Mini/Toy Aussie History and Information

The Miniature Australian Shepherd was started as a breed in 1968 from a group of small select Australian Shepherds. The size on conformation was achieved over 10 years of breeding, crossing the smallest standard size Australian Shepherds. Scarce, they were smaller Aussies to be sought out and used in this breeding program.

During the 1960's, a Californian Australian Shepherd enthusiast acquired several small working Aussies from the rodeo circuit. Intrigued by their compact size, she worked with a veterinarian to develop a breeding program in order to preserve the trait, which quickly resulted in litters producing both dogs only 13 to 14 inches tall as well as larger Australian Shepherds. The smaller dogs eventually became known as "miniature" Australian Shepherds. The mini Aussie soon attracted the attention of experienced Australian Shepherd breeders and eager newcomers. Lines were researched and educated breeding to full-size Aussies was and is strongly encouraged to diversify the gene pool and improve conformation and type of the mini Aussies. Herding instinct, intelligence and drive were preserved and many mini Aussies continue to work a variety of livestock today.

Characterstic wise these dogs are just like the full size aussie. Attentive, highly intelligent, Energetic,Courageous and very willing to please and learn!! Very loyal dogs! They love children and are an awesome dog to have grow up with your child!!! Also reserved, but never shyness, towards strangers.

They are very very easy to train, with their willingsness to please and learn. They potty train very quickly!

They like walks and having a job, wether that be fetching your paper or hearding your sheep. They are a quiet herder. Not known for its bark during herding like some breeds. They are not usually dog aggressive.

Sizing of these wonderful dogs is as follows.

Tea Cup - Weight: under 12 pounds
Toy - Height: 10-14 inches
Toy - Weight: 12-17 pounds
Miniature - Height:  13-18 inches
Miniature - Weight:  20-40 pounds

Coloring variees greatly with their being 4 main colors.
Blue and Red Merle. Black and Red Tri or Bi.

Grooming is quite simple of these dogs as well. It is very easy to groom and care for, they only need a simple brushing occasionally, use a  firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. They only shed with changes of shedding. I would consider it a normal dog shedding(possibly less??), I rarely notice dog hairs which is awesome.