Complete Guide to the Mini Australian Shepherd

A Toy Australian Shepherd is also known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd and is a smaller version of the Standard Australian Shepherd 

Interestingly, the Australian Shepherd (affectionately called an ‘Aussie’) does not actually originate in Australia.

It is believed that some Basque farmers brought ancestors of these dogs with them when they emigrated to Australia, then subsequently to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

However, the breed as it is known today was developed in the American Southwest over the next few decades.

The Australian dog was crossed with several breeds in an effort to produce an animal able to deal with the harsh temperatures and demands of the American West. Breeding during this period was mainly focused on ability—speed, agility, and endurance–rather than appearance, which delayed the Australian Shepherd’s recognition as a breed.

Australian Shepherds became popular pets after they were featured as rodeos performers in the 1950’s, and later in Disney films such as ‘Run Appaloosa Run’.

The Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd was created by selectively breeding small Australian Shepherds. It has increased in popularity in the last few years due to its combination of small size with high energy level and endurance.

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The Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd should measure between 10-14 inches at the top of the shoulder.

The Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd comes in blue merle, black, red merle, red and they may have white markings and/or tan or copper points. According to the breed standard these are the only allowable colours.

The Toy Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and energetic dog.

He is an exceptional companion exhibiting strong herding and guardian instincts. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with style and enthusiasm. 

While often cautious or reserved with strangers he is an assertive, authoritative worker. Viciousness towards people or animals is intolerable and shyness is seen as a fault in this breed.

This is a very active breed and you must be prepared to give your dog a lot of exercise, training and mental stimulation or you are likely to end up with a destructive and bored dog.

This is a great breed if you are looking for a running partner and can devote significant time and energy to a dog.

The coat of the Toy or Miniature Aussie is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat.

Due to the undercoat expect to brush your Aussie daily to prevent knots. 

Typically, the Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a good family dog when given appropriate training.

Be aware they are high energy and have a natural herding instinct which can frighten timid children or those who are not used to dogs.

Miniature or Toy Aussies have a typical lifespan of 11-14 years.

Heath issues in Australian Shepherds include:

• Hip Dysplasia. 
• Elbow Dysplasia. 
• Collie Eye Anomaly. 
• Colobomas. 
• Cataracts. 
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy. 
• Multiple Drug Sensitivity.

It is recommended the Australian Shepherd has the following health tests:

• Hip Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

The Toy Australian Shepherd is intelligent and energetic. He is an exceptional companion exhibiting strong herding and guardian instincts. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with style and enthusiasm.

Make sure you meet the parents, and ideally some other puppies from the breeder so you can have a better idea of the likely nature of your puppy.

Generally, yes as long as he is well socialised when young.

Owing to their active nature the Toy Australian Shepherd e will require a high amount of exercise, especially as a puppy.

Typically these are dogs not suitable for apartment living, unless are able to commit to a very high amount of exercise or arrange for a dog walker or doggy daycare, especially during the puppy stages.

A Toy Australian Shepherd typically costs between $2000 – $4000. Note that the cost of a puppy doesn’t reflect the quality of it’s breeding or care. Make sure you find an ethical breeder before you purchase a puppy.

Make sure the parents of the puppy have had all the following testing completed and ask the breeder for copies of the results.

A DNA test or vet check is not sufficient health testing.

Australian Shepherd
• Hip Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Read this article on how to Find an Ethical Puppy Breeder to learn more about finding a Toy Aussie breeder.

There is currently an investigation into the potential risks of grain-free or ‘holistic’ foods causing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Until the underlying cause of the issue is confirmed we recommend avoiding grain-free diets.

Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Food

Medium-sized dogs are famous for their energy, and were historically working dogs. 

Royal Canin Medium Puppy provides the balanced energy your puppy needs to maintain a healthy weight.

Key Benefits:

• For puppies up to 12 months to mature between 10 – 25kg 
• Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics for digestive health
• Meets the high energy needs of medium breed pups
• Helps support healthy skeletal development with an adapted calcium and phosphorus content
• Helps support the puppy’s natural defenses with an antioxidant complex and mannanoligosaccharides

NomNomNow

NomNomNow creates healthy, natural and fresh personalized dog food that is made from real, whole food ingredients and based upon the recommendations of NomNomNow’s Chief Nutrition Officer, Dr. Justin Shmalberg. Meals are perfectly portioned based and are measured and sealed in their own bags.

The cost starts from $28 per week depending on the size of your dog and shipping is free! In order to find the perfect diet for your dog, you simply complete a quick survey which includes questions about your pet’s weight, age, activity level, and any health issues. You can then choose from a variety of suggested recipes depending on your dog’s preferences including Heartland Beef Mash, Tasty Turkey Fare, Chicken Chow-Wow, Porkalicious Potluck, or Egg & Veggie Medley. NomNomNow also provides free nutrition consultations to ensure your pet’s needs are met.

