A Miniature Dog With A Big Appetite
While they may not require quite as much food as a large German Shepherd, the miniature variety is still very active and thus requires decent quality kibble that is high in protein and preferably corn-free.
These dogs will need around 1500 calories per day or about 3 cups of kibble daily. Split into two meals to properly sustain your dogs energy levels throughout the day.
A good vitamin supplement can also be used to keep their bones and muscles strong and healthy.
Miniature German Shepherd Price
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.
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.
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How Long Does A Miniature German Shepherd Live
A miniature German Shepherd dog has an average lifespan of 13 – 15 years or more depending on its food habits and overall health. Be sure to adopt your puppy from a reputable breeder as these newly bred designer Mini GSD are prone to a few health problems which they mostly inherit from their small-sized parent breed. Designer dog breeds like this German Shepherd mix breed are prone to problems like elbow and hip Dysplasia, Bloat , Epilepsy, Perianal Fistula, Hemophilia. A dwarf German shepherd lives for only three or four years on average since dogs who suffer from dwarfism don’t live as long as normal dogs.
How To Adopt A Miniature German Shepherd
If you think you are going to get along well with one of these dogs, your next step will be to find out where you will be able to get one of them.
The internet can be a beneficial resource for locating Miniature German Shepherd puppies for sale.
Unlike with purebred dogs, you will unfortunately not find a registered breeder, but this doesnt mean that they shouldnt supply you with information about their parentage.
You shouldnt adopt a puppy if the seller didn’t provide you with detailed info about their heritage. Remember not to be fooled by breeders that say that their Miniature German Shepherd puppies are purebred.
The cost of these dogs vary wildly, but the price is generally $600 – $1000.
Dont forget to look around at local rescue shelters to see whether they have any Miniature German Shepherd puppies or adults that are up for adoption.
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Are Miniature German Shepherds The Same As Purebred German Shepherds
Despite the controversy surrounding this issue and the many different answers you may get for this question, the answer is quite simply NO.
Miniature German Shepherds arent quite the same as purebred German Shepherds.
Purebred German Shepherds usually come to life when one German Shepherd parent is bred with another German Shepherd parent, while Miniature German Shepherds come to line when one German Shepherd parent is bred with either a Poodle or a Collie parent.
In other cases, a German Shepherd purebred will be cross bred with a Yorkshire Terrier to create a Miniature German Shepherd, but this isnt as common as using a Poodle or a Collie parent on the other side is.
When looking for a Miniature German Shepherd dog to bring home, many unethical breeders will falsely market these dogs to have you believe that they are just small sized German Shepherds, something which isnt true at all.
Unfortunately, this is how many breeders are able to skyrocket their profits, and whether or not theyre falsely marketing their assets is the least of their worries.
Blue Gsd Health Patterns
The blue German Shepherd Dog is not prone to any behavioral or temperamental complications stemming from his color. Although it may indicate certain traits in the health of other breeds, it is not the case with blue GSDs. Although they are considered a healthy breed, they suffer from specific health problems like all types of German Shepherds.
Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are the most common health concerns. Dysplasia is a disease of a malformation of the joints seen in many large dogs and causes joints to become painful and worsen over time, resulting in lameness.
Since blue GSDs are bred from a single bloodline, they face other genetic mutations. These concerns include degenerative myelopathy, a slow, non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus.
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An Overview Of The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was created by a former German soldier that was named Max von Stephanitz.
He was looking to create a perfect working dog as he was not satisfied with the working breeds that were there by then.
Max von came across a dog that was named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in 1899.
He bought Hektor and decided to create his dog from him.
Hektor was renamed Horand Von Grafrath and created the Society for the German Shepherd dog and that was the foundation for the German Shepherd breed.
During the World wars, the German Shepherds were renamed to Alsatians by the Brits in a bid to prevent their popularity from dwindling. The name was reverted to German Shepherd in 1977.
Now the German Shepherd is the second most popular dog in the US and seventh in the United Kingdom.
German Shepherds are also ranked as the third most intelligent dogs in the world after the Poodle and Border Collie.
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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Where Can You Find Cheap German Shepherd Dogs
You will be able to find GSD puppies who cost much less than $1,500. The question is do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament?
On Craigslist or similar classified ads, many dog owners sell puppies from oops litters or puppies that they bred on purpose without any health testing. These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e.g. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. They might be as cheap as $200. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs!
While They Are Smaller They Are Just As Active As Their Larger Counterparts
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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Are Miniature German Shepherds Working Dogs
German Shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs.
They were used to herd farm animals but serve a role in the military and police in modern society.
Often mixed with working breeds such as Bordie Collies or Poodles, a mini German Shepherd should have a work ethic.
They can be used as guide dogs or service animals due to their deep sense of loyalty and ability to learn new commands quickly.
German Shepherds are often used by families as guard dogs. The same can be said of mini GSD, although their size wont act quite as much as a deterrent.
