Miniature Australian Shepherds are herding dogs by nature. They are enthusiastic, affectionate, athletic and super smart. This combination of traits means Mini Aussies are equally adept in the showring, in obedience trials, working sheep, in flyball, in therapy work and everywhere in between. They are hard workers and the herding instinct is still intense. Mini Aussies make great family pets because they are very tolerant of kids, make a gentle playmate, tend to stick close to home and they are incredibly loyal. They do often choose a favorite in the family and are most loyal to them. Like any good working dog, a well-bred Mini Aussie can be a bit reserved with strangers-at least until you tell them everything is okay. These dogs do have a bit of natural aggression that needs to be socialized out as a puppy. Consequently, if raised in a kennel setting without socialization, Mini Aussies can be anti-social or a bit overly protective. If you buy from a breeder that handles the dogs regularly and has them temperament tested before releasing them to their forever homes, you shouldn't have any problems. Like most dogs, Mini Aussies are just lousy at being stuck in a kennel. You'll be most happy with your dog if it has room to run every day. Ours are content to lay in our office most of the day but we do have to take a break in the morning, a break at lunch and another short break in the afternoon. If you give them room and time to get exercise, Mini Aussies can be great in any kind of environment. They just want to please you and be near you.
What's the difference between show quality and companion dogs?
When buying from a responsible breeder, the differences between show and companion puppies are usually unrecognizable with the possible exception of a dog show judge or another experienced breeder. All dogs offered for sale by a responsible breeder are healthy and can be expected to live full lives. Conscientious breeders are always committed to improving their breed-striving for perfection. Consequently, only the nearly perfect dogs (as compared to breed standards) are kept for show & breeding purposes. Companion dogs are no less healthy and no less attractive. They likely just have some minor features that would be faults in the showring-ie: ears that are too large, legs that are a bit long, a nose that is too narrow or a small spot of color in the wrong place. Very few of us humans would pass the test to be considered show/breed quality!
Should we get a boy or girl?
Male dogs are often more of a one person type and they do tend to be a bit better as watchdogs and a bit more athletic. If neutered, they are pretty good about staying home, too. Female dogs are generally a bit smaller and a bit easier to housetrain. When spayed, females are easier-going, more content to hang around home and a little easier to train, although Mini Aussies are so smart you'll likely find training a breeze.
Mini or Toy?
Mini Aussies are normally 14-18 inches in height and weigh 20-40 pounds. They are durable and full of energy, if bred correctly, many believe they're much like a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. Owning a Mini Aussie is like having a permanent puppy-you will be stopped everywhere you go as people inquire about your "puppy". Mini Aussies are an ideal package-a small dog with a big dog make up-no yapping, no whining and they're far from fragile. If you have kids and/or a busy lifestyle, we think Mini Aussies are tough to beat.
Toy Aussies are very new, they are usually 11-13 inches and 10-20 pounds. Although not petite, they are still small animals and not an ideal match with little kids. If you are seeking a dog that will hang with you all day long-whether working hard or hardly working-and then sit in your lap all evening, the Toy Aussie is probably your best choice. Again, a real dog in a toy-sized package. However, a word of warning, you do have to be a social person to own a Toy Aussie, they are head-turners and strangers will stop you everywhere you go.
How Long Will They Live?
Small dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs so you can expect your new friend to be around for a good long time. Twelve to fourteen years is normal for Mini Aussie. The little extra price you pay for a good, healthy Mini Aussie is minimal compared to the joy and devotion you will enjoy in return.
