A German Shepherd is a bold , level-headed , fast and active stock . But , what about a Miniature German Shepherd ?
A Mini German Shepherd will only stand at 15 to 20 inch and weigh a maximum of 50 Ezra Loomis Pound ; compare to the 25 inch and 75 pound of a full sizeGerman Shepherd … not quite sack - sized , but they do subsist !
This strain ’s athleticism and petite beauty will attract many people to them .
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Though not a purebred dog , this mini interbreeding breed is a German shepherd mixture with either apoodleor aBorder Collie , creating a combination of a household and working pet .
Let us guide you through this breed ’s temperament , personality , appearance and care requirements in our owner ’s guide .
Miniature German Shepherd – Breed Overview
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When it comes to the Miniature German Shepherd , there is more than meets the eye . In fact , a lot of masses do n’t realize that this breed is not a purebred dog .
The common misconception with a Mini German Shepherd is that they are a smaller purebred German Shepherd . However , this is known as nanism and is very rare .
A purebred German Shepherd is usually mated with a smaller breed such as a Miniature Poodle or a Border Collie to make a Mini GSD .
The Border Collie and the Miniature Poodle are two breeds renowned for their intelligence , just as the German Shepherd is . However , these breed are a smaller , medium - sized breed and therefore help make a miniature , fun - sized German Shepherd mix .
This breed is designed to have all the loveable feature of a German Shepherd but in a more compact size . They are suited to be both house favorite as well as working dogs .
There is no exact appointment when the miniature German Shepherd appeared in the US .
Miniature German Shepherd Puppy
As this breed is not a sodding breed dog , every litter will differ significantly . For example , a litter of German Shepherd Border Collies will differ in appearances to the German Shepherd Miniature Poodles .
With a Shepherd dam ( i.e. female parent ) each litter will contain about 6 to 8 Miniature German Shepherd Puppies on middling ; with a typical damage of $ 1000 USD .
Mini German Shepherd Temperament
patriotic , protective , level-headed , gymnastic and playful ; five adjective which absolutely describe this pocket - sized sheepherder breed .
The Miniature German Shepherd will love you as much as you let them . They will be glad to put up you with as many lick as your cheek and feet desire .
They may be little but they can be corking small safety equipment dogs due to their protective nature . Therefore , the correct socialization is required .
The Mini German Shepherd is a loyal companion suited to an individual or family.
acculturation is very important for this mini breed and should start at an former age ( ideally human socialization from seven week of age ) . Be indisputable to channelise them through right socialization so they do n’t get restrain and protective .
Being minor , they are full of vigor and their playful demeanor makes them the arrant kinsperson phallus if you have tyke who take to be entertain .
As this is a minor yet energetic strain , they are suit to a life style where there is a moderate amount of looseness time or exercising time . They make the everlasting hiking partner , running companion as well as cuddle buddy .
Yet , although they have a muckle of energy , they do n’t need a large back yard like their German Shepherd parent .
The miniature German Shepherd is suited to a image of surround :
Their more compact and portable size make them well-heeled to home than a full - size GSD . In sum-up , this hotdog has a very intelligent and loving disposition .
How to Care for a Miniature German Shepherd
Caring for your Miniature Shepherd is definitely not as wearing as worry for other German Shepherd Mixes .
They are small and more compact and therefore their dietary and exercise necessity are not as high .
Food and Diet Requirements
A strain the size of it of a Miniature German Shepherd , requires just about 30 small calorie per pound sterling of trunk weight per day .
This means that on average , this breed will require 1,500 calories per day . Although this may change in response to many factors such as their eld , sexual due date , size , activity degree and time of year .
So this strain will require three cups of dry kibble per day . You should test split these feeding up into multiple daily servings , judge feed your dog once in the morning and again at night .
Like other Shepherds , this breed may be prone to hypothyroidism ( i.e. low activity thyroid gland ) so be certain to check that their kibble has been arm with adequate vitamins and minerals .
Exercising a Shepherd
These whelp may be little but they are super playful and love activity . It helps provide them with the genial stimulation they require as well .
Try taking your dog for a paseo at least once a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and then complete off the evening with some play metre in your back pace .
A good biz for Shepherds is a classic game of fetch :
A fully grown German Shepherd will be 25 pounds bigger than a miniature.
