ALL ABOUT AUSSIES
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, 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 40 lbs at maturity they range from 13” to 17”. Toy Australian Shepherds are 13” and under. 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, amber and green, one of each, flecked or marbled. The disposition of these small to medium breed of dogs is calm and confident, but suspicious of strangers. The Toy Australian Shepherds and Mini Australian Shepherd are entirely devoted to their owner and will go to great lengths to please, they are easy to train.
