MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERDS

Temperament

Our Take On the Breed

Our Take On the Breed

According to the AKC, this breed is "lovey-dovey," good with kids and other dogs, bright, loyal, lively, and exceptionally smart.
They WANT to please you which makes them very easy to train.
And Mini Aussies do best if you have time to spend with them as they are very social dogs.

Our Take On the Breed

Our Take On the Breed

Our Take On the Breed

This breed is sweet; energetic when you need them to be and a cuddle bud when you need to chill.
They're very smart and can think ahead so you need to stay on your toes when they're puppies.
Socialization is key to helping them become well-adjusted in any and all situations.

Puppy Expectations

Our Take On the Breed

What To Do the First Year

Forget sleep for the first few months as they may get up every 2-3 hours to go out.
MAS tend to be sensitive and respond much better to positive voices than negative ones, especially in the first year of life.
Puppies go through their teenage years around 7-9 months...fun, fun, fun, but they'll outgrow it quickly.

What To Do the First Year

What To Do the First Year

What To Do the First Year

Crate Train
Enroll in puppy training classes
Read books like "Dog Training 101" by Kyra Sundance
Sign up for info at the AKC website
Go to the vet for proper vaccines
Remember, what you put into your puppy that first year will make a huge difference in who they become as adults!

Grooming

What To Do the First Year

Grooming

Weekly brushing is great so start doing that as a puppy! Some shed a little, some shed a lot, but if you start this process early, your life will be easier later. They tend to get mats behind their ears so watch for that.
Start brushing their teeth at an early age as this helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay later in life.

Exercise

What To Do the First Year

Grooming

Puppies don't need a lot of exercise, but as they get older, they need physical activity like a walk or something structured.
Mental activity is even MORE IMPORTANT! There are lots of ways to stimulate their brain and routine training becomes boring for them.
After 18 months, these dogs can train for agility.