This may take a petty clock time but your GSD should bewitch on rapidly . Even though at the beginning they may be a little cheeky and refuse to give up their novel found favored clod !
you’re able to try give them a healthy treat when they successfully play this secret plan the first few metre .
If walk get a little wearisome , try run or even cycling next to your dog . They will appreciate any style of practice they can get .
Brushing your puppy should begin as soon as possible so that they become accustomed to this routine.
You should aim for around one hr of workout per day . This will be sufficient to keep you and your whelp in figure , fit and active .
Training a Miniature German Shepherd
You are lucky that this Mini GSD is very healthy and therefore your puppy should learn new commands promptly .
Just like their parents , they make excellent students . In fact , your puppy will learn those introductory ; sit , stay , no statement in no time . There are plenty ofpuppy training tipsfor your miniature German shepherd . Obedience training and family breeding should be wide-eyed and take no time at all , once again making them a perfect family ducky .
The key to check your pup is to keep the training simple and logical . Whilst being fun , be patient and further positive behaviors through cocksure reinforcement training .
It is important that you cover all of the base when it comes to breeding . So be sure to incorporate mental stimulation and socialization too :
Once they are sure-enough enough , strain out puppy class and doggy Clarence Day tending so they can befriend fellow canines .
Being a smart breed , their brains need to be kept engaged . you may cater arousal through workout , training , bonding and game .
Known Health Problems
Unfortunately , even designer dog breeds may inherit some health problems from their pure bred parents . In the case of a purebred German Shepherd , we know many have health problem , to the extent where a new breed was breed to out - breed some of the proceeds . We have list below some of the master wellness concern with the Miniature German Shepherd :
Canine Hip DysplasiaThe German Shepherd is genetically susceptible to Hip Dysplasia meaning that this too may be surpass down to your miniature German Shepherd . Hip Dysplasia occurs due to a malformation in the joints of the rose hip . This may lead to lameness and finally operative treatment .
Physiotherapy may be offer by your Veterinarian in lodge to reduce any bother consociate with the disease . unluckily , ongoing trouble may conduce to surgery .
Bloat ( Gastric Dilation)Unfortunately your Miniature German Shepherd may also sustain from bloat . Bloat go on when your dog ’s stomach overfills from gasses putting insistence on other organs which may lead to severe painfulness . This disease is unsafe as the pressure can lead to further health issues such as cardiac and respiratory problems .
Appearance of a Miniature German Shepherd
There is a rationality that this stock is called a Miniature German Shepherd . They calculate precisely like them … although more petite of course of study . A German Shepherd which will stay half - sized forever .
They usually have tan pelt with a black saddleback . Although their fur may even sometimes be black , sable , white and even a combination of Shirley Temple with Red River or ash grey . Their adorable double coat is one of their best-loved accessories for the cooler month as it bring home the bacon them with that extra warmth .
Their eyes are brown and their ears are advance on top of their heads ( although when they are puppies they tend to lop down ) .
This breed ’s build is definitely athletic and bold . They stand at only around 15 to 20 in and weigh up to 50 lbf. ; compare to their German Shepherd parent who may count over 70 pounds .
One thing to recall is that the Mini German Shepherd is not a recognized breed and therefore variation between litters ( for instance size and appearing ) may be greater .
Specific Grooming Requirements
The grooming prerequisite of the Miniature German Shepherd are a mass like those of the purebred German Shepherd .
Brushing a Mini Shepherd is a necessity , because of their double coating . If you do n’t you may just stop up with a fresh found bed of carpet good manners of your pup .
You should brush the coating of your Mini GSD at least twice a week , and this may increase during the warm calendar month when your pup is getting rid of that extra pelage .
Blow - out are also something to keep in mind . These occur double a yr in response to a alteration in time of year . So do n’t be alarmed when you see your dog fall back A LOT of hair’s-breadth during this time period .
This breed is a hybridization , and it is not a purebred German Shepherd , therefore these requirements may differ in regards to their fur differences from either the Border Collie or Miniature Poodle .
Summary of Breed
The perfect breed for any German Shepherd buff who does n’t interest the blank space or effort for a regular German Shepherd .
This breed may be miniature but their personality stay as bluff as their parent strain .
Loyal , intelligent , playful and bluff ; all the characteristic and lulu of a on-key Shepherd makes this cover a perfect dog for any family or person . They are even perfect for children due to their playful demeanor .
Training , feeding and example requirement are well come across therefore contributing to this breeds growing popularity .