Miniature German Shepherd Owner’s Guide

Have you recently seen a Miniature German Shepherd? They are a crossbreed that has become increasingly popular with families and on working farms. They are adorable pooches that not only look stunning but they also have some fantastic traits that can make them the perfect pup for active owners. So, let’s take a closer look at some common traits of the Miniature German Shepherd.

What Can I Expect from the Miniature German Shepherd?

The Miniature German Shepherd is a loyal and protective companion that is going to fit into a loving family environment, as well as be a working dog. Despite what you may think, the Miniature German Shepherd is not a purebred dog. In fact, they are crossed with a Border Collie or Poodle, depending on the breeder. This can reduce their size and create the amazing Miniature German Shepherd. Your Miniature German Shepherd can be the popular colors you would expect, such as tan with a black saddle, as well as all black or sable.

Once they are an adult, you can expect your Miniature German Shepherd to reach a height of around 20 inches tall. In addition, they can weigh up to 50 pounds. Of course, this is a lot more manageable a size if you live somewhere like an apartment or a house without a large yard. Since there is no official breed standard for the Miniature German Shepherd, these numbers can vary slightly depending on the parents.

Do They Need a lot of Grooming?

The Miniature German Shepherd has a lot of fur. This means that there is going to be some maintenance required and some shedding involved during the year. Therefore, if you have allergies to dogs and sensitivity to pet dander, this is not going to be the right breed for you. Instead, you should look into dog breeds that are listed as hypoallergenic.

The Miniature German Shepherd has a double coat with thick fur. They will shed and leave hair around your home. In particular, you can expect there to be two bad shedding times during the year. Normally, a lot of their coat will fall out in Spring and in the Fall. It will help if you brush your canine every day. This is going to make sure that your furry friend does not suffer from matting. This can be uncomfortable for them.

Are They Smart?

Did you know that the German Shepherd is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world? The same goes for the Miniature German Shepherd. This pooch is intelligent and this makes them great to train. They can pick up commands very quickly and since they are loyal, they will listen to you.

Of course, since the Miniature German Shepherd is so smart, they will need a lot of mental stimulation during the day. They need to be entertained and want to think. Therefore, you will have to do your best to provide them with puzzles, games and toys that can test them. This is going to make sure that they do not get restless or look for trouble. Without enough mental stimulation, your Miniature German Shepherd might start to chew on furniture or your belongings.

Do They Need a lot of Exercise?

The German Shepherd was used as a working dog. In addition, if your Miniature German Shepherd was crossed with a Collie, they are also a working dog. Combined these two breeds need a lot of exercise during the day. The same is going to apply for your Miniature German Shepherd. Despite being smaller, they need at least 60 minutes of moderate physical exercise every day. If you are looking for a dog that you just walk around the block, this is not going to be the furry friend for you.

The Miniature German Shepherd is best suited for active families. If you are somebody that loves to go on adventures, whether that is hiking or running, the Miniature German Shepherd is going to be the perfect companion. They are always going to be enthusiastic and want to go with you. Plus, they will also be able to keep up too! They can also be a fun pooch to have at the dog park. As long as they properly socialized from when they are young, the Miniature German Shepherd can make furry friends. They can be dominant with other dogs but as long as this is controlled, it does not have to become a problem.

Where Can I Find a Miniature German Shepherd?

If you have decided that the Miniature German Shepherd is the perfect dog breed for your lifestyle and family, you will want to know where you can find one. The best place to look at your local animal shelter. This is going to be full of furry friends that are looking for their forever home. They might have Miniature German Shepherds that you can choose from. It is likely that you will find the standard size more often than the miniature. But it is still worth looking, as there is nothing more rewarding than getting a rescue dog.

You can also contact national charities and dog rescues to see if they have any Miniature German Shepherd. You can search online for suitable rescues, as well as seeing if anybody is trying to re-home their beloved companion. Again, it is likely that you will find more standard German Shepherds than miniatures. But this does not mean that you should not look. This can be a more affordable option than talking to a breeder.

Indeed, the last option that you have is contacting breeder for a Miniature German Shepherd puppy. If you would prefer to train your canine from a young age, this is going to be the best option for you. You will have to spend a considerable amount of time searching for a reputable breeder. In addition, make sure that you ask a lot of questions about how the dogs are raised and the health of the parents. This way, you can ensure that you are supporting breeders that care about their pups, as well as to receive a healthy canine to start your new life with.