Miniature Australian Shepherds

[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.

[CathyBogart]

The biggest problem I see with mini aussies is that people seem to forget that they are WORKING DOGS. My friend has turned down dozens of prospective owners who were looking for an apartment dog or a couch potato. They have loads of energy and drive, and they need to DO something. (which is why, when she asked me if I wanted one of her rescued minis, I turned her down...I ADORE that dog, but I don't have that kind of energy.)

[wolfsoul]

The issues I see with miniaturizing breeds is the health problems that can and do occur. One thing I'm noticing with North American miniature Aussies is that their heads are getting smaller but their eyes are staying the same size. I talked to a friend who has two mini Aussies, and he says the breed is also starting to develop many internal problems, because the bodies are getting smaller but the organs are staying the same size. I don't know much about these issues as my breed is not currently in danger of being miniaturized -- though I do prefer my Belgians smaller! Honestly it sounds silly, but I've seen it happen.

I have no issues with the breed itself -- it has it's own parent club, it's being considered for registration by some of the bigger kennel clubs, and it has been bred for a long time. There aren't any smaller breeds being mixed in (unlike "toy" or "teacup" aussies). I don't see alot of consistency in the looks of these dogs which tells me that they are bred more for working ability and temperament -- a good thing as opposed to most Aussie breeders who focus too much on looks. I've recommended the mini aussie to people who want an aussie but want something smaller and less time-consuming to groom.
However, I do not agree that any breed should simply be miniaturized because it's size is not preferred. Every breed has it's ups and downs. If something is impossible to live with, get a breed that has a downside you CAN live with. There are plenty of things I can't stand about Belgians -- but the downsides I dislike are all in temperament, something I can try to breed out without completely altering it's physical appearance and turning it into a "new breed."

[bckrazy]

I have noticed the same issues with domed skulls & bulging eyes in this breed, as well... but - again - I haven't seen ANY of that from dedicated working & show breeders of Mini Aussies. Primarily because reputable breeders do not deviate from the standard just to produce smaller dogs.

It really is sad that BYB's & PM's are treating the breed like simply an easier, more convenient version of Aussies... because they definitely are not. They just come in a smaller, more compact package that the AKC & Aussie Club of America consider out of standard. I honestly wish the standard for Aussies would instead be altered to include more compact dogs because, honestly, a 16" Aussie can do the same job as a 20" Aussie... and probably much more efficiently than a lumbering 22"+ 70 lb Aussie can.

These are pictures from a breeder that I've talked to a lot. Both dogs are very balanced, & fit the standard exceptionally well. The first dog is 16", the second is 17", and both excel in working. I was actually going to get a pup from the second girl.





These are examples of breeders going for size, with no regards to working or show ability... extremely domed skulls & bulging eyes, and overall poor structure. It's pretty obvious that these dogs are not 100% Aussie.

[Sevaede]

Thank you all much!

I agree, especially with the miniaturizing issue (in that I don't think that it's right to miniaturize all breeds). I think one of the things was some info that I have been reading for a while. It (the breed) was presented as being like how some folks related the Min Pin and Dobie. I have nothing against any of these precious pups, however. I just would feel like I was supporting the wrong thing (millers, etc).

I guess it's back to the drawing board! I can handle pretty much everything. The thing I was going for with a Mini Aussie is strength. I love the Aussie but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up with one. But, plus, they're working and I don't plan on having cows or sheep or whatnot.

I have a lot of time and energy to spare and space is not an issue as we will probably be moving once more (in a couple of years, after I complete some schooling) and then probably buying a place hopefully with a quite a bit of yard (acres, I'm hoping and crossing my fingers for). I would like to get into showing and whatnot. (Affens, mayhaps. I love everything about them!)

Bckrazy, pretty pups! I understand the head/eye problem. It's incredibly aggravating that people are just doing things all willy nilly without giving any consideration towards anything (especially any potential repercussions).