About the Miniature Australian Shepherd

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an Australian Shepherd in a smaller package, standing just 14 – 18 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing an average of 30-45lbs pounds. The smaller size makes them well suited to our growing urbanization. They still possess the same traits that they were originally bred for; the Australian Shepherd was bred to herd livestock and guard the family farm.  The primary goal when breeding (past and present) the Mini Aussie is to preserve these traits, keeping them an intelligent family oriented dog… just in a smaller package .  The smaller size (“miniaturization”) was accomplished like any other breed or variation:  selective breeding over time.  Small standard Aussies bred with other small standards eventually led to the Minis and Toys we have today. 

Our Mini Aussies and Their Size

The majority of our pups fall within the mini range of 14 – 18” at the shoulder when full grown.    Because the Minis and Toys are bred down from the Standards we may have the occasional pup that goes over the 18” size.  Though I cannot guarantee the adult size of your pup, I will give you my best guesstimate at what you can expect for adult size and weight.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd Coat

The Australian Shepherd breed standard for coat color is as follows:

1. Black: With or without white and/or copper trim. Kylie is an example of this color.Red: With or without white and/or copper trim.

2. The reds can vary in shade from very light to so dark that they can appear nearly black. Our Lily and Jazz are both red tris but they are definitely different shades of red. Jazz is a deep chocolate red, showing how dark a red tri can be.

3. Blue Merle – with or without white and/or copper trim. Eli is this color.

4. Red Merle – with or without white and/or copper trim.

The coat can come in two varieties: Show coats and working coats.  Both do shed, with the show coat being more noticeable.  Our girls with working coats don’t mat but Kyle, who has a show coat, can get mats around her ears and chest if she doesn’t get a brush at least once a week.

Mini Aussie Puppies

At about 4-5 months of age your puppy will go through their Teenage gangly stage.  Their legs get long, their ears go all funny and they shed that cute fluffy puppy coat. Within a short time though, they will grow into their legs, the ears will settle and their brand new adult coat will start to come in. Your little pup will start to show the promise of a handsome adult Aussie. 

Miniature Australian Shepherds as Family Dogs

Mini Aussies are loving and devoted to their family, they are referred to as velcro dogs because of their want to be with you all the time.  They are happy to follow you around the house, even when you’d much rather not trip over them. Puppy obedience classes are great start, remember your Aussie is smart and sensitive, positive training methods are a must.  Aussies will work hard to please you.

The Miniature Aussie, though not a hyper dog, is active and wants to have something to do.  Though they can be quite content to join you on the couch for a cuddle and snooze, they do require exercise and activities. Unless you provide them with exercise and busy toys, they will find their own entertainment. A full kitchen trash can keep a Mini Aussie busy for an hour or two, a box of tissues or roll of paper towels can be great fun. They make excellent paper shredders.  Daily walks, a game of catch (their leaps are amazing) or maybe a run is generally all that's needed. Mental stimulation is just as, if not more then, important than physical activity. Making them use their minds with puzzle toys, hide and sneak, brain games and scent games are important.

Mini Aussies excel in performance venues, their intelligence and athletic abilities make them well suited for agility, fly-ball, Frisbee, obedience and therapy work.

Our Miniature Australian Shepherds are registered through AKC as Australian Shepherds. AKC does not recognize a size variety (toy, mini, standard), they are Australian Shepherds whether they are 10” or 28”.