I am new to this group, but this thread caught my eye. I volunteer for Aussie rescue and normally work with "standard" aussies (plus the occasional Border Collie).

Last week I was asked to take in a toy aussie. I had never heard such a thing, but the dog needed help and I went to pick him up.

Gabriel is tiny. He is almost 6 months old, and only 6 pounds. Looks like an 8 week old aussie pup, but he isn't expected to get much bigger.

I got his pedigree and sure enough, as far back as I looked it was all aussies. Could breeders have been lying, of course, but it doesn't seem that way.

This guy looks just like my "standard" aussie, only much smaller. He is just as "drivey" and smart (more so than my lazy black tri). Though he may be a small dog, he needs a dedicated and dog savvy owner. Unlike most toy dogs....he isn't a lap puppy. He wants to work.

Will I let him herd..NO WAY! He is just too small. But agility and flyball are in his future. But if I let him into the field of sheep, he would try.

I am concerned that people are going for this breed thinking it will be easier than a "standard" aussie. Size isn't everything. Unless breeders can magically get the work drive out with making the dogs smaller, this breed is doomed to wind up in shelters everwhere.