Places To Find Dwarf German Shepherd Puppies For Sale And Adoption
Buying a dwarf German Shepherd is a tricky situation. Due to their undesirable health conditions, breeders with bad motives will try to sell these dogs as small purebred German Shepherd or miniature German Shepherds.
Because dwarfism is generally undesirable, there are not a lot of breeders who purposely breed dwarf GSDs. That said, the closest way to find a dwarf GSD is by getting in touch with GSD breeders or miniature GSD breeders.
Below are some services where you can find reputable breeders:
- Greenfield Puppies Greenfield Puppies is a puppy finder service that has been around for more than 20 years. They host all sorts of dog breeds from purebreds to hybrids. You may contact them to inquire if they have any dwarf GSDs.
- Kolenda Kennels Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd breeder located in southwest Michigan. Their long experience with the breed makes them the authority when it comes to GSDs. You may send them an email if you are looking for a dwarf GSD.
If you are looking to adopt a dwarf GSD instead, below are some services you can use:
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Where Can I Buy A Miniature German Shepherd
If youve already made up your mind and have decided to add a Miniature German Shepherd to the family and household, then you have to be very careful where you get this dog from.
The last thing you want to do is do business with an unethical breeder that just sees you as an ATM machine thats there for them to make a quick buck out off, which is something many breeders are unfortunately doing nowadays where they have their customers believe that they are getting the actual dog theyre looking for, but in reality they arent.
High quality and ethical dog breeders will be able to easily prove to you that what they have is actually a real Miniature German Shepherd if you were to ask them to.
What Is A Miniature German Shepherd
Normal German Shepherds were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep, but were quickly recognized for their versatility.
The Miniature German Shepherd is not much different from the full-sized version and are used for a multitude of reasons.
It is still a versatile, agile and hard-working companion that needs a job to do.
These dogs were bred to be a companion or a good working dog for someone who needed something smaller but with the same drive as the larger German Shepherd.
- Overview: Mixes.
- Temperament: Bold, loyal and protective.
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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.
History Of The Other Possible Parent Crossed To Produce This Mixed Breed Dog
The Collie
When cross-bred with a Collie, it adds another herding and highly disciplined purebred dog into the mix. A Collie is also an intelligent dog and it too is easily trainable with a strong work ethic.
Their mini GSG puppies would be a Black and Tan color, sometimes with white bits on their coat, and shed a lot! Theyd be highly active and love to play.
The Poodle
A Poodle is a small dog that is increasing in popularity as the ideal partner for any designer dog combination. The fact that they are friendly, docile, and they dont shed much hair makes them an ideal indoor dog due to their low maintenance suitable for city or apartment living. They have an easy-going and relaxed approach. They are good-natured and love nothing more than to curl up with their family member and go to sleep.
The Golden Retriever and The Yorkshire Terrier are also very popular and much loved family dogs that are smart, family-friendly and easily trainable. Whatever the mix of breed of the Miniature GSD it is going to be a loveable and much desired family dog.
The Mini German Shepherd mix breed is not registered by the American Kennel Club and therefore does not have a breed standard. However, the majority of the individual breeds used to create this mixed breed dog are.
The Mini German Shepherd possible coat colors
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How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need
German Shepherd puppies and adolescents should have moderate exercise only multiple walks, fetch games, or playing with another dog.
But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running . Restrict jumping as much as possible.
Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dogs energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible.
Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise.
Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated.
This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide n Seek.
Some of these activities are included in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words.
Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words.
Miniature German Shepherd Breed Overview
Youre probably familiar with the German Shepherd, one of the worlds most popular and recognizable dog breeds commonly used in the military and police work. Have you ever wished you could have the intelligence and beauty of a German Shepherd in a smaller size?
Now you can thank the growing popularity of the miniature German Shepherd.
This breed isnt actually a full bred German Shepherd. A female German Shepherd is usually bred with another, smaller dog breed like a huskie, poodle, or a collie, to create the miniature German Shepherd, although sometimes they are full bred but only when the German Shepherd has dwarfism.
Heres what you should know about adopting one of these feisty and athletic dogs including what you should expect in terms of temperament, health, and size.
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Miniature German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
From Great Britain comes the Border Collie, a fantastic herding dog. It is intelligent, athletic, and quick to learn. They love mental and physical exercise.
The average life span is 13 to 15 years and these dogs also need exercise.
This breed weighs from 75 to 80 pounds and is about 22 to 29 inches tall.
The mix is a beautiful dog with a long fur coat. Brush it daily for a silky shiny coat.
This dog will bark when it senses danger making it the perfect watch dog. It is friendly and loves to have fun with people it knows. It is gentle and good around little kids, but supervision is recommended.
These dogs need lots of space and are not suitable for apartment living.
Puppy prices run from around $475 to $900. Always buy from a reputable breeder.
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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