To tell if your Aussie is a Mini, measure its height at the withers (shoulders): Minis are typically 14 to 18 inches tall, while Standards are over 18 inches, and Toys are under 14 inches; weight varies, but height is the key differentiator, though some breeders mix breeds for smaller sizes, so genetics and DNA tests can confirm.
The constant is height... and by height is how they are classified. Mini is 14--18 in tall at the shoulder. Standard is taller then 18 inches. ** The mini size was produced by breeding the smaller standard Aussies together for many generations, until the smaller size was more constant and reproducible.
The Mini Australian Shepherd looks much like its larger counterpart, the Australian Shepherd. These dogs have a soft double coat typically found in black, red, blue merle, or red merle. Merle is a coloration that appears speckled or marbled. These dogs also commonly have bright blue eyes.
It's important to note that the Mini Aussie is transitioning into its own breed, recognized as the Miniature American Shepherd. Our Mini Aussies and Toy Aussies are dual registered and either name can be used interchangeably.
All-red Mini Aussies are the rarest of them all. Their coats have vibrant red fur all over, with red snouts, and red paws. They tend to have striking amber or blue-colored eyes.
Double merles can be confused with “mismarked” Aussies, in which white covers one or both ears and/or eyes. Mismarked Aussies have no more vision problems than any other Aussie, but because hearing is dependent upon pigmented hairs in the inner ear, any Aussie that has white over an ear could be deaf in that ear.
Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes. Some Aussies even display more than one color within the same eye.
Interestingly, while small dogs typically have longer life expectancies, mini Australian shepherds, which the AKC recognizes as the miniature American shepherd, have a life expectancy of just 12-13 years.
Anatolian Shepherd
These shepherds are independent thinkers with a calm yet assertive demeanor. They form strong bonds with their humans and are naturally protective. While they're not as high-energy as other dogs, they still need plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Cons of the Miniature Australian Shepherd:
Herding Instincts: Some Mini Australians might exhibit strong herding instincts, which could lead to nipping or herding behaviour around children or other pets. Obedience training can overcome the problem.
The truth is, most Aussies do enjoy a cuddle with their owner or close family member, but you will find some dogs of this breed that aren't that big of fans. It all depends on the dog itself, its individual personality, and its temperament.
Some common behavior issues in Australian Shepherds include: Herding Instincts: Australian Shepherds are herding dogs bred to move livestock, and they may exhibit herding behaviors such as chasing, nipping, or barking at people, other pets, or moving objects.
It's not common for Mini Australian Shepherds to bark excessively, so if yours is doing so, you should take the time to figure out why.
While Aussies have many color patterns, the four main recognized types (colors) by breed clubs are Black, Red, Blue Merle, and Red Merle, with or without white and tan markings, showcasing the breed's striking variations in coat and eye color, including heterochromia.
Fact: Some Aussies are born with natural docked tails — and can be 1/2 to 3/4 of a normal length tail. Aussies have a 1 in 5 chance of being born with a naturally-docked tail.
Use a crate to help train them but never as a punishment, most dogs do not fully mature at until about 2 years of age so expect nothing less. Keep your aussie healthy, excellent food, care and test to rule out disease, they have a very smart brain so use it.
Introduction
Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and are renown for their obedience, agility, and excellence in herding and other active sports.
Physical appearance of Aussies
The harlequin shepherd is considered the rarest color. Most Australian Shepherds are tricolored, including a mix of white, brown, merle, harlequin, red, and black. The harlequin shepherd is considered the rarest color.
Common Australian Shepherd illnesses
Mini Australian Shepherds are smaller, typically weighing between 20 to 40 pounds, while standard Australian Shepherds are larger, weighing between 40 to 65 pounds. Both breeds share similar characteristics in terms of intelligence, loyalty, and herding instincts!
For a breed with “mini" in its name, the obvious question is, “How big does a Mini Australian Shepherd get?" Mini Aussie height is 13 to 18 inches tall, and their weight is 20 to 40 pounds. But it's not just their diminutive size that attracts attention—the dogs also have stunning good looks.
Mini/American Aussies are different genetically than standards. No matter what their weight is that will always be a mini. Below 18 inches at the shoulder he's a mini. 18 and above he's a standard, according to the AKC.
Did you know that green 💚 is the rarest eye color in dogs too? And we are lucky to be welcoming THREE rare gems 💎in a couple weeks 🐕🐾🚗 Meet Lilly, Layla, and Loki!
Yes, miniature Australian shepherds are generally known to be very affectionate dogs with their families. They form strong bonds with their human companions and enjoy spending quality time with them. They often love to cuddle on the couch, snuggle up with pets, and simply be near their people.