Aussietails

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Aussies are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and loving personalities.

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aussietails@yahoo.com

About the Breed

All about the Mini, Toy & Teacup Aussies!!

The first miniature Australian Shepherds were registered by Valhalla Kennel

many years ago. They were small standards who failed to meet the height

requirement even though they were the offspring of wonderful standard Aussie bloodlines. Many of us know that in every breed there are certain bloodlines

that will throw pups to the smaller scale of the registry standard so this

phenomenon was to be expected. Even today, many mini breeders will go back

to standard Aussie bloodlines to infuse certain characteristics they want or

need in their mini lines.

There have been very specific guidelines set by the Miniature Australian

Shepherd clubs called the “breed standard,” which show dogs are expected to

meet. This guideline is similar in almost every way to the standard-sized

Australian Shepherd, but, naturally, does have a different size criteria. The

breed standard that has been set says that dogs should be between 14 and

18 inches tall at the withers. This is a fairly large range, and could mean a

14 inch dog may weigh 20 lbs where an 18 inch one might reach 40 lbs.

Then came the toys - in the same fashion as the minis were discovered first as

simply small standards, the toys were then born from small minis. Some of

their pups failed to reach mini height, so National Stockdog Registry (same

registry for standards and minis) developed a spot for the undersized minis

who were then called toys. Naturally, a breed club for toys followed as it had

with the minis, and they established a “breed standard” for the show ring

which is almost identical to that for the minis and standards. Some toys are so

tiny they never reach the “toy guidelines” for size. So, just as the standard size

Aussies many years ago gave us the mini, and the minis gave us the toys....the

toys are now giving us a teacup size Aussie.

We have standard to teacup toy sizes of Aussie. We breed larger minis still

within the breed standard, 16" to 18" and weighing 35 to 40 pounds. Smaller

minis range in weight from 15 to 30 lbs and stand 14 to 15". Our toys

range from 12lbs. to 20 lbs. and under 14", and our teacups are under 12 inches

and under 13 lbs.

Regardless of the size of our dogs, (standard,minis, toys or teacups) our goal as

breeders is to breed as much of the best Australian Shepherd traits available.

AKC Mini American Shepherd vs Mini Australian Shepherd

The Mini Australian Shepherds are a size variety of the Australian Shepherd. They are the same dog, same blood and DNA as the Australian Shepherd only smaller in size. Several farmers, ranchers, breeders kept the size down on these dogs for function. The larger 60 to 90 pound Aussies just could not get into places they were needed to be whether crossing through fences, under gates, through barns as well as many were used as pen dogs. They had to be strong enough to get the job done but small enough to function and get to the places they needed to be. So the Miniature Australian Shepherd is not new, you can go back to the beginning and see many smaller dogs which still run today through many pedigrees and bloodlines.

Miniature Australian Shepherd

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is compact, well balanced, athletic, and alert. The breed is sensitive, easily trained, guardians, confident, and devoted to their families. North American Miniature Australian Shepherds make fine companions and will also enjoy working small stock. They are used in search and rescue and as therapy dogs.

Other Names: North American Australian Shepherd

NAS Height: 13 to 18 inches
NAS Weight: 15 to 30 lbs

MAS Height: 14 to 18 inches
MAS Weight: 20 to 40 lbs

Colors: Blue merle, black, red merle and all red with or without white markings and/or tan points.
Coat: Double coat is medium length and straight to slightly wavy.

Temperament: Miniature Australian Shepherd are highly trainable, versatile family dog and companion
With Children: Yes, gentle with children.
With Pets: Yes, good with other pets
Special Skills: Working dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Medium

Care and Exercise: Regular brushing once or twice a week will help to minimize shedding of the North American Miniature Australian Shepherds coat and keep the skin and coat healthy. As with any herding dog exercise is essentially to maintain a healthy, well-balanced dog.
Training: A intelligent breed they enjoy obedience training. Early socialization is a must.
Learning Rate: High

Activity: High
Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is essential. They would do better in a rural environment as they were bred to herd and guard the flock.

Health Issues: Eye disorders, hip dysplasia, allergies

Life Span: 12 - 13 years

Country of Origin: United States
History: The Australian Shepherd arrived in the United States by the late 19th century where the dogs’ qualities became recognized by local ranchers, who used the dogs to work cattle, sheep and other livestock. The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed in 1968, when two small Australian Shepherds were bred. They were a scaled down version of the Australian Shepherd. The goal was to develop a small herder and guardian who had the qualities of the larger Australian Shepherd but was smaller in size.

Class: Herding
Registries: American Stock Dog Reg.

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SC
ph: 803-834-8677
aussietails@yahoo.com