Miniature German Shepherd – Complete Facts On The Mini Version

• Size: Medium
• Dog Breed Group: Working
• Purebred: No
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
• Height: Small
• Weight: 25 to 30 pounds
• Coat Appearance: Thick and double coat
• Coat Colors: Red, Black, White, Cream, Brindle, Tan etc.
• Temperament: Intelligent, Athletic, Kids friendly, Energetic, Playful, Sweet
• Good With Children: Yes
• Intelligence Level: High
• Grooming: Moderate
• Suitable For Apartments: Yes
• Need For Exercise: High
• Easy To Train: Yes
• Good For First Time Owners: Yes
• Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid imbalance
• Average Price: $600 to $1000

Size

They do not have a size range. These are smaller dogs compared with standard German Shepherds(Black or White). These dogs weigh between 25 to 50 pounds.

Miniature German Shepherd Lifespan

The lifespan of Mini German Shepherd depends on her health and of her parents. Considering these factors, you can expect these dogs to live for 10–15 years.

They inherit the characteristics of both parents and become –

Great pets for families – It is an intelligent, quick learner, well-adjustable, obedient and sincere to his owner. These traits make them a lovely pet for families.

Wonderful working dogs – These dogs have herding trait inherited from his parent. This will help him to be an assistance dog.

Companion dogs – They are expressive. This trait helps the owner and the family to feel comfortable.

Lovable pet for kids – They are active and protective. They keep the children engaged with long hours of play sessions.

Besides the above, the other traits of miniature German Shepherds:

• Loyalty
• Enthusiasm
• Energetic
• Pleasing personality
• Easy to train
• Intelligence in balancing work and play

These traits help them to work as guard dogs, therapy dogs and to help in search and rescue operations.

You can easily train the miniature German Shepherds as they have their own characteristics. But, it may take time for you to get attached to the dog as they are sensitive.

If you believe you are a good trainer and want to train your mini GSD, here are a few tips:

• Provide proper socialization training from the young age to make him a wonderful pet.
• You will feel pleasure to train them as these dogs are fast learners.
• You can train him to become a search and rescue dog due to his intellectual nature.
• Provide obedience training as they excel.
• Take her for walking a long time every day to stay healthy.

Miniature German shepherds do wonders if trained properly by a professional dog trainer.

Miniature GSDs are not demanding dogs. Yet, you have to provide him with a balanced diet of proteins and vitamin supplements.

You have to avoid:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Foods having fillers
• Raw meat
• Chocolate

You can easily maintain the miniature German Shepherd. These dogs have soft hair. So, you can use a simple brush and groom him.

You have to brush her coat for few times each month if he spends outdoors most of the time.

Miniature GSDs can stay in both cold and warm climates. Yet, take him to the vet for regular checkups.

Miniature German shepherds are crossbreeds. So, she has more possibilities to inherit diseases from her parents.

Thus, it is essential to ensure with the breeder about the health conditions of your miniature German shepherd. Also, inquire with the breeder for other breeds used at the time of breeding and the hereditary diseases in them.

Now, take a quick glance at a few inherited diseases of mini GSD:

• Hip dysplasia – A genetic disorder in that the hip joint malfunctions and leads to hip arthritis by aging. Medications will help to prevent hip degeneration.
• Degenerative myelopathy – A neuro disorder. The dog’s spinal cord degenerates and leads to partial or complete paralysis. Harnesses help for your mini’s easy life as no effective treatment is available.
• Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency – A digestive disorder that can be fatal. Early identification and treatment help them to get relief.
• Prone to allergies
• Thyroid imbalance – Thyroid hormone may be underactive or overactive and lead to an imbalance in the levels.

You should be aware of the breeders who sell the runts of litters as mini German Shepherds. Because runts have a poor health condition and their immune system is weak.

It is recommended to take your mini GSD to the vet for examination after you own her. This will help you to be aware of the diseases if your mini German Shepherd has and you can get advice from your vet to prevent them as well.

Want to name your marvelous miniature German Shepherd? Here are a few fabulous names:

Price

Miniature German shepherds cost anywhere around $600 to $1000 in America.

A puppy of German Shepherd and Border Collie mix costs around $950.  A German Shepherd and Poodle mix puppy will cost up to $900.

Miniature German Shepherd Breeders

Finding a reputable breeder is an essential task for pet owners. Specifically for designer dogs, you need to be more careful. Always inquire the breeders with words “purebred” or “teacup”.

Ask the breeder about the puppy’s parents and medical history. Ask him about vaccination details, health clearance for hip dysplasia and other diseases.

You can inquire about them with the AKC Rescue Network groups and AKC Breed Clubs located in all the states of America.