Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Miniature German Shepherd Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts

Miniature German Shepherd Dog Breed

The Miniature German Shepherd is more than just a miniature version of a Standard German Shepherd: They are actually a hybrid breed, typically a mix of a standard German Shepherd and a smaller breed, usually a Border Collie or Poodle. The result is a designer dog that has the personality, intelligence, and appearance of a German Shepherd but can live in smaller homes and even apartments and is far easier to look after and handle.

Breed Overview

Height:

15–20 inches

Weight:

30–50 pounds

Lifespan:

9–16 years

Colors:

Black, brown, tan

Suitable for:

Families, couples, singles

Temperament:

Intelligent, agile, noble, proud, alert, energetic, athletic

There is plenty of controversy surrounding the Mini German Shepherd, as the name is somewhat of a misnomer. Many backyard breeders attempt to sell the breed as a truly miniature version of a standard German Shepherd, but the truth is that the dog is a mixed breed. The Mini German Shepherd may share many similar traits with a German Shepherd but can inherit other traits from their parent breeds. If you are looking for a carbon copy of the German Shepherd in a smaller package, it, unfortunately, does not exist.

However, the Miniature German Shepherd is a beautiful hybrid nonetheless, and if this dog sounds like they may be the one for you, read on for an in-depth look at the Miniature German Shepherd.

Miniature German Shepherd Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Miniature German Shepherd Puppies

Miniature German Shepherds can vary widely in appearance and size, depending on the breed the German Shepherd parent was bred with. While a Mini often resembles a smaller German Shepherd, remember that due to their mixed genetics, they will not have the same temperament and characteristics as a standard German Shepherd.

Many people are tricked into thinking that these dogs are true pint-sized German Shepherds, so you’ll need to visit the breeder and view the parents to make sure of the genetics and ensure that they are healthy and happy and have all the relevant paperwork.

Parent Breeds of the Miniature German Shepherd Dog Breed
Image By: Left – Rade Kovac, Shutterstock | Right – OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature German Shepherd

Miniature German Shepherds are intelligent animals. They are typically hybrids of a German Shepherd and a Border Collie or Poodle, so the resulting crossbreed is usually just as smart as their parents. The same goes for their exercise needs; with those parents, Mini German Shepherds are incredibly energetic! They need more exercise than even a purebred German Shepherd, and as any Miniature German Shepherd owner will tell you, it takes a lot to tire these pups out.

They are loyal dogs and inherit the German Shepherd’s unwavering dedication and devotion. They’re excellent guard dogs, and they will do anything to protect their owners, just like a standard German Shepherd. One plus of having the smaller version of the German Shepherd is that they are highly adaptable and can happily live in small homes and apartments, provided that they get sufficient exercise.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

With their calm temperament and unwavering loyalty, Miniature German Shepherds make ideal family pets. They have a strong instinct to protect their owners and will alert them when someone approaches their homes. Like their parent breeds, they thrive off human companionship and adore being around their owners. This can be a problem if you are out frequently, as they are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. If you are away from home often and travel frequently, the Mini German Shepherd is probably not the dog for you.

border collie and German shepherd mix
Image Credit by: Malysheva_Nataly, Shutterstock

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶🐱

German Shepherds have a strong prey drive, and Miniature German Shepherds are much the same. Therefore, early socialization is essential for this breed—the earlier, the better—to prevent them from going after the family cat!

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Things to Know When Owning a Miniature German Shepherd

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Miniature German Shepherd has no special dietary requirements and should be fed as you would typically feed a medium-sized dog. Around 2 or 3 cups of high-quality kibble are ideal and should be split into two meals daily to prevent bloating. Ensure that the first listed ingredient on the food is an animal-sourced protein and that the food is free from filler ingredients, such as wheat, corn, and soy. While these dogs are not prone to becoming overweight, too many of these ingredients can cause weight gain and digestive issues.

After discussing your dog’s diet with your veterinarian, you may be advised to supplement their standard food with lean meats and organ meats a few times a week. This will add welcome variety and give them a boost of high-quality protein and amino acids.

