By my heritage, we are a herder and
guardian. Sometimes our instinct to herd can
be mistaken as "meanness" when we are
trying to herd other animals and/or children.
Nipping at the ankles is not an uncommon
trait in young Aussies with herding instinct,
but is easily discouraged with a gentle shake
and an "ah-ah" sound.  Aussies, properly
trained and socialized make wonderful
companions; we are highly intelligent, loyal,
affectionate and protective of our property
and our
human family. Our high-spirits and
eagerness to please make us an easy to train
dog who will generally show great
enthusiasm for learning new things and
being challenged on a daily basis. Aussies
excel in the show ring, trial arena, obedience
ring, and they can be wonderfully athletic
agility and fly ball dogs. Our high energy
makes us a serious candidate for lots of daily
exercise and play. Aussies are generally
good with children and other pets, although
they usually try to keep the "herd" together!
With strangers, Aussies can be aloof and
show reserve but this should not be taken as
shyness, they are generally just keeping an
eye on things and making sure that the new
person is acceptable before making them a
friend. As a rule if you, as their owner, tell
them the person is acceptable they will
accept your word for it. Once an Aussie
makes a friend, they are a friend for life.

Miniature and Toy Australian Shepherds
have all the same attributes as the Standard
Australian Shepherds including excelling in:  
herding, therapy dog, agility, conformation,
obedience, and tracking and as an active
intelligent companion.  

They then also have the advantages of small
breed dogs. They are the perfect size to
jump up in your lap and be a lap dog.  They
can jump in your truck and easily travel and
stay with you on the road.  

Mini Australian Shepherds weigh between 15
to 35 lbs at maturity they range from 14'' to
17''.   Toy Australian Shepherds are 14'' and
under and weigh 8 to 18 lbs.  They have blue
Merle, red Merle, black or red TRI or BI coat
colors with some variations.   Most toy
Australian Shepherds and Miniature
Australian Shepherds have copper and white
trim.  And their eyes may be blue, brown,
hazel, and green, one of each, flecked or
marbled.

The disposition of these small breed of dogs
is calm and confident, but suspicious of
strangers.   The Toy Australian Shepherd
and Mini Australian Shepherd are entirely
devoted to their owner and will go to great
lengths to please, they are easy to train.
ALL ABOUT MINI
& TOY AUSSIES