Matt and I, along with our son Trevor and daughter Mackenzie, live on a farm in northeast Nebraska overlooking the beautiful Plum Creek.  Our dogs are part of our family and live in our home with us.  They do have a heated/ac barn with a large fenced run to play in.  In the evenings they are helping us around the farm.  The passion for a miniature Australian Shepherd all started when I met my soon to be husband.  He had a standard Australian Shepherd and I had a cocker spaniel.  I always thought it would be the neatest dog to have an Australian Shepherd in a cocker spaniel size.  In 2012 we bought our first toy Australian Shepherd.  We loved the breed so much that we decided to share this amazing breed with others.  Please visit my adult page to see the fur babies of the family.  I have a degree in veterinary technology.  I have done much research and asking mentors to advance my level of knowledge of the Australian Shepherd. 

 

 

More about the Standard of the Toy and Mini Australian Shepherd:

 

Country of Origin The Toy Australian Shepherd originated within the United States.

 

Size: The Toy Australian Shepherd stands 10-14 inches and weighs between 12-17 pounds. The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a shoulder height 14-18 in and weighs 20-40 lbs. The Miniature Australian Shepherd has highly set, triangular ears, a moderately defined stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead), a scissors bite, and brown, blue, or amber eyes (or a combination thereof). It has a flat back, natural or docked bobtail, and oval feet. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is slightly longer than it is tall

 

Coat:  The Toy/Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat ranges from medium to long, with a dense undercoat. It can be straight or slightly wavy, and is highly weather resistant. The coat is short and soft on the head and legs, with a thick mane around the neck. The Toy/Miniature Australian Shepherd can be black, red, red merle (dark patches on a light colored background), or blue merle. All may have white markings or tan points. There should be feathering of the hair on the back of the legs.

 

Character:  The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd is an intelligent breed. It is primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. This breed is an excellent companion and is versatile and easily trained performing their assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm.  It is relaxed, loyal, and devoted, bonding closely with family, even to the point of developing separation anxiety. Aussies are confident and lively.  The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd is reserved with strangers, but does not exhibit shyness.

 

Temperament:  The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd is an excellent companion for children. They act as a devoted friend and guardian. Toy Australian Shepherds are easy going, loyal and courageous. The Toy Australian Shepherd can become nervous and destructive without frequent socialization and proper exercise. They are working dogs and want a job to do.

 

Care:  The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd needs little grooming and are an average shedder.  Brush regularly with a firm bristled brush and bathe only when needed.

 

Training:  The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd is easily trained. They seem to have a sixth sense to know what their owner wants and they are very eager to please and adept at a wide variety of sports and games, such as herding, Flyball, and agility competitions. The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd does need training at an early age to avoid nipping at the heels of humans as they are a herding dog by instinct and will try to herd their humans.

 

Activity:  The Toy/Mini Australian Shepherd needs daily, vigorous exercise. They enjoy long walks and play-time as they are an energetic breed. They do best when they have a job to do.

 

IF you want a SMALL HOUSE SIZED DOG with brains, smarts, loyalty and HEALTH with limited herding instinct our TOY AUSSIES are what you are looking for!!