|
Toy and Miniature Australian Shepherds,
also know as Mini Aussies, are a smaller version of the Standard Australian Shepherds. They have retained the working instinct as well as the willing companion attitude that has made them so popular in the full size. We find them a better size to have in the house, the truck and everywhere else. |
|
If you are new to the Toy or Miniature Austrialian Shepherd please take the time to read the information about the bred provided in the top menu.
|
|
Burke Farms has several litters at this time. Burke Farms has had some real computer probelms. She is back up and posting pictures of her puppies as she can. Check them out at Burke Farms
|
|
ATTENTION: Carousel Farms has puppies for sale at this time. Check them out on the puppies page at Carousel Farms!
|
Miniature Aussies
... is a common term for the Miniature or Mini Australian Shepherds.
What makes a Toy Australian Shepherd, Miniature Australian Shepherd, Micro Australian Shepherd?
While there is some disagreement about what size makes a Miniature Australian Shepherd, Toy Australian Shepherd or a Micro Australian Shepherd, we regard the size breaks as follows:
Breed Standard sizes:
Miniature Australian Shepherds are between 18 inches and 14 inches at the shoulder.
Toy Australian Shepherds are from 14 inches to 10 inches at the shoulder.
Micro Australian Shepherds are under 10 inches at the shoulder.
About Herding Breeds in General:
Livestock and herding dogs embody, pride, bravery, and loyalty. The desire to keep their flock together, be it children, the cats, or sheep, can be frustrating to an owner. Their drive to work is bred into them and they need to have a job, be it agility, fetch and or retrieve, hiking or herding.
I find it interesting that the Standard Breeders feel so threaten by this. I grew up on a sheep ranch in Northern Idaho. As a small child I hung out at the sheep camps most of the summers. The Aussies there were not nearly as large as what the Standard is today. Some of them had prick ears and more refined faces. These dogs came from the Spanish families that worked the sheep. Once the breed was discovered by the cattle industry there was a huge push to increase the size of the breed. I belive they breed them to larger breeds to decrease the time it took to make them larger, which caused the current, fashion only, ear set. The ear set does not make them better or worse stock dogs.
My research has lead me to belive that first people to try to preserve the smaller version started with some of the old stock that was untouched from the original breed that the sheep herders in North America developed.
My 8 mini's and toys can all nap with me on the bed, at least 2 of them will sleep with my husband and I nightly. I show my babies, I can get all 8 in my mini van no problem. They cost less to feed, they still work, play ball and Frisbee.
Look for a legitimate and reputable breeder, add to that, a knowledgeable breeder of these great little dogs. The problem is that the standard breeders don't want these little guys competing with them. The truth of the matter is they don't. Each size brings different abilities and serves different proposes much like the Poodle breed does.
Don't overlook the smaller version of a great breed. Just understand all Aussies are very active and intelligent. Left alone all day with nothing to do day after day makes them do things to entertain themselves you may not appreciate. They are people dogs and require human interaction, lots of exercise and mental stimulation on a regular basis. If you can provide that you will never find a more loyal and loving dog that will help you raise your kids, keep the critters in line or just herd you when ever possible. They are a joy to have around no matter what size you choose to live with you.
America's Pet Registry, Inc., (APRI) breed standard lists Miniature Australian Shepherds as a size variation of the Standard Australian Shepherd. Please visit our Breed Standard page for a detailed description of the perfect Mini Aussie.
|