Like its forebear, the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd is increasingly becoming popular in the United States. The breed shares many behavioral and physical traits with the Australian Shepherd, albeit in on a smaller scale. Also known as "Mini Aussie," the Miniature American Shepherd is a double-coated breed. It has a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat and sheds a fair amount.
The breed sheds even more during shedding season, which occurs in the spring and/or fall. During this time, daily brushing will help to remove dirt and loose hairs and keep your Mini looking its best. A slicker brush and metal comb are the ideal tools for brushing your Miniature American Shepherd. Although Mini American Shepherds are generally clean dogs, they do require occasional bath times.
Depending on your location within the U.S. and how often your dog gets into messy situations, you should give your Mini Aussie a bath every four to six weeks. As with the Australian Shepherd, the Mini American Shepherd's nails need regular trimming. Overly long nails cause dogs discomfort and the Mini Aussie is no exception.
After bathing, be sure to properly dry your Miniature American Shepherd's ears. Generally, it is a good rule of thumb to clean your dog's ears twice per month. Miniature American Shepherds need to be groomed every 4-6 weeks and below are the right tools for the job.
1. A grooming table
A grooming table is a back saver for grooming your Miniature American Shepherd at home. Moreover, you need a grooming table to groom your dog whether you are a professional groomer or otherwise. The Go Pet Club Dog Grooming Table has an adorable design and comes in a variety of sizes to best fit your needs. The table features foldable legs and a detachable grooming arm, making it convenient for storage and transport.
In addition, the detachable grooming arm allows for repositioning. This gives you more options when grooming your Miniature American Shepherd. Overall, this table is well built, perfect for small to medium breeds, such as the Mini American Shepherd, and easy to set up and fold down. For any professional or in-home groomer, this grooming table is a great investment.
2. A dog bathtub
Bathe your Miniature American Shepherd indoors and outdoors without the backache - or the mess - with this elevated, foldable, and portable bathing and grooming tub. It is designed to fit inside your bathtub or shower and helps you keep your Mini American Shepherd clean while conserving water. Measuring 33" long, 17.8" wide, and 11.5" deep, the basin provides plenty of space for your Mini Aussie. The product features two side pockets in which you can store shampoo and other bathing or grooming essentials.
3. A slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb
As I pointed out earlier, weekly or daily brushing sessions will keep your Mini Aussie's double-layer coat looking its best. For Miniature American Shepherds, professional groomers recommend a slicker brush. Moreover, it is the type of brush you want to start with when grooming your Mini Aussie. That's because it helps break up any knots and prevents matting.
During shedding season, an undercoat rake is recommended for removing the abundant dead hair. After brushing your Mini Aussie with the slicker brush and undercoat rake, you can then use a metal dog comb to add the finishing touch. For more info, see the top 4 dog brushes for Miniature American Shepherds.
4. A dog shampoo
A high-quality dog shampoo is essential in reducing odor and bringing out the shine in your Miniature American Shepherd's coat. The Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is all you need to keep your Miniature American Shepherd’s fur and skin soft, moisturized, and clean. It is safe, non-irritating, and contains natural ingredients, thus giving your Mini Aussie a deep cleaning that leaves their fur soft and shiny.
5. A dog nail grinder
As with all breeds, the Miniature American Shepherd's nails should be trimmed regularly. Professional groomers recommend a nail grinder, as it is impossible to inadvertently cut your dog with it, unlike a nail clipper. The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder is an ideal choice for your Mini Aussie, as it produces a very low vibration. It is rechargeable and features an adjustable, low-high-speed design.
6. A dog hairdryer
Dog grooming is a cinch, thanks to dog hairdryers! They are a great option for many years. A dog hairdryer significantly reduces the amount of time you need to spend drying your dog. Per several pet grooming tests, a dog hairdryer keeps your dog's skin healthy. In addition, it lessens the stench of dampness and makes your dog fluffier. The 5.2HP/3800W Pet Grooming Dryer is a great option for you. It is popular among pet groomers for its drying power and value for money.
7. A dog towel
Prior to using the dog hairdryer, it is recommended that you towel-dry your Miniature American Shepherd. The Microfiber Dog Towel is a great choice because it is luxuriously soft on the skin. Its 40 x 23.6-inch dimensions mean it is large enough to wrap the body nicely and rapidly soak up all water from your Mini American Shepherd.
8. A dog toothpaste and brush
As well as frequent nail trimming, Miniature American Shepherds need frequent teeth brushing. Vet's Best Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste Kit is a great choice because it is made with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes, which work together to keep your Miniature American Shepherd's mouth fresh.
The toothbrush features a triple-sided head that cleans all sides of your dog's teeth at once while the toothpaste gently cleans away plaque and tartar. This leaves your Mini Aussie's teeth and breath fresh and clean and gives them a healthier mouth.
9. Ear Cleansing Finger Wipes
Ear cleaning is a crucial part of your Miniature American Shepherd's grooming needs. Although the Mini Aussie is not as prone to frequent ear infections as some other breeds, it can occasionally develop infections. Cleaning your Mini American Shepherd's ears 1-2 times weekly can help minimize ear infections. Vet's Best Ear Relief Finger Wipes are ideal because they are free from Parabens and made with all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
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