Fun fact: Aussie sizes are based on height, not weight. Adults 14" and under are considered to be Toy sized, regardless of their adult weight. A dog that measures above 14" in height is a Mini. You can learn how to measure a dog's height HERE.
The main difference between a Mini and a Toy Australian Shepherd is size. Mini Australian Shepherds are larger than Toy Australian Shepherds in both height and weight. Mini Australian Shepherds are on average one to four inches taller than Toy Australian Shepherds.
The average Toy Aussie is around 10-14 inches tall and weighs between 12-17 lbs depending on the gender of the dog.
Toy Australian Shepherds are any Australian Shepherd Bred Dogs that are shorter than 14 in (36 cm) at the shoulder. They typically range from 10-14 in tall.
A Miniature Australian Shepherd requires a moderate amount of exercise—at least one hour per day. Luckily, these pups aren't particular with how they receive their workout, so a walk, run, jog, or hike can all do the job. These pups also enjoy off-leash running outside (in a fenced-in area) and some indoor playtime.
At 2-3 years of age, Mini Aussies are considered mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. In other words, they will start to calm down! That said, Aussies are naturally active dogs and will remain so into old age.
They are well known for their abundant energy, so prospective owners may be wondering: Are Mini Aussies really that hyperactive? Yes – but don't let that scare you away! A hyperactive dog is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you can meet their needs.
(One recommendation is Purina Pro Plan). From 3-6 months old, your puppy needs to be fed 3 times a day. Six month old puppies can move to 2 feedings per day and at 1 year old, one bowl of food is all that is needed. At this point you can choose to have a feeding time or put out the food and allow your dog to free-eat.
Mini Aussies are similar smaller versions of Australian Shepherds. In many cases, they may not be much smaller at all. Their love for water will often be the same as a larger Aussie as well. For the most part, these dogs may love water if they are introduced to it at a young age.
Your puppy should be taken outside at least every two hours. Once they hit 20 weeks, they may be able to hold it for four hours. Don't plan on leaving them home for much of the day when you first adopt them. It simply won't work.
Training goal #6: Get your Aussie involved in AKC activities
These dogs bond strongly with their families. Their loyalty with their intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train. Regardless of the activity, your dog will love doing it with you.
The only time you should shave or trim a Miniature Australian Shepherd is at your vet's recommendation, usually due to a health issue.
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.
A Toy Aussie looks very similar to a Mini or Standard Australian Shepherd. Toy Australian Shepherd has a medium-length coat. Their coat is slightly wavy or straight. The coats color can be red or blue merle coats, red or black tricolor, along with white or tan markings.
Yes, the Australian shepherd sheds A LOT. We'll take a look at this dog's shedding season and cover how you can keep your house clean and care for your Aussie's coat all year round.
They do well in colder weather and enjoy it up until the freezing point. Their double coat provides protection from the elements. The soft, fluffy undercoat keeps them warm, like a layer of insulation. The outer coat is longer and coarse.
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months. Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
On average, our puppies are $3000 - $5000.
Never more, sometimes less. Expect to pay on the lower end of the scale for a TRI with Brown Eyes.
Common Health Problems
But they are still prone to some hereditary health issues1, including: Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye issues. Drug sensitivity due to a mutation of the MDR1 gene. Hip dysplasia.
They are not overly stubborn or spiteful, but can become that way if you don't give them enough attention or if they get bored. There is no such thing as too much activity or training with an Aussie; they can handle more than you are able to throw at them.
They Are Among the Smartest Dogs in the World
There are intelligent dogs, then there are Australian Shepherds. Since Toy Australian Shepherds have identical intelligence ratings as their larger counterparts, they're also among the most intelligent dogs in the world.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.
According to the Australian Shepherd Club of America, Aussies may experience a number of health issues, including: Hip dysplasia: This is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. Elbow dysplasia: These are multiple abnormalities in the elbow joint. Epilepsy: This can cause occasional seizures.