Information Center

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2021 Rafter B Mini & Toy Aussies and/or circleofdreamers.com
Rafter B Mini & Toy Aussies

Origin & Description of Miniature & Toy Australian Shepherds:

A breeding program to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds. Breeders bred them down in size to produce a smaller dog and today continue to strive to produce a mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a size that fits well into today's lifestyle, without sacrificing instinct, ability or character. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed that was developed by breeding smaller Aussies for multiple generations to reach this desired size. Mini Aussies are increasing in popularity among those interested in a compact dog with a strong work ethic. They have a smooth medium-length double coat, with a short dense undercoat. The outer coat is close and rain resistant. Aussies come in blue or red Merle, red or black Bi, (with white no tan markings) red or black tricolor, (all with white and tan markings). The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. The coat may be straight or slightly wavy, and should have feathering on the back of the legs, and a mane and frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the forelegs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat. The hindquarters are the same length as the forequarters. The top of the skull is quite flat and clean cut. The feet are oval and compact. The lips do not hang over the lower jaw. "The Mini Aussies tail" Some of the reasons are tradition, function, identification and cosmetic. Consequently, tail docking was implemented to avoid injury & infection when dogs assisted men in herding or hunting. Their tails were a magnet for fox tails, burrs and stickers which can cause trauma to the tail. One of the reasons natural bobtails were valued and bred for.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, fun puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the owner wants, intelligent and easy to train. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without enough mental & physical exercise. They need a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and thus easily bored. Socialize your dog well when it is a puppy to avoid it becoming suspicious of strangers. Some like to nip people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. They need to be taught herding humans is not acceptable. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive, although suspicious glint character. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.

Height and Weight:

Toy Height: 10 - 14 inches (26 - 36 cm) Toy Weight: 12 - 17 pounds (5.5 - 8 kg) Miniature Height: 13 - 18 inches (33 - 46 cm) Miniature Weight: 20 - 40 pounds (9 - 18 kg)

Health Problems:

The gene for the beautiful Merle coloration can carry a blind/deaf factor. This may be expressed only in Merle/Merle crosses. (which we do NOT do) The vast majority of Merle North American Miniature Australian Shepherds are heterozygous Merle (one parent is Merle, the other is solid) and these Merle's are not at risk for any special health problems due to their coloration. Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that are otherwise okay to give another dog, but if tested positive for this gene can kill them.

Living Conditions:

The Miniature Australian Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay with a small yard. This breed does well in cold climates. The Mini Aussie enjoys to be taken on walks, even to the park to fetch a ball. This energetic little dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, or better yet, some real work to do. Although they toy and/or Miniature Australian Shepherds are just as happy getting loved and being a lap dog, They excel at and enjoy obedience, fly ball, agility, disc dog and can also serve as a service therapy dog. Most of the teaching, training and redirecting begins in your home.

Life Expectancy:

About 12-13 years.

Grooming:

The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is low is dander & if kept clean and groomed they are an average shedder.

Information

Center

2021 Rafter B Mini & Toy Aussies and/or circleofdreamers.com
Rafter B Mini & Toy Aussies

Origin & Description of Miniature & Toy

Australian Shepherds:

A breeding program to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds. Breeders bred them down in size to produce a smaller dog and today continue to strive to produce a mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a size that fits well into today's lifestyle, without sacrificing instinct, ability or character. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed that was developed by breeding smaller Aussies for multiple generations to reach this desired size. Mini Aussies are increasing in popularity among those interested in a compact dog with a strong work ethic. They have a smooth medium- length double coat, with a short dense undercoat. The outer coat is close and rain resistant. Aussies come in blue or red Merle, red or black Bi, (with white no tan markings) red or black tricolor, (all with white and tan markings). The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. The coat may be straight or slightly wavy, and should have feathering on the back of the legs, and a mane and frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the forelegs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat. The hindquarters are the same length as the forequarters. The top of the skull is quite flat and clean cut. The feet are oval and compact. The lips do not hang over the lower jaw. "The Mini Aussies tail" Some of the reasons are tradition, function, identification and cosmetic. Consequently, tail docking was implemented to avoid injury & infection when dogs assisted men in herding or hunting. Their tails were a magnet for fox tails, burrs and stickers which can cause trauma to the tail. One of the reasons natural bobtails were valued and bred for.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, fun puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the owner wants, intelligent and easy to train. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without enough mental & physical exercise. They need a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and thus easily bored. Socialize your dog well when it is a puppy to avoid it becoming suspicious of strangers. Some like to nip people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. They need to be taught herding humans is not acceptable. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive, although suspicious glint character. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.

Height and Weight:

Toy Height: 10 - 14 inches (26 - 36 cm) Toy Weight: 12 - 17 pounds (5.5 - 8 kg) Miniature Height: 13 - 18 inches (33 - 46 cm) Miniature Weight: 20 - 40 pounds (9 - 18 kg)

Health Problems:

The gene for the beautiful Merle coloration can carry a blind/deaf factor. This may be expressed only in Merle/Merle crosses. (which we do NOT do) The vast majority of Merle North American Miniature Australian Shepherds are heterozygous Merle (one parent is Merle, the other is solid) and these Merle's are not at risk for any special health problems due to their coloration. Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that are otherwise okay to give another dog, but if tested positive for this gene can kill them.

Living Conditions:

The Miniature Australian Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay with a small yard. This breed does well in cold climates. The Mini Aussie enjoys to be taken on walks, even to the park to fetch a ball. This energetic little dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, or better yet, some real work to do. Although they toy and/or Miniature Australian Shepherds are just as happy getting loved and being a lap dog, They excel at and enjoy obedience, fly ball, agility, disc dog and can also serve as a service therapy dog. Most of the teaching, training and redirecting begins in your home.

Life Expectancy:

About 12-13 years.

Grooming:

The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is low is dander & if kept clean and groomed they are an average shedder.