Miniature Australian Shepherd

While the origins of the Australian Shepherd are unclear, what is known is that it developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in western North America. It was bred for herding livestock and as an all-purpose farm dog. The breed evolved in the 1960s when a group of enthusiasts promoted the breeding of dogs of a smaller size.

This shepherd variety shares much of the beauty of Australian shepherds, with the exception of being smaller in size. They are usually between 14 to 18 inches at the withers, which is the area between the shoulder blades and the highest point on the back. They weigh between 17 and 35 lbs. They have luxurious dense coats that are medium in length and may be red or blue merle, black, and red, with or without copper and white markings. Their eyes may be any combination of brown, amber, hazel, blue, or marbled. The hind legs are the same as the length as the forequarters. This dog is well-balanced, agile and muscular.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has intrinsic strong herding and guarding instincts, which makes it an excellent working dog. But this also translates into boundless energy that needs to be channeled, or else will turn somewhat destructive. It is essential to provide training to these pets, and to constantly maintain your position as the pack leader. One must also provide his/her pet with plenty of interesting activity, and a good amount of exercise. Like most dogs, they are affectionate and loyal, and form very strong ties with their owners. They are good fun to play with and settle well into the family.

This dog breed was to adapt to smaller living spaces, without compromising on health or instinct. For this reason, it can be kept in an apartment, but definitely needs sufficient activity. The breed needs to be taken for regular long walks. Add to this some games, such as fetch or frisbee, and your dog will be very well exercised. Their dense coat also needs regular brushing, preferably with a firm bristle brush. Baths must also be featured in, whenever necessary. This dog has a life span of about 12 to 13 years.

Among the health problems this breed can suffer from, is the possibility of being blind and deaf if it inherits the gene for the merle coloration that also carries a blind/deaf factor. However, this occurs only when a puppy with two merle parents inherits two copies of the dominant merle gene. The vast majority of merled North American varieties are heterozygous, where one parent is merle and the other solid, and are thus not at any risk.

Miniature Australian Shepherds make wonderful loving pets who also add fun and excitement to their owners' lives. While buying or adopting a dog or puppy, good health, not size, should be the top priority.