What is a Miniature Australian Shepherd?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an Australian Shepherd – just of a smaller size.

Here is a picture of me and Envy who could have been considered a ‘toy’ sized Aussie at 13.5” tall @ 9 months in this picture. She is now full grown and ‘Miniature’ sized at 14.25”.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not a separate breed from the Australian Shepherd. They all share the same heritage. We call them “miniature” only to accentuate the fact that they are smaller than the standard or average Australian Shepherd. Miniature Australian Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are still bred together and the resulting dog is a purebred dog, however, they only can be registered by MASCA no matter what the resulting adult size. This is because the miniature is not accepted as a variety of the Australian Shepherd by many of the Australian shepherd clubs at present. For this reason Miniature Australian Shepherds compete in Rare Breed venues, however I disagree with this. I have tried to go and display my dogs in these shows in the past, but I feel that the mini will never been taken seriously as a variety of the Aussie if breeders and clubs continue to show them as a separate breed. For this reason I will no longer show my miniature Australian Shepherds until the day comes they can step into the ring as a variety of the Australian Shepherd and not a separate or rare breed. Otherwise, nothing will change and I find it pretty ridiculous for breeders to be saying that Mini Aussies are a variety of Aussie and then show up at rare breed events, displaying their dogs as a separate breed. I actually find it laughable, and I don’t want to be a part of that. Plus nothing will change if no one steps forward to make those changes. I may be alone in this (for now), but sometimes one person can eventually be a catalyst for change? I can hope so for the sake of the mini aussie!

There has been a rise in some Australian Shepherd breeders claiming that minis are a marketing ploy by ‘mini breeders’ to charge more money. This could be true with some breeders. As a responsible buyer you must do research and choose a breeder right for you. I price my dogs based on pedigree and size according to the registry. Also number of puppies in a litter can also modify prices. If I have a litter of small MASCA registered dogs, or standard size CKC / ASCA dogs, they will be priced equally, but if I have a litter of standard size dogs that are registered MASCA, and not CKC or ASCA, I generally will cut the price a bit. I may get larger pups when I breed mini to standard, and I do this to add to the pedigree in my mini lines. I am dedicated to improving the lines of the mini. Note that MASCA is an Australian Shepherd registry that recognizes a miniature variety. It is NOT a separate breed club registry.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small and agile dog that loves to work. Flyball, agility and disc are becoming extremely popular canine sporting events in Ontario and the Miniature Australian Shepherd is perfect for these venues! Being attentive, intelligent and agile this little dog is the dog sports enthusiasts dream!

The ideal height of an Australian Shepherd ranges from 18 to 23 inches, and weight anywhere between 35 and 55 lbs. ‘Miniature’ Australian shepherds range from 14 to 18 inches, and weigh anywhere between 15 and 35 lbs. There are also ‘Toys’, which are under 14” and typically under 15 lbs.

I describe Aussies as ‘Border Collie-like’ in personality, but without as much intensity or edge. Of course all puppies in every litter will have variable personalities and so there will likely be ones that are more laid back, and also just as likely, ones that are more intense.

Read my stand on the Miniature Australian Shepherd

16/03/2012