Dog Breed Guide: Mini Australian Shepherd

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

The Australian Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.,¹ so it's no surprise that there's a pint-size version of this energetic, intelligent herding dog.²

Although the dogs share several traits, including gorgeous coats, an energetic nature and herding instincts,² the breeds don't share a name. The scaled-down version of the Australian Shepherd is often called a Miniature Australian Shepherd, but also goes by the moniker Miniature American Shepherd.³

No matter what you call them, these dogs are athletic, eager-to-please companions that make an ideal addition to active families,² leading Mini Aussies to be dubbed “the dog breed of the moment."³

History and Origin

The breed name is misleading. Australian Shepherds hail from Europe, not Australia.⁴

The Basques, who lived in the borderlands between France and Spain, used Pyrenean Shepherds as herding dogs; the dogs migrated to Australia alongside the Basques and were crossbred with other working dogs.⁴ It wasn't until the dogs arrived in the United States that the breed became known as the Australian Shepherd.²

Australian Shepherds were prized for their skill and stamina, and their love of horses made them an iconic part of cowboy culture in the American West.⁴ Petite Australian Shepherds working the U.S. rodeo circuit in the 1960s captured the attention of breeders, and the dogs that were smaller in stature were selectively bred to create a miniature version of the popular Australian Shepherd.²

The American Stock Dog Registry refers to the dogs as Miniature Australian Shepherds.⁵ The American Kennel Club considers the breed separate from Australian Shepherds and refers to them as Miniature American Shepherds.³

Physical Characteristics

For a breed with “mini" in its name, the obvious question is, “How big does a Mini Australian Shepherd get?" Mini Aussie height is 13 to 18 inches tall, and their weight is 20 to 40 pounds.² But it's not just their diminutive size that attracts attention—the dogs also have stunning good looks. The double-coated breed has straight or slightly wavy hair in multiple colors and patterns:⁵

• Blue merle
• Red merle
• Solid black
• Solid red

The breed might also have white markings and/or tan points. Mini Aussies have a distinct eye color that can be brown, blue, amber or a combination of colors.⁵

Mini Australian Shepherd Temperament and Personality

True to their working dog roots, the Mini Aussie breed is super smart and has stamina to spare. It's a breed that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Mini Aussies will be happiest in homes that allow them to show off their athletic side through activities like obedience, agility, tracking and herding.²

Care and Maintenance

Keeping Mini Aussies happy is simple: Get moving! These active working dogs love hiking, swimming, fetch, romps at the dog park, agility and other activities that keep them moving—and they need at least an hour of exercise every day.⁶

Regular grooming is essential. Mini Aussies are profuse shedders, and their waterproof double coat should be brushed at least once weekly to remove dead hair. During spring and fall, when these dogs experience seasonal shedding, brush them with a metal comb or slicker brush several times weekly. Their nails also need regular trimming.²

Feed Mini Aussies a high-quality dog food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and consider a diet formulated for active breeds.²

Health and Lifespan

The Miniature Australian Shepherd's lifespan is 12 to 13 years.² During this time, Mini Aussies are prone to some of the same health issues that affect Australian Shepherds.⁷

• Juvenile cataracts: This congenital disease causes an abnormal degeneration of the tissue in the lens. Although juvenile cataracts are painless, the condition can lead to partial or complete blindness in Mini Aussies before they reach 5 years old.⁷
• Progressive retinal atrophy: PRA is caused by a recessive gene that affects the retina. The symptoms are often mild and can include night blindness and eye dilation, eventually leading to complete blindness.⁷
• Hip dysplasia: This is the abnormal development of the hip ball and socket that causes the joint to rub, not glide. Diet, exercise, growth rate and muscle mass are among the factors that can influence the development of this genetic disease. Regardless of the cause, hip dysplasia is painful and can lead to degenerative joint disease, including osteoarthritis.⁸
• Luxating patella: Slight abnormalities cause the kneecap to slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Some dogs don't need treatment for luxating patella, also known as slipped kneecaps, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.⁹

Training and Socialization

Miniature Australian Shepherds are smart and eager to please. Dog training that focuses on basic obedience and socialization can help them reach their full potential as social and outgoing dogs that are playful, affectionate and good with children and other dogs.²

Although the breed is known for being adaptable to a range of environments, from urban apartments to rural ranches, their need for regular exercise and mental stimulation cannot be ignored. Boredom can lead to digging, chewing, barking and other undesirable behaviors, so it's important to provide plenty of activities that engage their minds and bodies.²

Suitability as a Family Pet

Thanks to their social and outgoing nature, Mini Aussies make wonderful companions. Families love the breed because Mini Aussies are good with children and other dogs and their eagerness to please makes them catch on to training.²

Mini Aussies have lots of energy and are best suited to active families who want their four-legged companion to tag along on bike rides, hikes, trips to the park and other adventures. The breed will thrive in a family that enjoys throwing balls, playing tug of war and then snuggling up under the covers together—because Mini Aussies are as affectionate and loyal as they are energetic.²

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Welcoming a Mini Aussie to your family is a big commitment. Make sure it's the best breed for your lifestyle, and remember that Mini Aussies need regular vet care, an appropriate diet, exercise, training and mental stimulation. These spirited little dogs will offer affection and companionship in return.

Pets Best offers dog insurance plans that may help you cover the cost of unexpected health issues that may arise with your Mini Aussie. Policyholders have access to veterinary experts through our 24/7 Pet Helpline, so you can get answers to questions and help ensure your Miniature Australian Shepherd receives the best care.

Sources/ Citations

1. “The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023," Melanie Haid (4/2024), American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/
2. “Miniature American Shepherd," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
3. “When a dog breed becomes a trend," Eliza Brooke (7/2019), Vox, https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/7/29/8930131/mini-australian-shepherd-american-aussie
4. “Australian Shepherd," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd/
5. “Standard, Miniature & Toy Australian Shepherd Standard," (n.d.), American Stock Dog Registry, https://www.americanstockdog.org/page/australian-shepherd
6. “How Much Exercise Does an Australian Shepherd Need? Vet Approved Advice," Genevieve Dugal (4/2024), Dogster, https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/how-much-exercise-does-australian-shepherd-need
7. “Health & Related Issues," (n.d.), Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America, https://www.masca-online.com/breed-info/health/
8. “Hip Dysplasia in Dogs," Ryan Llera et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs
9. “Luxating Patella in Dogs," Malcolm Weir et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs