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About Miniature and Toy Australian Shepherds

History

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is an American breed. In the late 1800's and early 1900's the forerunners of today's "Aussie's" came to the western and northwestern states as stock dogs for the Basque shepherds that accompanied the vast numbers of sheep then being imported from Australia. These hard working, medium-sized, "little blue dogs" impressed the American ranchers and farmers and began using them as well. Breeding was done for working ability rather than appearance, and occasionally dogs of other herding breeds were bred into the lines. However, today's Aussie still resembles the dogs that came from Europe via Australia, and great numbers of Aussie's are still working stock on ranches and farms in the United States and beyond.

Personality & Character

Those of us who love Aussie's can't imagine a more perfect breed of dog. Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in these dogs make them unsuitable for some homes and owners. Consider carefully if your lifestyle can accommodate the exuberance of a typical Aussie.

The Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate-sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance. Many Aussie's today still do the work they were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussie's need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic will get them into trouble if not managed.

Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussie's are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussie's have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high-energy dogs that need a purpose in their lives, a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors, such as digging and chewing, running, jumping, and rough-housing.

The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused. Aussie's are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience training is highly recommended. Aussie's learn very quickly, and are very adaptable to many different situations and lifestyles, but it is important that you are willing to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit both mind and body.

Although many Aussie's are friendly with everyone, the Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around strangers. With Aussie's of this nature, owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussie's are often quite protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussie's may become aggressive towards strangers, and other animals.

In general, Aussie's are healthy dogs and can be expected to live up to twelve years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy commitment. Some grooming is required to keep the coat clean and conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain their high energy levels, typical active Aussie's may eat more than other more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to feed plenty of high quality food. (See the list of dog foods we recommend, and why.)

Aussie's are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that is extremely adaptable to many different lifestyles. If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves!

Breed Standard

The Breed Standard may be found at the TASAA web site.