The NomNomNow meals are perfectly balanced for all life stages, including puppies and older dogs. They have also created a range of healthy human-grade treats as well as a canine microbiome testing kit ($59 USD) which can help you identify any unique dietary requirements your dog may have.

You can currently get 20% off your first order of NomNomNow here!

OLLIE

Ollie tailor your dog’s meal plan based on their age, breed, activity level, allergies, and ideal weight—so their portion is juuust right. They only use human-grade ingredients including high-quality meats, superfoods, fruit and vegetables with zero fillers. Every meal is delivered fully cooked, customised and delivered to your door ready to eat. You can choose from Healthy Turkey Feast, Hearty Beef Eats, Chicken Goodness or Tasty Lamb Fare. They ship your dog’s food on a flexible, regular schedule so you’ll always have the right amount. All you have to do is store your food packs in the freezer and thaw them in the fridge.

The Ollie website has a great interface with a through quiz which allows you to design your doggos dins depending on their specific requirements. Ollie has been featured in Vogue, Forbes and Martha Stewart Living. Not only do they provide a great product, 1% of all their revenue is also donated back to rescue organizations.

The team at Ollie work with a specialized veterinarian to formulate AAFCO-compliant recipes, deriving the exact nutrition your dog needs from natural sources like sweet potato and cod liver oil, instead of supplements. The customized meal plans are gently cooked low temperatures so the nutritional value is preserved, and they offer a full refund if your dog isn’t satisfied.

The cost of the meals ranges between $2-6 per day, depending on the size of your dog and you can get 50% of your first Ollie box here!

 

Left to their own devices, young puppies can get in a lot of trouble, from soiling the carpet to chewing your favorite pair of shoes. That’s why it’s important to start training early and keep a close eye on them, especially when they’re still learning what’s expected of them. And the best way to do that is to crate train.

WHY CRATE TRAIN YOUR PUPPY

First of all, understand that crate training is not cruel. In spite of what some people may have told you, breeders and veterinarians recommend using a crate for your dog from a young age.

For thousands of years, dogs in the wild have sought out small “dens,” where they can feel safe and sheltered while resting, caring for puppies, or recovering from an injury or illness. Giving your puppy his own personal bedroom can help him feel more secure.

This method is also extremely effective for house training while you’re not keeping a hawk eye on them—dogs won’t want to soil their bed, but will have little issue with sneaking into another room of the house to go if they’re not yet fully trained.

Finally, crate training can help prevent anxiety. For puppies, overseeing a big house when no one is with them can be overwhelming. When they feel like they have a smaller place they need to “protect,” it’s much more manageable. (Read more on useful ways to use dog crates here.)

CHOOSING THE BEST DOG CRATE

So now that we’ve sold you on crate training, here’s how to get started:

Choose a well-ventilated crate that is large enough for your puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Remember that your puppy’s crate will have to grow as he does, so purchase a crate that is appropriate for your dog’s expected full-grown size, and use a divider to make the crate smaller for the time being. Many crates available at pet-supply stores include dividers. You will also need some soft bedding for the bottom of the crate, ideally washable, and some puppy pads in case of accidents.

Why size matters: A crate that’s too small will be uncomfortable for your dog, but a crate that’s too large may give your dog the space he needs to have an accident without it ruining his bedding. This behavior might encourage future accidents in the crate and around the home.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR PUPPY TO LOVE THE CRATE

The most important part of crate training is making sure your puppy always associates it with a positive experience.

Start by lining it with blankets and place a few toys inside to make it cozy. You can also cover it with a lightweight blanket to mimic a “den” environment. Make sure it is still ventilated and not too hot if you do this.

Bring your puppy to the crate for naps and quiet-time breaks so that he can “unwind” from family chaos. Start in increments of 10 minutes and work up to longer periods. Offer treats when he goes inside, and distraction toys, like a stuffed KONG. For years, this author has been giving her Yorkie a treat every day as soon as he goes into his crate and sits. Now as an adult dog, he runs to his crate each morning in anticipation of the goodie.

Every time you take the puppy out of the crate, take him for a walk so he can eliminate. He’ll get used to the idea that potty time comes after crate time. Remember to praise him after he goes to the bathroom outside.

It’s also helpful to keep puppies in the crate overnight. They may cry the first night or two—in most cases, they are simply adjusting to home without their mom and littermates. Most puppies should be able to sleep through the night without a potty break by 4 months of age, but if you’re in doubt, take him outside.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN CRATE TRAINING YOUR PUPPY

Never leave a puppy in his crate all day; he needs several bathroom breaks, as well as play and feeding times. Even though he won’t want to soil his sleeping area, if he is in there for extremely long stretches, he just might. (He can’t help it!) And if he does, it is because his owner has neglected his responsibility, not because the dog has misbehaved.

