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The Mini Aussie Sheltie Mix is a unique and lovable breed that combines the best qualities of both the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog. They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand between 13-18 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their coats can vary, but often feature a mix of the Mini Aussie's merle and blue merle patterns with the Sheltie's sable or tri-color patterns. This blend of colors can result in a truly one-of-a-kind appearance for each Mini Aussie Sheltie Mix.
These dogs are highly intelligent and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. With proper training and care, they can thrive as beloved family pets.
Temperament and Characteristics
Mini Aussie Sheltie mixes are known for their intelligence and loyalty, forming strong bonds with their human families. They thrive on physical and mental stimulation and enjoy activities that challenge their agile minds and bodies.
These dogs can be a bit spunky and inquisitive, so be prepared to keep them engaged and entertained. They require attention and socialization to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their herding background may lead to herding instincts, such as nipping at heels or trying to corral other pets or family members, but with proper training and socialization, these behaviors can be managed effectively.
American Personality
They can be a little bit spunky, so be prepared for an inquisitive little fella.
All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone, so plan on putting forth effort to socialize them.
This will reap dividends in the long run, so it's worth the extra work.
They can have a mind of their own, so please use positive reinforcement.
They thrive on attention and interaction, so enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.
Health and Diseases
As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Mini Aussie Sheltie mix.
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Hip dysplasia is a common problem in this mix, caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect this issue early on.
Shel-Aussies, like all dogs, require regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and proper grooming to stay healthy and happy.
Collie eye anomaly and progressive retinal atrophy are two eye problems that can affect your Mini Aussie Sheltie mix, potentially leading to blindness.
To ensure your dog's health and well-being, it's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs.
Here are some common health issues that can affect your Mini Aussie Sheltie mix:
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
In addition to these health issues, your Mini Aussie Sheltie mix may also be prone to joint dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Exercise and Care
A Shel-Aussie mix needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks and playtime are essential to burn off their high energy.
Give your mini Aussie Sheltie mix long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This will prevent destructive behaviors and keep them from getting bored.
A tired Shel-Aussie is a well-behaved Shel-Aussie, so make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for them to run and play.
Exercise
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Exercise is essential for Shel-Aussies, who need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
Daily walks are a great way to burn off their energy, and playtime in the backyard is also a must.
Interactive games are an excellent way to stimulate their minds and keep them engaged.
Puzzle toys and training sessions can also help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
A tired Shel-Aussie is a well-behaved Shel-Aussie, so make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore their surroundings.
By incorporating regular exercise into your Shel-Aussie's routine, you can help them stay fit, healthy, and happy for years to come.
American Dog Care
You'll want to get ready for some serious vacuuming with an American Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog mix - they're heavy shedders! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
A tired dog is a good dog, so plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. They have a high energy level, so this exercise will keep them from being destructive.
Break training sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher - they can be a bit challenging to train. A firm, strong hand is necessary to help them understand their place.
Praise them when they do well, as they're intelligent dogs who love to please and respond best to positive reinforcement. The more exercise they get, the easier they will be to train.
American Feeding
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A mix like the Miniature American Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so a balanced diet is crucial.
Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight, which can lead to a range of health issues.
A good diet to look into is a Raw Food Diet, which will be especially good for the Wolf background.
A raw food diet can help support the overall health and wellbeing of your dog.
Grooming and Maintenance
Regular grooming is essential for your mini Aussie Sheltie mix, as they have a dense double coat that sheds heavily. They need to be brushed at least once a week, and daily during shedding season.
Using a pin brush, gently work through their fur, paying extra attention to areas prone to knots, such as behind the ears and on the armpits. Regular grooming also helps prevent mats and tangles.
Baths are not necessary for your mini Aussie Sheltie mix, as their coat is water and dirt resistant. However, an occasional bath may be needed to keep them clean and odor-free.
Trimming their nails regularly is crucial to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. It's recommended to trim their nails around once or twice a month.
In addition to brushing and nail trimming, regular grooming sessions provide an opportunity to check for signs of infection or other issues in their ears, teeth, and eyes.
History and Size
The Mini Aussie Sheltie mix is a relatively new hybrid breed, emerging in the early 2000s.
Their size is a result of breeding the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog, with adults typically weighing between 15-25 pounds.
They are a medium-sized dog, with a height range of 13-15 inches, making them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.
History
The Shel-Aussie breed history begins with the Australian Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog, two parent breeds that originated from different parts of the world.
The Shetland Sheepdog was developed in the Shetland Islands, which are located off the mainland of Scotland, and was bred with various dog breeds introduced to the islands in the 1700s.
The Australian Shepherd most likely originates from the Basque region in the Pyrenees Mountains, which are located between France and Spain, and got its name due to its association with shepherds from the United States who came from Australia.
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The Shetland Sheepdog began gaining popularity as a companion pet in the 19th century, while the Australian Shepherd was used to herd large groups of sheep and cattle, excelling in tight quarters, and gained popularity after the Second World War.
The Australian Shepherd was often seen in rodeos, horse shows, movies, and television programs, showcasing its herding abilities and versatility.
Size and Weight
The Miniature American Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog mix is a relatively small dog, with a height range of 13-18 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight is also manageable, typically falling between 20-31 pounds, making them a great fit for apartment living or for owners who want a low-maintenance pet.
The lifespan of this mix is around 13-15 years, which is a decent amount of time to enjoy the companionship of your furry friend.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a breed that's known for its herding instinct, which is a great trait for a dog that's going to be a part of an active family.
Their intelligence is one of their most impressive qualities, and it's a big reason why they're often used as working dogs.
With the right training, an Australian Shepherd can learn just about anything you want them to.
This breed is also known for being loyal and affectionate, making them a great addition to any family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aussie sheltie mix called?
A Shel-Aussie is a hybrid dog resulting from the cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog. This unique mix combines the intelligence and energy of its parent breeds.
How big will a mini Aussie be?
A Mini Australian Shepherd will typically stand between 13 to 18 inches tall and weigh between 20 to 35 pounds.
Sources
- https://www.sidewalkdog.com/shel-aussie/
- https://wagwalking.com/breed/shel-aussie
- https://www.greenfieldpuppies.com/miniature-australian-shepherd-mix-puppies-for-sale/
- https://www.dogbible.com/en/breeds/australian-shepherd-shetland-sheepdog-mix
- https://shopforyourcause.com/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd/shetland-sheepdog_sheltie/mix
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