Miniature Australian Shepherds

[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).