The ideal Miniature Australian Shepherd is the mirror image of the Australian Shepherd, with size being the only difference.. They are very athletic with a very keen, intelligent mind. They are sensitive, easily trained, and extremely devoted to their owners and will go to great lengths to please. Sizes range from 14" and up to 18" tall, measured at the withers, and weigh from 20 to 40 lbs. at maturity. Although their unique size makes them perfectly suited to our growing urbanization, as well as making
them fine traveling companions, they still possess the traits that they were bred for and so are also used to herd small stock. They are found in the Herding group at Rare Breed shows and are seen in the conformation and obedience ring. They are active in agility, flyball, and various kinds of Therapy work, as well. They are confident & usually suspicious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guardian of the home.
They come in coat colors of blue merle, red merle, black or red tri; all with or without copper/tan and/or white trim. Their eyes may be blue, brown, amber, or green. Their eyes may or may not match in color, and may be solid colored, flecked or marbled.
Mini Aussies are loving and devoted companions to their families but are generally reserved with strangers. While this trait makes them wonderful guardians of home and family, it does require early socialization with people outside the family. The Mini Aussie is a fun, intelligent, highly motivated dog with a great sense of humor and play. Bringing a Mini Aussie into your home and family can be a rewarding experience for years to come!
Remember to research the breed to be sure the Australian Shepherd of any size will be the right breed for you!
Breed History
The history of the Miniature Australian Shepherd actually begins with the history of the Australian Shepherd. Though most facts are shrouded in time, the most commonly held belief on the origins of the Aussie begin in the late 1800’s when western ranchers began importing sheep from Australia. Basque shepherds and their herding dogs accompanied these sheep to the Americas. Western ranchers, impressed with the working ability of these "little blue dogs" began interbreeding them with their shepherd dogs. The results were the Australian Shepherd. The Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed directly from the Australian Shepherd. Many believe that the early Aussie was generally less than 20-22" at the withers, but was selectively bred larger as sheep ranching decreased and cattle ranching increased.
The foundation for the Miniature Aussie began in 1968 with Cordova’s Spike, a small Aussie. In an effort to standardize the small size, Spike was selectively bred to other small Standard’s and through a program of inbreeding and line breeding the Miniature Aussie was born. Development of the Miniature Aussie continues today. The Miniature Aussie continues to be carefully bred to small standard Aussies to maintain genetic diversity as well as all the best traits of the Australian Shepherd. In today’s breeding programs nothing is sacrificed in favor of size.
Links to additional information on the breed can be found here!
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