Dog Breeds That Definitely Are Not German Shepherds
So, theres no word of a lie when you say that German Shepherds are one of the worlds most popular breeds of dogs apparently theyre second favourite breed globally. So, its no surprise when you leave the house with a dog thats not a german shepherd, that people assume it is.
Weve all been in that spot in the park Hey! Can I ask what breed your dog is? You tell them their actual breed and you get that curious look and a Are you sure? you tell them yes, explain why, whether its a KC cert, parents or all the other reasons you know they are what you say they are . Then with that quizzical look, they go Are you sure theyre not a German Shepherd? and thats when your temper gauge starts ticking up, and up, and up. So thats why this exists!
Lets myth bust a bunch of these breeds! Heres a collection of dogs that are most certainly not a german shepherd and theyre all either AKC or KC registered!
Miniature German Shepherd In A Nutshell
In this blog post, we answered many questions, including the mystery everyone has been asking, Is there a miniature German shepherd?
Some mini German shepherds are purebred, while some became small German shepherd due to a genetic fault. There are also dogs that look like a German shepherd but smaller with a parent from another breed.
Some can have different personalities, appearance, health issues, and so on. At the end of the day, you learned many valuable things in this blog post.
Many questions have been answered about miniature German shepherds. The truth was revealed. The most important thing is that you wont be falling for the tricks of breeders that are after your money.
Positives And Negatives Of Ownership
Positives
- Commonly Asked Questions:
Q: What is the proper name of the mixed breed Mini GSD dog?
A. Its a Miniature German Shepherd but sometimes shortened to a Mini German Shepherd or Mini GSD.
Q. How much does a Miniature German Shepherd puppy cost?
A. Buying a mini GSD puppy from a reputable dealer will cost around $1000, the Poodle mix is even more expensive.
An alternative is to adopt a dog from a rescue center puppy or adult. The cost of adopting a rescue dog is much less than from a breeder.
Warning: If considering a Mini GSD rescue dog it is important to find out about the circumstances behind why that dog ended up in a rescue center abuse, neglect, personality, behavior, or any other available details of the temperament or health issues of the parents.
Food costs around $30-$40 per month for an adult and given their possible health problems you must factor in Vets fees and accessories from a retailer like Amazon.
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Do Miniature German Shepherds Make Good Pets
They absolutely do!
The purebred Alsatian is much larger, which makes it a difficult pet to own if you are living in a smaller home.
This is not an issue with the miniature German shepherd.
While they do need space to express themselves, a regular 1-bedroomed apartment can be sufficient space for a miniature German shepherd.
Another key reason for their suitability as pets is the bonds that they form with their owners and their families.
If you have children, then there is no better companion than a miniature German shepherd.
They are adorable, loyal, and protective and physically active which should keep your kids physically engaged during hour-long sessions of play.
They are very receptive to commands and can be easily house trained within a short period of time.
The Small German Shepherd Loves To Play
As with any dog, this energetic canine requires physical and mental stimulation. They prefer to stay busy whether its a job, a variety of games, and skill challenges aside from the usual daily walks.
Miniature German Shepherds need about 60 minutes of exercise a day.
You may also want to consider enrolling your fur buddy in some classes or extra activities such as agility or rally tasks to help bring out their herding instincts.
Not only will this be a wonderful form of exercise for your dog, but it will also keep the Mini German Shepherds prey and play drives satisfied!
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Owning And Caring For A Mini German Shepherd
This particular breed is definitely not as high maintenance as some of the other German Shepherd crosses out there.
Their smaller size means Mini Shepherds dont require nearly as much exercise as their full-size parents, they generally live longer and are healthier than their parent breed, and they also wont eat you out of house and home either.
Miniature Vs Standard Differences
Miniature German Shepherds can be half the size of standards! This means they do not grow taller than 20 inches and weigh no more than 50 pounds. Due to their smaller size, minis have a slightly longer lifespan of 15 years.
At first glance, mini German Shepherds look just like purebreds.
They will likely keep the alert, athletic and muscular appearance of their purebred parent, but it will be on a smaller body.
Most keep the German Shepherds bi-color coat too. This means they are mainly tan and have a saddle-shaped black pattern on their backs. Other coat colors include: white, black, sable, black and silver, or black and red.
Breeders know there is a demand for mini breeds.
They generally increase the price of miniature German Shepherds. Purebreds can range from $500 to $1,500, but the adoption fee of a miniature German Shepherd will be at least $1,500.
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Miniature German Shepherd: 11 Pocket Sized Facts You Need To Know
The Miniature German Shepherd is a lot like its larger cousin, only in a smaller package!
Usually, the smaller size is bred in using either Border Collies or Poodles, but their temperament is still similar to that of a normal German Shepherd.
