Do Miniature American Shepherds bark a lot? Is living in a flat okay for them?

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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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! ;)

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Personally, I’d say yes, as long as you take him for an hour-long walk in the morning. The rest should be fine, especially if you spend loads of time with him on Wednesday afternoons and at the weekends.

    When it comes to the rabbit and the children, it’s all down to socialisation and boundaries (both the kids AND the dog).

    For a first dog, as long as you’re firm, consistent, and patient, you’ll be absolutely fine.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I’d definitely recommend a Whippet. As long as you make the effort to give them a proper off-lead walk every evening (an hour, even in winter), they’re very calm dogs to have in a flat as they don’t bark much and they sleep for ages. They have a cat-like personality indoors, but they're playful and energetic outside. If you can get them to some racing or lure coursing practice twice a month, it's even better for keeping them happy and content.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Mini Aussies have the same temperament as standard Aussies; they need plenty of exercise and company. For instance, even if you live in a house with a big garden, an Aussie would rather sit at your feet by the sofa than go running around outside without you! :) They are dogs that need human company, so leaving them alone for 7 hours a day just isn't an option. When I was a kid, we had a black tri Mini Aussie. Someone was usually at home because my mum was a childminder and worked from home or sometimes at her clients' houses. When we weren't around (well, you've got to go to work and school, haven't you?), she always had our other pooch for company. :)
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi!

    Miniature Australian Shepherds... my favourite breed :D

    Personally, I don't think that's enough walking time. A Mini Aussie is still a herding dog at heart and really needs proper exercise. If you can't take them out more than that, it's not ideal for this type of breed, but you can definitely keep them busy in the meantime by teaching them tricks, doing some heelwork to music, and so on...

    As for barking, I'm not entirely sure :/ The Mini Aussies I know only bark at me because they're happy to see me, but otherwise, they don't bark much (they don't really bark, they sort of whine :P). I'd say it all depends on the individual dog and their training. (I'm not 100% certain about the barking though, so just my two pence ^^)

    If the dog is well-socialised, I don't think there would be any issues with children. Plus, they’re generally dogs that get on really well with kids.

    Mini Aussies don't cope well with being left alone. 7 hours is a really long time for these dogs, though of course, being home alone is something that can be taught. But it's really not great for them to be left for such a long stretch.

    For a first dog, some people recommend them and others don't ^^

    Anyway, I hope this helps, but I'm not sure this breed would be the right fit for you.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Anyway, based on everything I’ve described, what breed would you recommend?

    PS: I’m not a fan of tiny dogs or really big ones (maximum 45cm/18 inches at the shoulder).

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Okay, thanks for your reply! But yeah, it’s the Miniature Australian Shepherd I’m after, not a Sheltie, even though I think they’re lovely! 3

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Mini Aussie? . . .

    Surely a Sheltie would be better?

    Wanting a 'mini' dog is just asking for trouble, in my opinion. Breed standards are there for a reason – to set proper benchmarks...

    An Aussie in a flat? No chance, unless you’re at home 24/7.

    A Sheltie, yes, provided you’re the sporty type.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    An Australian Shepherd in a flat?!

    Afraid not – they're a very, very active breed that needs a lot of exercise.

    I don't think it would really work.

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