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How Big Do Miniature German Shepherds Get

Miniature German Shepherd Price

Do German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers Really Get Along That Well?

Buying a purebred German Shepherd from a reputable breeder can be expensive. Depending on various factors such as breeder experience, bloodline, location, the number of puppies, etc., they can cost anywhere between $800-$5,000. So, how much is a miniature German Shepherd?

The average cost of a miniature German Shepherd is $1500, whereas the average cost of a purebred German Shepherd is $2000. Therefore, purebred GSDs are generally more expensive. However, you can adopt a mini German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter at a much lower price, between $100-$300.

The average price of around $2000 for a purebred German Shepherd comes from my original research in this article, How Much is a German Shepherd? 21 Examples! My German Shepherd has show bloodlines and cost me around $1100 a few years ago. However, prices have increased considerably since the pandemic.

One To Four Years Old

From one year old onwards, the physical differences that set dwarf GSDs apart from regular GSDs become more obvious. Some of the major changes begin with issues in their spine. Spinal issues in dwarf GSDs typically target the first two vertebrae in their cervical spine. Unfortunately, these issues cause excruciating pain for the dog and can sometimes lead to paralysis.

Moreover, due to their dwarfism, the so-called growth plate at the top of their leg bones will take longer than usual to fully close. As a result, despite their limited full-grown size, dwarf GSDs will continue growing at a slow and steady rate.

Around this age, most dwarf German Shepherds also experience severe alopecia. This causes the majority of their coat to fall off, leaving a big portion of their skin exposed.

It is also worth noting that the proportions of a dwarf German Shepherd, for the most part, are on par with normal. This means they will appear as a scaled-down version of a regular GSD rather than a dog with disproportionate body parts.

History Of The German Shepherd Parent A Purebred Dog

The German Shepherd parent is the most famous and the No 1 most popular dog breed in Germany and the 2nd most popular dog breed in the US according to the American Kennel Club .

This highly desirable and much loved purebred dog has a strong and impressive bloodline dating back to 1899, in Germany.

The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a skilled, powerful and obedient herding dog that was also used as a fearsome guard dog. Its known as a strong and intelligent dog that is easily trainable and therefore has been used successfully as a service dog, for protection purposes and in search and rescue roles for many decades.

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Miniature German Shepherd Maintenance

Miniature German shepherds are very easy animals to maintain. Here are the best products to take care of your German shepherd:

Chewy

With a coat of soft hair, grooming is easy with a few strokes using a simple brush.

Unless your dog spends most of its time outdoors, you might need to brush its coats a few times every month.

Exercise is the most important aspect of maintaining a miniature German shepherd. These are athletic animals full of energy.

Take your dog for one long walk every day to ensure it maintains a healthy way of life.

Miniature German shepherds can also stay in a wide variety of weather conditions.

They are very hardy and can withstand both warm and cold climates.

As with all animals, you should ensure that your dog has regular visits to the vet for health checkups.

Their feeding schedules are also not very demanding.

They require a balanced diet, with a bias on protein. They also require a high multi-vitamin supplement injection to their diet, to prevent Canine Hypothyroidism

My recommendations for the Miniature German shepherd include:

While They Are Smaller They Are Just As Active As Their Larger Counterparts

How Big Do German Shepherds Get?

Miniature German Shepherds are quite active! Just because they are smaller doesnt mean they require less exercise. They are quite active, especially as puppies. Of course, some are more energetic than others. Again, it depends on what breeds were used to make it. Poodle and Collie crossbreeds are both extremely active in most cases.

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How Do I Make Sure My German Shepherd Is Healthy

Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. An experienced veterinarian can assess your pets health, make general health and wellness recommendations, and look out for common, breed-specific conditions.

German Shepherds are particularly prone to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat due to their large size, deep chests, and high energy level. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Preventive care is truly a must for your dogs overall welfare to ensure they are able to live long healthy lives with you and your family.

Regular vet visits are crucial to your pets ongoing health and longevity. Its also essential to plan for the cost of accidents or illnesses. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars.

Only 19.44% of pet owners say theyd be able to cover a $5,000 expense out of pocket. Dog health costs are also more expensive than other pet healthcare costs due to dogs being larger in size. Since larger pets have higher healthcare costs, the German Shepherd breed is one of the most popular dog breeds to have pet insurance.

