Aussies may have their tails docked, but some breeders leave them long.
• Are Mini Aussies good for first-time dog owners?
  They can be. However, because of their herding instincts, Aussies have a tendency to assume the dominant role in a relationship. They may not be the best choice for a timid first-time owner.