North American Miniature Australian Shepherd

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd are also known as Miniature Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussie, Toy Australian Shepherd and Miniature American Shepherd. These breed is well-balanced, athletic and alert. They are sensitive, a god guardian, confident, devoted to their families and can easily be trained. Mini Aussies make a fine companion and will also enjoy working small stock. They are used in search and rescue and as therapy dogs. They also have a playful side, and love to be around children.

Mini Aussies are an exact replica of their larger counterpart, the Australian Shepherd, except for size. Some people consider them to have three separate sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. Other consider the Toy and Miniature to be in same category. Regardless, they are all identical save for size. Mini Aussies have sturdy bodies with medium length covering the entire body. They are compact, quaint dogs with triangular drop ears. Their eyes can be of several different colors, including blue, brown amber, or any combination of the three. They are friendly, fun loving, hard working and makes an excellent companion. are also known as North American Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussie, Toy Australian Shepherd and Miniature American Shepherd. These breed is well-balanced, athletic and alert. They are sensitive, a god guardian, confident, devoted to their families and can easily be trained. Mini Aussies make a fine companion and will also enjoy working small stock. They are used in search and rescue and as therapy dogs. They also have a playful side, and love to be around children.

Mini Aussies are an exact replica of their larger counterpart, the Australian Shepherd, except for size. Some people consider them to have three separate sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. Other consider the Toy and Miniature to be in same category. Regardless, they are all identical save for size. Mini Aussies have sturdy bodies with medium length covering the entire body. They are compact, quaint dogs with triangular drop ears. Their eyes can be of several different colors, including blue, brown amber, or any combination of the three. They are friendly, fun loving, hard working and makes an excellent companion.

Color

The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd comes in variations of different colors in blue merle, black, liver, red (liver) merle and all red with or without white markings and/or tan points.

Coat

This breed has a double coat that is medium in length and straight to slightly wavy. It can be moderately harsh, with a dense undercoat.

Personality

The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd are highly trainable, and a versatile family dog and companion. They are wary with strangers but never aggressive. Mini Aussies are very playful and affectionate with their owners, and get along with children. They have a high prey drive, however, and are not trustworthy with smaller animals. They do, however, get along well with other dogs. They are very intelligent, with a strong instinct to herd and guard. They have high problem solving abilities, and are very obedient when trained. They actually enjoy obedience classes. Mini Aussies are enthusiastic dogs.

Care

These breeds are prone to eye disorders such as COllie Eye Anomaly and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hip dysplasia and allergies. Other than these, they are considered a healthy breed. They will need a regular brushing once or twice a week will help to minimize sedding of their coat and keep the skin and coat healthy. As with any herding dog exercise is essential to maintain a healthy, well-balanced dog. Daily walks, obedience training or giving them a job to do is excellent exercise for this breed.

Training

The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd is an intelligent breed, they enjoy obedience training. Obedience should come easily. However, giving them early socialization is a must. This breed loves to learn, like problem solving. They love challenges and do well to figure them out on their own.

Activity

The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd is a working dog with enthusiasm and spunk. They will need average exercises daily and would love if given a job or an activity to do, letting them feel that they are being needed. Although they are small, they will need a home with a fenced yard to give them space to roam around. They are not best as apartment dogs. They would do better in a rural environment as they were bred to herd and guard the flock. The best owner for these dogs would be that which are active individual or family who live in a rural environment.