The Australian Shepherd, which many people know as the Aussie, is an impressive dog breed. This hard-working, trainable, and intelligent breed is among the most popular dogs in the canine world. And the best part is, you can get a mini version. But the question we will try to answer today is are mini aussies hypoallergenic?
Nowadays, a big part of getting a pet home is shedding. Or in this case, no shedding. Pet parents want a dog that doesn’t shed, and that they can live with despite their allergies.
Sadly, we will have to tell them that Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. They do shed. Exactly how much do they shed? Let’s talk about it.
History Of The Mini Aussie
The history of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is linked heavily to the history of the Australian Shepherd. The mini version came later on. The Aussie began its history in the 1500s. The dog descends from pastoral dogs brought to herd Spanish flocks in North America.
According to some reports, some of the ancestors include the Basque Shepherd Dog and the Pyrenean Sheepdog.
The breed we know nowadays was developed in the 19th century in California, United States. It was imported to California with sheep imports, including collies from Australia and New Zealand. So, while some people call it the Australian Shepherd, it was not developed in Australia. That would be the Australian Cattle Dog.
In California, the dog became extremely popular with ranchers who valued the canine’s working abilities, namely its ability to handle cattle and other livestock.
For more than a century, it was a purely working breed, not known outside of the livestock industry. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the dog was popularized by Jay Lister, a rodeo performer.
It was around the 1960s, that the mini Aussie began making appearances in California. Dog breeders wanted a smaller version of the wonderful pet, and began breeding the smaller one. The result was a miniature Australian Shepherd.
Are They Hypoallergenic?
Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. They do shed, and they are heavy shedders. That might be bad for people with allergies.
Why aren’t they hypoallergenic? Well, many people with allergies are allergic to pet hair. When a dog sheds, it spreads saliva and dander in its coat across your home. The more a dog sheds, the more allergens it spreads.
An Australian Shepherd has a double coat. It includes a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarse, weather-resistant out coat. Double-coated dogs shed all year long.
They will get a thicker winter coat and summer coat to protect them from the weather. And when they change their coat, they shed heavily.
Working dog breeds, the Mini Aussie Shepherd as well, have a double coat to protect them from unpredictable weather. This list also includes Huskies, Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, Retrievers, Spaniels, and more.
How Much Do They Shed?
So, the question is not whether they shed, but how much they shed. By now, we know the answer to whether are Mini Aussies hypoallergenic.
But one look at their thick double coat, and you will make your own conclusion about how much they shed. These dogs are classified as heavy shedders by the American Kennel Club. They shed year-long, and twice a year, they have a “blowout”. That is when they completely change their coat.
What Are Some Hypoallergenic Breeds?
If you want a hypoallergenic dog, then you should look for some other canines. Here are some options for allergy sufferers.
- If you want a medium-sized family dog, look for the Wheaten Terrier, a lovely addition that is not as frilly as the Poodle. These dogs have a wavy, silky coat that is virtually non-shedding
- If you want a highly intelligent breed, you should get the Poodle. Sitting at Number 2 on the list of most intelligent dog breeds, a Poodle is a smart, trainable, and loving dog that is great with children and other animals
- For those looking for a high-energy companion, there is nothing better than the Portuguese Water Dog. If high energy is what draws you to the Aussie, but you want a hypoallergenic dog, then this should be your choice
- And for a small dog with a big personality, nothing beats the Yorkshire terrier. This small dog will bring loads of entertainment and joy to your household
Grooming a Mini Aussie
If you are a Mini Aussie dog owner, we have to warn you. Regular grooming can be a pain in the butt. Why? Because these dogs with double coat can pack a punch.
You need to brush your dog at least two times per week, preferably three times. During their blowout season, regular grooming means brushing your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy every day.
If you do not brush your puppy often, they will look awful. Brushing helps prevent shedding and matting. You cannot prevent shedding completely, but you can lower it by brushing your dog regularly.
Tips for Living With a Mini Aussie
Now that we know a Mini Aussie is not a hypoallergenic dog, let’s try and help some people with allergies still live with this dog. Here are some tips on how you can live with a Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy despite your allergies.
- Provide regular and proper grooming, important for the health and appearance of your dog, but also to reduce shedding. The less pet dander there is in your home, the lower the risk is for you to have an allergic reaction
- Clean often, even every day if needed. If you are a dog owner with a Mini Aussie or other working dog breed, we suggest investing in some robot vacuums to help you clean often and thoroughly
- Wear gloves when cleaning your home
- Speak with your doctor about some allergy medications that can help reduce your symptoms
- Remove carpet and rugs from your home. Stick to hardwood or vinyl flooring. Hair and dander stick to the carpet and keep the allergens near you. Hard flooring, on the other hand, is easier to clean