Agile, alert, and proud, this is an intelligent dog that is easily trained.
These dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
If you think you could keep up with this breed, then keep reading to learn all about caring for a Miniature German Shepherd
Contents and Quick Navigation
The Physical Characteristics Of The Miniature German Shepherd
From its highly descriptive name, and the common confusion with German shepherds that suffer from dwarfism, it is clear to say that the miniature German shepherd looks like a smaller version of the Alsatian.
It is a crossbreed between the Alsatian and another dog breed, sometimes a miniature German shepherd might pick some physical characteristics from its non-Alsatian parent.
Dont let its cuteness deceive you.
The miniature German shepherd is a powerful and physically impressive dog breed.
It has strong straight legs and a powerful physique, making it the perfect mix of cuteness and athleticism.
One of the key physical differences between the miniature German shepherd and a German shepherd with dwarfism is the proportion of the physical features.
The miniature German shepherd is perfectly proportioned while on the Alsatian suffering from dwarfism, there might be a size mismatch between the head and body sizes.
There is no reason why you shouldnt get an Alsatian that suffers from dwarfism.
But keep in mind
It comes with significant needs in terms of vet care that might be challenging for households working with tighter budgets.
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Miniature German Shepherd Breeders
Here are some sites to get you started on the search for the perfect Mini German Shepherd to call your own:
A Miniature Shepherd might not occupy the same space as a standard-sized GSD, but they still require a home that provides as much love as they give you.
Their bold and loyal personality, as well as their great temperament with children, makes for a wonderful family pet.
Treat it well, and keep it physically and mentally entertained, you and your Mini German Shepherd will spend many happy years together!
What can you say about Miniature German Shepherds? If you own one, whats your mini GSD like? Share your story by typing it all in the comment box below.
Other Issues With Miniature German Shepherds
Miniature GSDs are different from the usual German shepherds.
Those belonging in the mixed breed category can also inherit some traits of their other parent, such as barking, whining, or digging.
For example, white miniature German shepherds is a mixed breed with Maltese dogs.
Since this breed is known for being short-tempered with kids, this may make them too scary for kids, a possibility no family wants.
This may also make training harder, unlike standard GSDs that can easily be trained.
So as you already know, besides the health issues, youll have trouble with the nature of miniature German shepherd puppies. So its important to understand their personality better.
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What Health Issues Can A Miniature German Shepherd Suffer From
Hip Dysplasia this is common in many large breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog.
Continuous use, wear, and tear can lead to hip degeneration in one or sometimes both hips causing pain and limited mobility. Even with early diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to further issues such as arthritis, extreme pain, and even osteoarthritis.
Early warning signs are visual stiffness then walking, a reluctance to get up when prompted, and a difference in walking style limp or caution. It can occur at any age. The health history of the parents might help predict if its likely.
There is no cure for hip dysplasia pain management and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed by the Vet.
Bloat any dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from this dangerous excessive gas build up in the stomach that puts pressure on the other organs and causes extreme pain. It is particularly common in the German Shepherd breed and can be very dangerous if not relieved quickly. A trip to the Vet is often required. The trick is to help the dog eat or drink more slowly.
Other health issues include Degenerative myelopathy, Epilepsy, hyperthyroidism , and certain skin conditions or allergies.
What Does A Mini German Shepherd Look Like
If you want a dog that has the appearance of a German Shepherd but is not as big, then a mini German Shepherd is what you have been looking for.
A Mini GSD has the same colors and markings as a German Shepherd, along with many of its other physical characteristics.
The mini German Shepherd will still have the same double coat with a slightly wavy outer coat that is tan, black, or slightly red in color.
They may also have the same tail that curves downward along with the same large and erect ears.
There is also a chance you will find a mini German Shepherd with a unique coat that is all white, black, or even golden in color.
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What Health Issues Do Miniature German Shepherds Suffer From
Miniature German Shepherd does inherit a few health issues or conditions that they commonly suffer from its larger-sized parent. The common health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia, bloating , epilepsy, perianal fistula , hemophilia, hypothyroidism , megaesophagus , and degenerative myelopathy. Due to deficiency of thyrotropin in their thyroid glands, pituitary dwarfism is also common in the weakest pups of the litter. Most of these problems are curable with the right diet and treatment, whereas some are caused genetically and have no cure.
What Is A Miniature German Shepherd Anyway
German Shepherds have a lot of appeals. Theyre loyal, easy to train, yet love to play. Their size can put off many potential owners, however. A full-size German Shepherd needs a lot of room to play and run something a lot of people just dont have.
Thats where the miniature German Shepherd comes in: all of the beauty, loyalty, and intelligence but in a smaller size.
Before you start searching for miniature German Shepherd puppies, however, make sure you know what youre getting.
