Miniature Australian Shepherds

[Lori Jordan]

I have seen Many "Mini Aussies",They are really no different than your average sized Aussie,I will look around and see if i can find a breeder in around your area.


I was in another forum,and someone mentioned they have heard of "Tea Cup Aussies,I disagree with designer breeds,But i would like to see what they acturally look like.

[buttercup132]

I have seen Many "Mini Aussies",They are really no different than your average sized Aussie,I will look around and see if i can find a breeder in around your area.


I was in another forum,and someone mentioned they have heard of "Tea Cup Aussies,I disagree with designer breeds,But i would like to see what they acturally look like.

I dont know anthing about mini aussies but heres a picture of the so called tea cup aussies.

https://breederinfocenter.com/index....20060319065105

[pessimisaurus]

mini & toy aussies have become quite popular around here (seattle-area) in the last 1-2 yrs. I see them frequently at the dog parks, and we've had a few in our training classes as well. I dont know much about them outside of the ones Ive met in these situations, but from my understanding they are supposed to be basically the same as standard aussies in personality, but Im sure theres some differences. the ones Ive met have actually seemed to be more hyperactive than most standard aussies Ive met, but it could very well have been because they were playing at the park. I know there are national breed club websites for both the minis and toys, and I imagine plenty of other informational websites out there on them, just do a search!

[Giselle]

Okay, I must sound like a huge idiot but I'm not a very big Herding dog person. But are shelties and Aussies really that different in personality? If not, then I don't see a purpose to a "miniature" or "toy" aussie. And if shelties and aussies are actually quite similar in temperament (assuming both are properly bred and trained), then what would be the purpose of a "miniature" or "toy" aussie? Sorry, guys, I'm not a fan of downsizing or upsizing any breed. Besides, I'm a big dog person so an Aussie is actually pretty small to me

ETA: Just noticed the post below me. Showing dogs and having titles does not deem a breeder reputable. Far more important are the health certificates and temperament of the dogs

[bckrazy]

But are shelties and Aussies really that different in personality?

Comparing Shelties and Aussies is like comparing Pugs to Pekingese! How dare you, Sophie. >:[

hawhaw, I'm kidding. but... they are VERY different breeds in personality, appearance, purpose & size. But I do see what you're saying, as far as another already established breed being able to fill in the need for a "new" breed.

I actually consider a North American Shepherd breeder before I decided on Cardigans... it was more the individual breeder that I liked as opposed to the breed as a whole. She showed her dogs, and they worked every day and were amazing trial dogs, and of really reasonable size that was ideal for me (just under standard... 15-18"). In retrospect, if I were you, I would first search in your area for a working breeder whose dogs are on the lower end of the standard. I've never seen a working Aussie that was 60-70 lbs, as show Aussies tend to be.

If you do decide on a Mini Aussie, contact the breed club and do lots of research. The breed club is awesome and I find it encourages/promotes working Aussies much more than the US Aussie club does. This breed is becoming VERY popular with BYB's & Puppymills, who cross Aussies with Pomeranians & other small breeds to get ridiculously tiny size. I also feel that breeding "teacup" Aussies is simply immoral, because there is no way a 10" Aussie can move livestock efficiently. My advice is to look for breeders who are active in the breed club, showing, AND working... and completely steer clear of newspaper ads & puppyfind-type websites.

[CathyBogart]

I don't actually have a problem with the mini variety of aussies. A friend of mine used to breed them(she is going through a divorce currently so she has put everything on hold), and I spent a lot of time around them. They're just like standard aussies in temperament, and they're excellent working dogs.

Toy aussies on the other hand....no.

[Giselle]

LOL, Erika! Whoops! Like I said, I don't know much about herding/sporting dogs so I don't know the little breed characteristics very well (can ya tell I do lazy breeds?). All I know is that Giselle seems to have a thing for a BC named Gonzo

Whenever I hear about "new breeds", it always gets my hackles raised, but I know miniature Aussies are essentially small aussies. Same bloodlines and everything, right? From an unbiased point of view, there's nothing inherently wrong with that *as long as* you find the right breeder. The problem lies in the fact that bybs and pup millers gobble up "new breeds". New breeds are their cash cow and, unfortunately, I've seen a lot of bybs who tout mini aussies as the new "it" item. The basic rules for a reputable breeder remains the same: proving their dogs in a particular venue (conformation, herding, etc.), genetic testing (OFA, CERF, PennHip, Optigen, etc.), and temperament testing. More positive activity with their dogs (such as therapy) is definitely something to look favorably upon.

[3muttsandaboston]

Here is a breeder selling them. They are very cute little things. This person seems like a good breeder since they show them.
http://www.teacuptreasures.com/index.html

[pessimisaurus]

Okay, I must sound like a huge idiot but I'm not a very big Herding dog person. But are shelties and Aussies really that different in personality? If not, then I don't see a purpose to a "miniature" or "toy" aussie. And if shelties and aussies are actually quite similar in temperament (assuming both are properly bred and trained), then what would be the purpose of a "miniature" or "toy" aussie? Sorry, guys, I'm not a fan of downsizing or upsizing any breed. Besides, I'm a big dog person so an Aussie is actually pretty small to me

Aussies and shelties are extremely different in personality. And actually most mini & toy aussies Ive met are smaller than most shelties (though shelties come in such a wide size range too). I agree though, Im not a fan of up or downsizing a breed either. Especially since standard aussies already come in such a huge range of sizes. Brock is 65 lbs and 23 in tall for example and still within standard for height! And Ive seen plenty of 35 lb aussies as well. Personally I dont like the look of the toy & mini aussies, because they just look like toy dogs. Just my personal preference! lol

[Vette]

I used to have a Aussie mix when i was little girl,, an i never dreamed of this breed of having different size standards like Poodles...

i must be old fashioned an out of date in the dog world. LOL
is there Toy and Miniature Rottweilers now too?