Miniature German Shepherd Corgi Mix

This hybrid is easy to train, yet the Corgi will be somewhat stubborn. Both breeds are herders, loyal, eager to please, and work hard. It can have barking problems and be destructive when left alone. These dogs can be pushy when untrained because both have alpha personalities.

Todays Welsh Corgi can be traced back to 1107 AD when artisan Flemish weavers relocated to Wales, taking their dogs along. Used to herd sheep, geese, ponies, cattle, and other livestock, this habit of dog work goes back to 900 AD.

German Shepherds are explorers and both breeds like adventure. Take it for walks in the woods or parks. They live from 11 to 14years.

The dog can be 15 to 20 inches tall and weigh from 40 to 70 pounds.

The cost for this breed is about the same price as a German Shepherd dog from $200 to $500.

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What Health Problems Can Miniature German Shepherds Have

Although these dogs are usually healthy, some health issues might be an issue. Many of these conditions are genetic, originating with some of the German Shepherd lines.

As crossbred dogs, Miniature Shepherds are less likely to have some of these health concerns to the same extent as purebred GSDs.

However, it is good to be aware of certain conditions common in German Shepherds that can also affect mixes.

What Health Issues Can A Miniature German Shepherd Suffer From

How Big Can Your German Shepherd Get? Breed History, Types, & Standards

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.

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Carpathian Or Romanian Shepherd

These dogs originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. They are also known as Ciobnesc Românesc Carpatin, Romanian Shepherd, Romanian Carpathian Shepherd, Câine Ciobnesc Carpatin, Carpathian Sheepdog, Carpatin, Romanian Carpatin Herder, and Rumanian Carpathian. They are bred to be strong, quick-moving, and smart enough to fight a wolf or lynx, immobilize a wolf or wild boar, and serve as a reliable working dog.

Personality And Temperament Of A Mini German Shepherd

German Shepherds are some of the most popular dogs and it is easy to see why this is the case. These dogs are bold, tenacious, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, devoted, loving, and protective.

When a crossed with a Border Collie or a Poodle, you can expect that the offspring will be very smart which makes him highly trainable.

You will surely be happy when you receive licks on your feet and your face from your Miniature GSD. He will also be happy to reciprocate the love you give him.

This dog may be small but he loves to play and is full of energy making him a perfect family dog that keeps young kids entertained.

They are known to create deep emotional attachments to their families.

You should, therefore, not leave this dog alone for long periods as he could suffer from anxiety and even become destructive.

Do not underestimate this pooch as he can be very protective making him a good guard dog and for this reason, he should be well socialized to get rid of any aggressive tendencies.

Traits

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How Much Does A Dwarf German Shepherd Cost Are They More Expensive Than The Standard Gsds

Because pituitary dwarfism is an unwanted health condition in dogs, there are not a lot of breeders who purposely breed dwarf GSDs. If anything, German Shepherd breeders are preventing dwarves from being born in the first place.

However, there are still many dwarf GSDs from backyard breeders and puppy mills. While some will try to sell dwarves as a miniature GSD, others will opt to put it up for adoption. Either way, if you decide to get one, you should be aware that they may cost $500 to $1,000.

Heres a breakdown of the things you also need to buy for a dwarf GSD before bringing it home:

Expenses
Total Initial Cost $330

Remember that your mileage may vary from the expenses shown above. If you already own some of these items, you might be able to save a few hundred dollars.

In addition to these initial expenses, there are also recurring expenses. These are things like vet checkups, dog vitamins, kibble, and more. You should expect to shell out an average of $1,000 to $2,000 per year on these things.

It is recommended to get a dwarf GSD through adoption from rescues. Not only will this save you a ton of money but it will also help save a dogs life.

Moreover, you should be prepared for additional medical expenses for your dwarf GSD. Remember they are sickly dogs that require very special care and regular medical attention.

Types Of Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd Life Span: How Long Do German Shepherds Live?

Shepherd or sheepdogs come in all shapes in sizes, with around 30 different types of shepherd dogs altogether. Some, like the Corgi, look unsuited for the role but perform surprisingly well. Others, like the Bouvier des Flandres, are more versatile farm dogs, undertaking a variety of roles, from guarding and herding livestock to pulling carts.

The following 16 types of shepherd dogs make great pets for energetic owners who are willing to put in the time necessary to keep them mentally stimulated and physically challenged.

Each type has its own physical traits and characteristics which can present problems in the wrong environment.

Find out what makes each of these shepherd dogs special and which would be the best dog for you and your family.