Never use the crate as punishment. Your dog should see his “room” as a place where only happy, peaceful things happen.

Never lose your patience. Learning takes time. If you follow the above advice and are consistent, your puppy will learn to love his crate for years to come.

This article was originally published by the American Kennel Club here

Probably the most common problem that affects dogs’ mouths is gum disease. Starting silently with no obvious signs or symptoms, it advances quickly, causing chronic pain, eroded gums, missing teeth, even bone loss – a fate hardly fair to your four-legged friend. In fact gum disease is so common, studies show over 80% of dogs suffer a stage of gum disease before they are three years old.

WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?

Bacteria cause gum disease (periodontal disease). Straight after your dog eats, bacteria – along with food, saliva, and other particles – forms a sticky film called ‘plaque’ over oral surfaces (like tooth enamel).

Gum disease is five times more common in dogs than humans, as dogs have a more alkaline mouth, promoting plaque formation. Also, most dogs don’t have their teeth brushed every day, giving plaque-forming bacteria the chance they need to multiply.

Bacteria in plaque instruct your dog’s immune system to recognise them as foreign, quickly marshalling white blood cells to attack. Plaque bacteria then instruct white blood cells to release enzymes to break down gum tissue. This skirmish leads to inflamed gums, destroyed tissue, and loss of teeth, bone, and even jaw fracture; all caused by untreated gum disease.

WHAT EFFECTS CAN GUM DISEASE CAUSE?

Plaque causes inflammation (reddening) of the gums (gingivitis) which can initially be very subtle, making them more likely to bleed. Plaque not removed over time hardens, mineralising into calculus (tartar), the browny yellow hard substance on your dog’s teeth, and the perfect surface for even more plaque to stick to, speeding up the whole process. Gingivitis is reversible but, if left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is irreversible, characterised by loss of attachment for the tooth in the socket, which may lead to tooth mobility, loss of tooth, and severe infections. Bacteria may potentially enter the bloodstream every time your dog chews, causing infections much further afield in the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Effects of severe gum disease can include abnormal bad breath (halitosis) caused by periodontal disease. Imagine your own breath if you stopped brushing your teeth for a few days! Never ignore this early warning sign of disease. There are many other causes of bad breath too, so it’s important to get it checked by your vet as soon as possible, rather than assume it’s normal or an inevitable sign of old age

Dental disease can be painful, but most animals are extremely good at covering up the signs and will rarely stop eating. So look out for difficulty picking up food; bleeding or red gums; loose teeth; blood in saliva, water bowl or on chew toys; strange noises when eating; pawing at mouth/face; and dribbling. If in any doubt, ask your vet.

WHAT MAY MY VET DO IF MY DOG HAS A PROBLEM?

Most vets perform some degree of dentistry, with no such thing as a ‘typical dental’. All cases require thorough examination of the patient, both conscious and under anaesthetic. This involves examining every tooth individually, both visually and with a special probe. Dental X-Rays are often indicated to see what’s happening below the gum-line in the root/socket area. Extractions, or other treatments may be required, and most patients will require scaling and polishing of teeth to remove plaque and tartar before waking up.

Pets need general anaesthetic to have dentistry performed as what we see is literally the tip of the iceberg; disease isn’t often discovered until the animal is examined asleep. Your vet’s priority is also to ensure your dog doesn’t feel any pain, and even scaling and polishing can cause minor discomfort, so your vet always recommend that they are safely anaesthetised.

HOW CAN I PREVENT GUM DISEASE?

Preventing gum disease should be a part of your routine canine care with teeth ideally brushed daily, just like ours, minimising bacteria and their by-products and helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth. Surprisingly many owners seem reluctant to brush their dog’s teeth as they think their dog won’t like it, but most respond well, actually enjoying this new form of attention. So ask your vet to demonstrate, introduce gradually using rewards and doggie toothpaste, and you’ll be brushing in no time!

If possible, introduce teeth brushing as a puppy so he or she grows up thinking it’s quite normal. Regular brushing, and at least twice yearly checks with your vet, should mean less dental disease.

Feed quality dog food, ‘dental diets‘, or special foods that prevent plaque from hardening. If in doubt, ask your vet about what diet is best for your dog, and offer tooth friendly toys and treats as well.

Remember, many pet insurance policies don’t cover dental work so it’s even more important to look after your pet’s teeth.

This article was written by Marc Abraham and was originally published in the Crufts Magazine – www.thecruftsmagazine.com. 

Marc Abraham is a vet based in Brighton. He regularly appears on UK television. For more information about Marc please visit www.marcthevet.com.