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Mini Aussie
Frequently asked questions
Welcome to our Run’n Bear Mini Aussie FAQ page, your ultimate resource for everything you need to know about this incredible breed! Whether you're considering bringing a Miniature Australian Shepherd into your home or already have one as a beloved companion, we know how important it is to have the correct information to ensure your pup's happy and healthy life. Our FAQ page is designed to provide detailed answers to the most common questions about temperament, care, training, exercise needs, grooming, and overall health.
The Mini Aussie is a remarkable breed, cherished for its intelligence, affectionate personality, and unmatched loyalty.
These dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living environments, from active households to quieter homes with plenty of mental stimulation. Their compact size and energetic yet loving nature make them an excellent choice for families, individuals, and those looking for a devoted companion animal. Whether you’re curious about their exercise requirements, compatibility with children and other pets, or seeking tips on training and socialization, our comprehensive FAQ section has got you covered.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are known for forming strong bonds with their families, and their eagerness to please makes them a joy to train. However, like any breed, they have specific needs and characteristics that potential and current owners should understand.
By exploring our FAQ page and our Blog, you’ll gain valuable insights into raising a happy, well-adjusted dog from puppyhood to their senior years. We’re here to help you navigate every aspect of Mini Aussie ownership so you can fully enjoy the companionship of this loyal and energetic breed.
Below, you'll find in-depth answers to frequently asked questions, allowing you to better understand and care for your Mini Aussie. Whether you're a first-time owner or a longtime lover of the breed, we hope this guide helps you build a rewarding and loving relationship with your best friend!
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Can you describe the temperament of your puppies and how they adapt to different family environments?Our Miniature Australian Shepherds are known for their balanced, friendly, and adaptable temperaments, making them ideal companions for a variety of family environments. They are intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, which allows them to bond deeply with their families. Whether you’re an active household looking for an energetic adventure partner or a quieter home seeking a loyal and loving companion, our Mini Aussies adjust seamlessly to your lifestyle. Their early socialization ensures they are well-prepared to thrive in homes with children, other pets, or even first-time dog owners.
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Do you offer delivery services for your puppies, and what are the available options?See our our Adoption Process page for all the ways to get your puppy. There are several in-state options, and for transporting puppies out of state we recommend using Citizen Shipper. Please feel free to contact us if alternative options are needed and let's see if something can be worked out.
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What should I feed my new Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy?We use Purina Pro Plan dry puppy food.
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How can I effectively train my new puppy and establish good behavior early on?Start with basic obedience training and socialization. Consider enrolling in a puppy kindergarten class for professional guidance and to help your puppy interact with other dogs. We also recommend Baxter & Bella online training program.
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Which veterinarian do you use for health checks and care of your breeding dogs and puppies?We have used Ellijay Animal Hospital for 10 years. Dr. Jeff Redman is an excellent veterinarian!
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Do Mini Aussies make good family dogs, and what traits make them suitable for family life?Miniature Australian Shepherds are incredibly devoted to their humans and enjoy being involved in family activities. They are gentle with children, good with other pets, and easy to train. Due to their strong working heritage, they thrive in families willing to provide obedience training and exercise, allowing them to be part of the family. While they are incredibly loyal, not all Mini Aussies may be outgoing toward strangers.
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How much exercise do they need?Miniature Australian Shepherds need moderate exercise, but can fulfill their needs more quickly than larger dogs. They are relaxed indoors with their family, but adult Mini Aussies can also enjoy activities like jogging and hiking. When one of our dogs has gone to visit and stay with family at an apartment, 3-4 solid walks a day have been able to satisfy them physically.
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What should I look for when choosing a Mini Aussie breeder to ensure they are reputable and ethical?Look for a reputable breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and proper socialization. Check for health clearances, good breeding practices, and positive reviews from previous buyers.
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How much do Miniature Australian Shepherds shed, and what can I do to manage their shedding?The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a moderately thick double coat that sheds twice a year. Regular brushing once or twice a week will help minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat healthy.
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What are the grooming needs of Mini Aussies?Grooming needs vary from Aussie to Aussie depending on their hair length, but Aussies are generally not very high maintenance. Personally, we bathe our dogs once a month and brush them once a week. Dogs with longer hair may require more brushings, and their owner should be on the lookout for knots and mattes in their fur (especially on the neck and backside). If the knots cannot be brushed out, you can just cut them off with scissors. Everything possible can get caught up in an Aussie's fur if they've been running outside for a while, so be on the lookout to pick little burs and seeds out when they return home. Going to a professional groomer never hurts. We take our dog Bear to a professional groomer once a year, and he looks great for months and months.
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What important questions should I ask breeders to make sure I’m selecting a healthy and well-bred dog?When selecting a Mini Aussie breeder, ask about their breeding practices and health screenings. Inquire if they perform genetic testing for common breed-specific conditions and ensure the parents are health-tested. Ask about the puppies’ socialization process, vaccination schedule, and if they come with a health guarantee. Additionally, find out if the breeder offers ongoing support after purchase and if they follow ethical breeding standards to prioritize health, temperament, and genetic diversity.
