Hi everyone, I've just joined the forum to get some info on Miniature American Shepherds, so if you could help me out, that would be great! ;)
1) I live in a 95-square-metre flat. I'd be able to take the dog out: in the morning (10-15 mins), at lunchtime (25-35 mins), when I get back from work around 4:30 pm (1 to 1.5 hours), and in the evening before bed (15-25 mins). On Wednesdays I'm home all afternoon, and at the weekend we'd do big walks with the family, games, agility... Do you think that's okay?
2) Do Mini Aussies bark much, or is it just to alert you to danger?
3) I have a rabbit and two children (aged 10 and 13) – is the dog likely to react badly to them?
4) The dog would be on its own for about 7 hours a day, except on Wednesdays when I'm home all afternoon and at weekends when I'm not working. Is that too long for the dog?
5) I've read that they are about 35-45cm (14-18 inches) at the withers, but how tall are they including their head?
6) I've never had a dog before – is a Mini Aussie a good breed for a first-time owner?
I hope you can help me out with some answers, thanks in advance! ;)
Translated from French
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Miniature American Shepherds do perfectly well in a flat, as long as it's quite spacious—it’s even better if you’ve got a large terrace. I’ve got a 5-month-old blue merle with turquoise blue eyes myself, plus a Yorkie and a Jack Russell. It’s a must to take them out very often and be able to let them off the lead so they can really burn off some energy. They’re a brilliant breed; so kind and cuddly, they’re a total joy.
I’ve got a Miniature Australian Shepherd; he’s not a problem dog at all, he’s brilliant and learns so fast! I live in a flat and I’m out every now and then as I’m a student. He was a bit destructive when he was a puppy, but he’s 6 months old now and I can leave him in the flat without any trouble. That said, it’s a breed that really doesn’t cope well with being left alone or not getting enough exercise, so if you get one, make sure he gets at least one proper walk a day and take him out to do his business as soon as you get home :) He isn't massive, but mine is a bit of a big baby—he’s already 33 lbs (about 2 stone 5) and isn’t overweight at all ^^ (they can reach up to 40 lbs :p). Otherwise, he’s just so cute, very affectionate, funny... though a bit stubborn about certain things :) And he never barks, unless he’s scared, which doesn’t happen very often anyway ^^
Right... what else can I say? I’ll post a photo so you can see him! ^^
I’ve got a Miniature Australian Shepherd in a flat and it’s gone really well! There’s no barking at all, just a bit of whimpering when I first leave him. He can be a bit destructive when left alone if he hasn’t had enough exercise, but otherwise, there are no issues :) He’s a brilliant dog who’s a very quick learner, but he is extremely active! It’s best to have a garden, but if that’s not an option, leave him in a room where he can look out of the window when you’re out, and make sure there’s nothing within reach for him to destroy to pass the time. Also, 7 hours is a long time without a break, especially when he’s a puppy. You could always get a pet sitter to come and give him an hour’s walk and play with him ;) Anyway, :) he’s a fantastic dog and there are no problems at all, even in a flat!
Hi there! Miniature American Shepherds adapt really well to family life, but they do need plenty of exercise. Your walking routine sounds spot on, though—after all, if we all had to pack in work just to have a dog, it wouldn’t be possible! The main thing is making sure they get a proper run-around at the weekend and involving them in as many activities as you can. Mini Aussies are brilliant with kids because they absolutely love to play. They might bark to alert you to things, but it’s never aggressive. They’re very sociable, so living with your other pets won’t be an issue at all! They are real "Velcro dogs" and will want to be right in the middle of all your family activities. They make a brilliant first dog!
No, definitely not an Australian Shepherd; they would need far more exercise.
But you could look at Tibetan Terriers, which are brilliant dogs. They’re fine being left alone without getting into any mischief and they’re great with kids (check out the Shen Hdsin website; they’re a good breeder and have some really helpful info on the breed).
You’ve also got Beagles, which are lovely dogs, perfectly fine for a flat, and they absolutely adore children.
Brittanys are the same.
Mind you, it’s true that no dog likes being left on their own all day long.