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Rescuing Is The Way To Go

When in doubt, rescue! There are plenty of dogs at shelters that need a second chance. There is also a possibility that you may come across a German Shepherd at the shelter. Yes, rescue dogs do need more effort, especially if their previous owners were abusive and they suffer from trauma, but dogs are naturally loving animals. With the proper amount of love, care and patience, a rescue can be just as loyal, loving, friendly, and healthy as one purchased from a breeder.

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Appearance Of A Miniature German Shepherd

There is a reason that this breed is called a Miniature German Shepherd. They look exactly like them although more petite of course. A German Shepherd which will stay half-sized forever.

They usually have tan fur with a black saddle. Although their fur may even sometimes be black, sable, white and even a combination of black with red or silver. Their lovely double coat is one of their favorite accessories for the cooler months as it provides them with that extra warmth.

Their eyes are brown and their ears are raised on top of their heads .

This breedâs build is definitely athletic and bold. They stand at only around 15 to 20 inches and weigh up to 50 pounds compared to their German Shepherd parent who may weigh over 70 pounds.

One thing to remember is that the Mini German Shepherd is not a recognized breed and therefore variation between litters may be greater.

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Are Miniature German Shepherds Aggressive Temperaments Of Miniature German Shepherds

Miniature German Shepherds take the best features from all the contributing breeds for one of the best dogs out there in terms of personality. It is this combination of features which makes Miniature German Shepherds ideal for use both as companions and working dogs.

Here are some of these awesome traits that you will get to see for yourself.

Dwarf German Shepherd Lifespan And Health Problems: Are They Healthy Dogs

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On average, a dwarf German Shepherd will only live until three to four years old. Due to their many health complications and imperfect bodily defenses, their lifespan is significantly shorter than a regular GSD.

Here are some of the most common health issues in dwarf German Shepherds:

  • Alopecia:Alopecia in dogs is the partial or complete loss of hair. This condition may be caused by ringworms, mites, and other fungal infections. In the case of dwarf GSDs, alopecia is due to hormonal imbalance.
  • Secondary Hypothyroidism:Secondary hypothyroidism is a health condition caused by the destruction of pituitary thyrotrophs. Dogs with this condition are prone to thinning hair, cold sensitivity, fatigue, and more.
  • Renal Failure:Renal failure is another consequence of dwarfism. Symptoms of this condition include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in urine, and decreased appetite.
  • Delayed Eruption:Delayed eruption is very common in dwarf GSDs. This health condition is characterized by the late eruption of adult teeth.

Taking all of these into consideration, it is obvious that dwarf German Shepherds are not at all healthy dogs. Their condition is serious and life-threatening. While there are available treatments, positive results are not always guaranteed.

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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.

How Do Different Breeds Affect A Shepherds Adult Size

Breeders create different variations to make German Shepherds larger or smaller purposely. Other times, as in designer breeds, size is secondary to desired traits such as a friendlier disposition or more protection.

  • Eastern Shepherd Developed from the German Shepherd in an attempt to eliminate hip and elbow dysplasia. This dog looks identical to a giant GSD. Known almost exclusively in Russia, the VEO is 25 to 30 inches tall and weighs 66 to 130 pounds.
  • King Shepherd Shiloh Shepherd x German Shepherd cross 27 to 29 inches tall, up to 150 pounds
  • Shiloh Shepherd Mostly German Shepherd x Alaskan Malamute 28 to 30 inches tall, 100 to 130 pounds
  • Shottie or Rottweiler Shepherd 25 inches tall, 75 to 115 pounds
  • Shepherd Corgi mix 12 to 15 inches tall, 30 to 65 pounds
  • German Shepherd x Border Collie 21 to 29 inches tall, 75 to 85 pounds
  • GSD x Akita 24 to 28 inches tall, 75 to 120 pounds
  • Shepherd Poodle mix 22 to 28 inches tall, 50 to 125 pounds
  • Wolf Shepherd 23 to 25 inches tall, 50 to 125 pounds some can be larger
  • Pug Shepherd Mix 8 to 12 inches tall, 15 pounds
  • GSD x Siberian Husky 20 to 25 inches, 45 to 80 pounds
  • Shepherd x Newfoundland 26 to 28 inches tall, 100 to 150 pounds

We could not cover all of the German Shepherd mixes, but you can get a general idea of the different sizes. Most hybrids show a height limitation by the smaller breed. German Shepherd mixes are often shorter than you might expect but are commonly quite massive.

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