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What is the typical price range for your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies?Our Puppies range from $1,800 to $2,000 or more, depending on the color of coat. Please be cautious of prices that seem too low.
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What are the official size standards for Miniature Australian Shepherds?MINIATURE: The height of both males and females is 14 inches up to 17.99 inches at the top of the withers. TOY: Height for males and females is 10 inches up to 13.99 inches at the top of the withers. Withers are the ridge between an animal's shoulder blades. They are the standard location for measuring the height of horses and dogs.
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What additional health screenings or tests do you perform on your breeding dogs to maintain high standards?In addition to DNA testing, our dogs' eyes are tested at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital according to The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) standards by Ophthalmologist Dr. Katheryn Diehl. Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA) screens dogs for the presence of heritable eye disease. Most eye diseases are thought to be genetic, but the specifics of many diseases have not been identified to date. Screening breeding dogs decreases the risk of heritable eye disease being transmitted to puppies. We test our dogs for hip dysplasia when they reach two years of age. Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) is a complex condition involving genetic and environmental factors that can cause varying degrees of pain and loss of function in the affected joint. No genetic test is available to date. Therefore, the recommended screening test is X-rays. Definitive reports include OFA radiographs taken after two years of age. "Breeders can effectively prevent hereditary hip dysplasia by thoroughly screening their breeding dogs for the disease. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health testing is highly reliable. It enables breeders to assess their dogs' hip condition accurately, ensuring that only dogs with normal grade or higher hip joints are chosen for breeding.” - American Kennel Club.
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What is the difference between the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR)?AKC dogs are registered as Miniature American Shepherds, while ASDR dogs are registered as Miniature Australian Shepherds.
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Are the puppies vaccinated before they leave your care, and what vaccinations do they receive?Our puppies receive the 5-way initial vaccine, but it's essential to follow up with your vet for additional puppy vaccinations.
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What forms of payment do you accept for reserving or purchasing a Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy?We take payment through cash, Zelle, Venmo, or credit card. We only accept checks for deposits only.
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What size are your Mini Aussies, and what is the typical weight and height range?Our dogs are 13 to 17” tall and weigh between 20-30 pounds. Females tend to be smaller in size.
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Are Miniature Australian Shepherds good with children and other pets?Yes, with proper socialization, they can be great with children and other pets. Early introductions and supervised interactions are essential. It has been our experience Miniature Australian Shepherds are great with kids.
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What is the best way to properly socialize my Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy to ensure they are well-adjusted?Expose your puppy to a variety of environments, people, and other animals. Positive experiences during this critical period will help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult. Your puppy should have all its shots before going to a dog park or out in public.
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What genetic screenings do you perform on your breeding dogs to ensure the health and quality of your puppies?Our genetic health guarantee is based on the thorough genetic testing we perform on our breeding dogs. We test for health conditions currently relevant to Miniature Australian Shepherds. Both parents have been tested to confirm their freedom from the listed genetic abnormalities. - Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, cmr1 (BEST1 Exon 2) - Collie Eye Anomaly, Choroidal Hypoplasia, CEA (NHEJ1) - Craniomandibular Osteopathy, CMO (SLC37A2) - Day Blindness, Cone Degeneration, Achromatopsia (CNGB3 Deletion, Alaskan Malamute Variant) - Hereditary Cataracts, Early-Onset Cataracts, Juvenile Cataracts (HSF4 Exon 9, Australian Shepherd Variant) - Hyperuricosuria and Hyperuricemia or Urolithiasis, HUU (SLC2A9) - MDR1 Drug Sensitivity (ABCB1) - Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 6, NCL 6 (CLN6 Exon 7, Australian Shepherd Variant) - Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8, NCL 8 (CLN8, Australian Shepherd Variant) - Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd (PRCD Exon 1)
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Do you take back dogs that were previously purchased if the family can no longer care for them?We understand that circumstances change, so please know that we are here to take back any of our dogs at any time, regardless of their condition. We won't ask for personal information or reasons for the return.
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Do you microchip the puppies before they go to their new homes, and is there a registration process for the microchip?All of our puppies are micro chipped with paid lifetime registration before they go to their new homes. At Run'n Bear, we include our contact information as the alternate on the dog's microchip. This ensures that we can assist in locating and retrieving the dog if it escapes while you are out of town. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of your dog, and having our contact details on the microchip will help expedite the process if such a situation arises.
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Are they easy to train, and what makes them a good choice for first-time dog owners?Miniature Australian Shepherds are known for their high intelligence, eagerness to please, and trainability. With proper training and dedication from their owners, they can excel in learning. We have been consistently amazed at how fast they have learned things.
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Do you offer breeding rights for your Mini Aussies, and if so, what are the costs associated?Occasionally, we offer breeding rights for an additional $1200.
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