The Miniature American Shepherd is an increasingly popular breed in the United States. It possesses a striking resemblance to its ancestor, the Australian Shepherd, and features the energy and smarts of a herding breed in a compact package. My post dives into 9 things you need as a Miniature American Shepherd owner in the U.S. Are you welcoming home a Miniature American Shepherd? That's very exciting!
However, you need to prepare for your new family member. Whether you’re bringing home a Mini American Shepherd puppy from a breeder or adopting an older one from a shelter, you’ll need supplies for your new arrival. Below, I've compiled a list of the nine essential items that should be on your new Miniature American Shepherd shopping list.
1. Food and Water Pet Bowls
Special Features:
- Easy to Clean
- Anti-Slip
- 100% dishwasher safe
Food and water dog bowls are essential supplies for your new Miniature American Shepherd. While the choices are endless, it is crucial to choose the correct size for your dog. Your Miniature American Shepherd should be able to eat and drink comfortably from the bowls. The Neater Feeder Express Elevated Dog Bowls has a lovely design and comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large).
The smaller size is suitable for Miniature American Shepherds, as it's designed for smaller dog breeds. The feeder has a 3-inch feeding height, which is ideal for your Mini American Shepherd’s comfort. Spills and messes are outright contained within the feeder, thanks to its splash-proof raised walls.
2. Kibble
Puppies have unique nutrition needs, and your young Miniature American Shepherd is no exception. The right dog food will give your Mini American Shepherd puppy energy. If your Mini is under 1 year old, it is recommended that you feed them puppy food. It supports growing bones and muscles and is formulated differently than adult dog food.
Then, once your dog reaches one year old, you can start feeding them high-quality adult dog food. Consider Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites Puppy dry food! It is carefully formulated for the developmental needs of your Mini American Shepherd puppy while it grows into a mature small dog.
3. Fresh Dog Food
As with its ancestor, the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd needs a healthy diet containing all the nutrients required to keep up with their boundless energy. I like the Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Wet Dog Food. Purposefully formulated by expert pet nutritionists, this wag-worthy recipe includes natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and real chicken as the number one ingredient.
4. A Dog Harness
A dog harness is an essential item for your new Miniature American Shepherd. It is a great way to have better control over your dog while walking or training them. Moreover, harnesses minimize the risk of neck and spine injuries. During walks, a harness distributes the force of the leash across your dog's chest, unlike a collar, which places all the pressure on your dog's neck.
A harness can help prevent injuries, especially in smaller dogs like the Miniature American Shepherd. The Puppia Authentic RiteFit Harness with Adjustable Neck is a great choice for your Miniature American Shepherd. It is breathable and the perfect solution for dogs that fall between sizes, thanks to the adjustability around the neck.
5. A Leash
Another must-have item for a Miniature American Shepherd owner is a good-quality, durable dog leash. Once you attach the leash to your dog's harness, you can take them for walks and ensure they’re safe. Depending on how well your Mini American Shepherd walks on a leash, you can choose a long or short leash. The Reflective 4 Feet Nylon Dog Leash with Padded Double Handles is an ideal option for Miniature American Shepherds. It is 4 feet long, so your Mini American Shepherd will always be close to you.
6. A Dog Crate
Dogs are den animals and your Mini American Shepherd is no exception. As such, a crate gives them a cozy spot to retreat to when they need to get away from it all. Moreover, a dog crate is a helpful aid when potty training your canine. It also keeps your dog safe when you can’t supervise them. When shopping for the best dog crate, make sure you pick one that’s the correct size.
If you have a puppy, look for a dog crate that comes with a divider panel so you can adjust to expand the space inside as your puppy grows. The MidWest Homes 36-inch dog crate is an ideal option for Miniature American Shepherds. It comes with a divider panel, includes a leak-proof pan, and is chew-proof. For more options, see the top 4 dog crates for Miniature American Shepherds.
7. A Dog Bed
Miniature American Shepherds need a cozy spot that supports their compact frame and the Bedsure Memory Foam Dog Bed can provide that support. The bed can distribute weight evenly and rebound quickly, thanks to the combination of memory foam and high-density egg crate foam. For more options, see the top 4 dog beds for Miniature American Shepherds.
8. A Dog Brush
Like all double-coated dog breeds, the Miniature American Shepherd sheds a fair amount, even more so during shedding season. To keep your Miniature American Shepherd's gorgeous coat looking its best, weekly brushing sessions are generally recommended, though more work will be required during shedding season, which can occur once or twice a year. A slicker brush and metal comb can work out mats or tangles, thereby keeping your dog looking his best.
9. Interactive Dog Toys
The Miniature American Shepherd is an active and athletic dog breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. Moreover, all dogs need toys and playtime, and the Miniature American Shepherd is no exception. Interactive dog toys play a crucial role in keeping your dog busy and its mind sharp. Just like the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd can easily get bored when they don't get stimulated.
Most interactive dog toys require your dog to figure out how to access treats hidden inside. Not only does this promote problem-solving skills, but it also boosts your dog's confidence when they complete a task. Ultimately, interactive dog toys are a great way to engage your dog's natural instincts and keep them mentally sharp.
Miniature American Shepherds also need:
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