Miniature American Shepherd Care

The Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) is a small- to medium-sized, energetic herding breed that makes a great pet for active families. These dogs average 30 pounds, and their history as herding dogs means they'll try to control (or "herd") practically any moving object--which means they need lots of physical and mental stimulation! Overall Miniature American Shepherd care won't take a ton of work, but will need to include a good bit of daily exercise.

Here you'll find details on caring for a Miniature American Shepherd, including info about puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding and drooling tendencies. Get answers to your questions about raising a Miniature American Shepherd in the following sections!

As an energetic (but fairly small) herding breed, Miniature American Shepherd exercise requirements are relatively high. These dogs are also intelligent and task-oriented, so they'll need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make good jogging companions as well.

Adult MAS dogs will need 45-60 minutes of dedicated exercise per day, with the total amount depending on the dog's age and overall activity level. You can start exercising your MAS puppy at three months old by going on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Miniature American Shepherd exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're nine months old
• Strong herding instincts mean a leash is required when exercising in public
• Yards must be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Possible separation anxiety; exercises best done together with people

It's a good idea to exercise your MAS every day. These herding dogs are very active and enthusiastic, and without consistent activity they'll become frustrated, disobedient, and disobedient. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs love chasing a ball, stick, or Frisbee
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, your MAS will enjoy the company of other dogs
• Canine Sports: These dogs can excel at obedience or agility trials, flyball, and other events
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity

When indoors, giving your MAS access to balls or toys will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also good to have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs will need moderate care. Miniature American Shepherd shedding is seasonal: fair for most of the year, and heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. Drooling isn't an issue.

MAS dogs have medium-length, thick, double-layered coats that shed some throughout the year--but when they blow their undercoats in the spring and fall, the shedding can be quite profuse. Owners can brush their MAS dogs with a pin brush twice a week or so to help minimize the shedding (and to keep the coats mat- and tangle-free), and hair cleanup--vacuuming the floors, and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be necessary from time to time. (Brushing and cleanup will obviously be required more often during shedding season.)

And these dogs rarely drool at all. If your Miniature American Shepherd is drooling excessively, that might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.