Exercise 🐕

Miniature German Shepherds are highly energetic pups that will need a great deal of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. We recommend at least 1 hour or 2 a day, but the more, the better. It’s a good idea to devote an hour to a slow walk with off-leash time and another hour for more intensive exercise. This could be a run, jog, bike ride, or an intensive, interactive game like fetch or frisbee.

They love agility exercises and games, which provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are highly intelligent, so mental and physical stimulation is essential to prevent boredom and undesirable behavior.

german shepherd and border collie mix breed
Image Credit by: MR Foto, Shutterstock

Training 🎾

Training a Miniature German Shepherd is usually a breeze since their parents are intelligent dogs that have a long history of working closely with humans. Mini German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement training like other working breeds. This method requires consistency and dedication, but the result is well worth it. Try to begin training your dog from the day that you bring them home, as this will help set the training and prevent them from picking up any bad habits, which are harder to fix.

The key to training these dogs well is consistency and repetition, but try to make training a fun experience and avoid too many of the same exercises. Mini German Shepherds are prone to “switching off” if they are doing the same exercises over and over again, so try to keep the sessions short but fun. German Shepherds can sometimes be stubborn and aloof, and the same trait may be passed down to your dog. Early socialization with people and other dogs is crucial for avoiding this and will make training them easier.

Grooming ✂️

A Miniature German Shepherd is a fairly high-shedding pup and must be brushed every few days to remove excess dead hair. Their coat is usually short like a German Shepherd’s, but it may be slightly longer or thicker, depending on the parent breeds, in which case, it will need more regular brushing. They’ll only need a bath when they get exceedingly dirty, and even then, a good rinse with warm water is usually sufficient.

Bathing them with human shampoos too often can strip their coat of their natural oils and cause further shedding and allergies. In addition, they’ll need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent dental decay and plaque build-up, and they may need nail trimming every month or two.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Miniature German Shepherd is a healthy breed that benefits from mixing pure-bred dogs. However, there are no guarantees, and a few issues may be passed down from their parent breeds, including hip and elbow dysplasia, hemophilia, and epilepsy.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is fairly common in dogs with deep chests, so be sure to feed your dog two to three small meals throughout the day and avoid feeding them after exercise. Degenerative myelopathy is fairly common in senior German Shepherds and may also be seen in German Shepherd hybrids.

Minor Conditions
  • Obesity
  • Allergies
  • Epilepsy
Serious Conditions
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus
  • Hemophilia

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Male vs. Female

Although Mini German Shepherds vary in size due to their mixed genetics, males are typically larger than females, though not usually by much. Males are usually slower to mature and may be more of a challenge to train than females, but females are prone to be moodier and slightly more aloof at times, which can also present a challenge in training. Females are less needy and attention-demanding, while males typically will take all the affection that they can get!

Remember that these traits are largely anecdotal, and your dog’s personality can vary widely, depending on their training and the environment in which they are raised. These factors will affect their character far more than their sex.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature German Shepherd

1. They Go by Several Different Names.

While these dogs are commonly known as Miniature German Shepherds, this name can be somewhat confusing, so other names, including the Shollie, Shepadoodle, and Siberian Shepherd often refer to the breed.


2. Mini German Shepherds Have a Longer Lifespan Than German Shepherds.

German Shepherds have a comparably long lifespan for such a large breed and can easily live up to 15 years. Miniature German Shepherds, largely due to their mixed genetics, typically have a longer lifespan and live up to 16 years or more, depending on their parent breeds.