There is no such thing as a purebred miniature German Shepherd.
A mini German Shepherd is usually the result of crossbreeding a German Shepherd with a smaller dog breed.
The German Shepherds dominant genes usually come out in the form of their coat colors and patterns as well as some physical characteristics like the ears. This is why mini German Shepherds often look just like small versions of their purebred mom or dad.
The type of small dog bred with the German Shepherd will impact what a miniature German Shepherd will look like.
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What Other Tasks Are Good For Miniature German Shepherds
Even though these dogs are excellent as pets, service dogs, or emotional support animals, that is not all they are capable of doing. Miniature German Shepherds can also excel as working dogs.
A Miniature GSD living on a farm or ranch can be a great choice for even part-time herding duties. Mini-Shepherds with Corgi ancestry can be a good size for herding cows.
Dogs that have Sheltie or Collie ancestry will retain sheep-herding instincts.
Miniature German Shepherds make good watchdogs because of their protective nature. Even though they are smaller than most dogs used for police work, they can deter intruders with a fairly loud bark.
Another type of work that these dogs are very good for is search and rescue. They can easily cover different types of terrain very effectively.
This Breed Needs Its Exercise
As a crossbreed, its often said that a mixed gene pool equals a hardy disposition, but it still remains that the only way to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to health issues and longevity is to take a close look at the parents.
Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited disease from the German Shepherd parent. This painful condition occurs when an abnormality in the hip socket causes the dog to become crippled or experience agonizing arthritis.
To keep your small German Shepherd in good health, plenty of exercises is key. This breed is athletic with a high energy level that requires activity every day, whether its in the form of a long walk or playing ball.
This breed is also prone to canine hypothyroidism, which can cause obesity. For Mini Sheps, its recommended to add a high multivitamin supplement to their meals for prevention.
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Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
The Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toys come in a few different varieties and levels, which is great for dogs like the Miniature German Shepherd. The above puzzle toy is free of dyes and is made with dog-safe material, and we especially like that it utilizes treats to help keep your Miniature German Shepherd happy and engaged.
That said, we dont recommend leaving your dog alone with puzzle toys, especially if he is a heavy chewer. The toys will help keep him engaged but he could also chew it if he becomes bored, and this could lead to a choking hazard.
Your Healthy Miniature German Shepherd Puppies Buying Guide
Miniature German shepherds can be mixed with poodles, Maltese, and more. This means the dog might inherit different traits that you might not know of.
Sure, you can easily search up on the internet what breed are the miniature German shepherd puppies parents. However, the same doesnt go with obscure traits like temperament, health, and more can only be identified by checking the pedigree of the pooch.
Information such as the DNA line and health data are crucial things that you should know so you can take care of the miniature GSD properly.
Since some breeders will breed those with the dwarfism gene intentionally, its important to know how to handle these uncertainties.
Breeders that cannot answer questions about the parents or provide any documents to back their statements are likely to be the type that only goes after the money.
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A Brief History Of The Mini German Shepherd
Is it often asked if the Miniature German Shepherd isnt just a smaller size of the purebred German Shepherd?
The Miniature German Shepherd dog is not simply a mini German Shepherd, it is a mixed breed dog. It is possible to find a very small purebred German Shepherd dog but that would only occur due to dwarfism in the breed.
Fact: Pituitary dwarfism is a condition caused as a result of a rare genetic mutation in this purebred dog. Dwarfism in German Shepherd dogs is rare, and if it occurs the puppy may unkindly be referred to as the runt of the litter.
A Miniature German Shepherd is the result of cross-breeding. It is a cross between two different dog breeds a purebred German Shepherd dog and another smaller purebred such as a Collie, Border Collie, Poodle, or occasionally a Golden retriever, or even a tiny Yorkshire Terrier or a Corgi mix!.
When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it whats known as a designer dog this hybrid dog is sometimes nicknamed a Mini GSD.
Miniature German Shepherd Breed
The miniature German Shepherd is a mix between a German Shepherd and a small to medium-sized dog breed such as a Border Collie, Poodle, or Golden Retriever. It is not purebred.
Many people want the personality and temperament of a large dog, but in a smaller size.
The miniature German Shepherd is a perfect example of this.
Minis are bred to keep the work ethic, loyalty and obedience of the German Shepherd. Most importantly, though, this mix is bred to fulfil the demand for German Shepherd-like dogs that are smaller and more suitable for a wide variety of owners.
Miniature German Shepherds will not stand any taller than 20 inches when fully grown. This is six inches smaller than their full-size siblings. As adults, minis may only be half the size of a standard at 50 pounds in weight.
This mix is exceptionally intelligent, easy to train, and eager-to-please.
They are an excellent candidate for an emotional support or service animal.
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