General Description: (Mini Australian Shepherd) (Toy Australian Shepherd) (Mini Aussie) (Tea Cup Australian Shepherd) The Miniature Australian Shepherd comes in blue or red merle, red or black tri-color, each with white or tan markings. They also come in Bi-color lacking the third marking. Regardless of the rest of the coat, the hair around the eyes and ears should not be white in show dogs. The coat may be straight or wavy, but is of medium length. The hair on the head, front of the forelegs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat, there should be a mane around the neck, and the back of the legs are feathered. Eye color varies - green, brown, or light blue eyes, as well as one eye green and brown, blue and brown, or green and blue.
Character: This breed is easy-going, loyal and affectionate. They are naturally protective and excellent guardians, but are also great with children. They love to play, and indeed need a great deal of exercise every day. They are highly intelligent, and easy to train, but if they are not kept occupied they may become destructive. They become very attached to their owners and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for even a few minutes. They must be well-socialized as puppies, as they are suspicious of strangers. They have a strong herding instinct, and have a tendency to nip people's ankles in an attempt to herd them. They are usually not dog-aggressive, and they don't bark very much.
Size: 14-18 inches
Weight: 20 - 35 pounds
General Health: Those dogs that are have a merle or merle-cross configuration have a tendency to blindness or deafness. However, most merled North American Miniature Australian Shepherds are "heterozygous" merles (one parent is merle while the other is solid) and these are not at risk. Hip and eye problems can occur, so ensure that both sire and dam of puppies have been tested and are certified clear prior to purchasing a puppy.
History: The miniature Australian Shepherd was developed beginning in 1968, by selectively breeding small Australian Shepherds. This breed was not cross-bred with toy dogs, and therefore the instinct, ability and character of the breed is retained, only the size is shrinking.
Maintenance: The coat of this breed needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Ideal Environment: This breed will do fine in an apartment, as long as they are exercised sufficiently. They will become destructive if they do not get enough exercise, or if they are allowed to become bored. A small yard will be fine, a large yard will be better. This breed does well in cold climates.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd information.