3. German Shepherd Dwarfism and Miniature German Shepherds Are Different.

There is a rare inherited genetic disorder called German Shepherd dwarfism that can sometimes occur when breeding two purebred German Shepherds. While this results in smaller German Shepherds, they are not the same as Miniature German Shepherds, and people often confuse the two. These small German Shepherds are the same as a standard German Shepherd in every way, except they have much shorter legs. These dogs are prone to health issues and are not purposely bred.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Final Thoughts

The Miniature German Shepherd is a great family dog with a gentle, affectionate, and loyal personality. They are highly intelligent, easy to train, and have a long lifespan, with few hereditary diseases to be concerned about. Miniature German Shepherds are highly adaptable pups and can live happily in small houses and apartments if they get the necessary exercise. They are high-energy dogs with a ton of stamina, so they will need a great deal of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

While Miniature German Shepherds are mixed breeds and not truly pint-sized German Shepherds, they are still remarkable dogs and will make a great addition to any family home.

See also:

Sources

Featured Image Credit: GoodFocused, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Portuguese Water Dog vs Labradoodle: Key Differences (With Pictures)

Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD) and Labradoodles have a lot in common. In fact, experts believe that the Standard Poodle, one of the parent...

Do Dogs Have Best Friends? Canine Behavior Explained

Dogs are a man’s best friend, but who is your dog’s best friend? Do dogs have friends? Understanding how your dog’s brain works...

How Smart Is a Maltese Dog? Canine Intelligence Explained

Quantifying an animal’s intelligence is subjective. Any dog owner will tell you how smart their pups are and the tricks they can do....

9 Best Retractable Dog Leashes in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Retractable dog leashes are ideal for those canines that love to explore, but they need to be safe for your dog, you, and...

More related

4-Legger Dog Shampoo Review 2025: Our Final Verdict

4-Legger makes a wide array of natural dog shampoo products that do a great job of cleaning your pup. There are many scents...

Do Maltipoos Bark a Lot? How Much & How to Stop It

Maltipoos are an increasingly popular designer breed known for their adorable teddy bear-like appearance and friendly personalities. They’ve become a firm favorite among...

When and What Is National Beagle Day? Celebration Facts & FAQ

Your dog is your best friend, so you are always looking for ways to celebrate with them. Whether it is a dog-friendly cake...

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary Blue Buffalo is one of the largest dog food manufacturers in the United States, and its surge to the top is...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Huckleberries? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’re a dog parent, you know that one of the most important things about caring for your dog is providing them with adequate nutrition. Dogs are omnivores and can eat meat, veggies, and fruits, which raises questions about dog-safe...

Can Dogs Eat Huckleberries

Can Dogs Have Onion Rings? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

You love giving your dog a bite of your food every now and then as a special treat, and most of the time, that’s fine. Many human foods are safe (though unhealthy) for canines to consume in moderation. But this...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Onion-Rings

Orijen Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

With so many dog food options on the market, it’s easy to walk away with your hands empty and your head buzzing. If you’ve been buying dog food for some time or have recently adopted a puppy and have been...

Dogster_Dog Food Orijen VS Blue Buffalo

Christmas Dog Treat Recipes: 6 Great Options (Vet Approved)

Christmas is a time for celebration and an excellent excuse to share our appreciation for those we love. If you have a furry four-legged family member, there’s no reason you can’t make them feel special this holiday season, too! Yuletide...

Christmas Dog Treat Recipes

Senior Dog Food vs Regular: The Differences, Pros & Cons

As dog owners know, the food that we feed our pups is essential to keeping them healthy. When our dogs start getting older, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. After your dog reached a certain age (which...

Dogster_Senior vs Regular Dog Food

Performatrin Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary You might not recognize the name Performatrin Dog Food, nor are you likely to find it without a lot of looking in the United States. That’s because it’s the house brand of the Canadian-based retailer Pet Valu. The...

Dogster_Performatrin Dog Food Review

Can You Put Bacon Grease on Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

While your dog probably works up a pool of drool every time you start frying some bacon, do not add the grease from the pan to your dog’s food. Bacon grease is rich, fatty, and salty—all things that should be...

bacon grease in hot pan

Purina vs. Pedigree Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

As a pet parent, you want only the best, healthiest food for your canine friend. However, there are so many choices out there it can get overwhelming pretty quickly. You may have researched several brands and concluded that Purina and...

Dogster_Dog Food Purina VS Pedigree