Video of the Day: Puppy Playtime with Mini Australian Shepherds

Video of the Day:
Puppy Playtime with two Miniature Australian Shepherds.

Meet Maile and Mana.
Mana (brown front leg) is actually about 4 weeks younger than Maile (while front legs).  But that didn't keep him from quickly outgrowing her.  These two are neighbors and enjoy lots of good socialization with each other.  Puppy playtime is important for every young dog.


Related Blog Links:
Breed of the Month--Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breed of the Month--Australian Shepherd

Breed of the Month--Miniature Australian Shepherd

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Color:  Blue merle, red merle (liver), solid black, solid (liver) red, all with or without white markings and/or tan points.
Height:  14-18 inches
Weight:  20-40 lbs
Life Span:  12-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  epilepsy, hip dysplasia, cataracts, Collie eye anomaly (CEA), persistent pupillary membrane (PPM), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Coat:  Double coat of moderate length.  Straight to slightly wavy, medium-textured, weather-resistant under and outer coat.
Country of Origin:  United States

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more informations.

The exact origin of the breed known as Australian Shepherd is not known, but these working dogs were developed in the western United States, not in Australia as the name may suggest.  As the link to my former blog states, breeds such as the Pyrenean Shepherd, Collie, Smithfield, and Border Collie contributed to the breed known as the Australian Shepherd.  The miniature version of the breed began to develop in the 1960s.  A breeder named Doris Cordova enjoyed working with smaller versions of the Australian Shepherd and began breeding them to continue a line of dogs under 18 inches.  The Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA) was formed in 1990 by Cordova and several other breeders.

Just like the standard sized Australian Shepherd, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is friendly and smart,  adept at herding livestock, excels in obedience training, and works with enthusiasm and grace.

Exercise:  
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a high-energy working dog, and needs plenty of daily physical and mental activity.  As with any working-type breed, the Miniature Australian Shepherd needs some sort of job, from playing to herding, or even baby-sitter of the house.

Grooming:  
To keep shedding under control, the double coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd must be given consistent care.

Training:  
Using positive reinforcement training can teach this breed pretty much anything.  The Miniature Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent.  With the proper motivation, the breed can learn almost anything you might be able to think of.  This breed (and its close relatives the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie) excel at agility, competitive obedience, and trick performances.

Here is a size comparison for you.

A Miniature Australian Shepherd with a standard Australian Shepherd.

Breed of the Month--Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Color:  Black, red, blue merle, red merle.  May have white markings.

Height:  Males:  20-23 inches/ Females:  18-21 inches

Weight:  Males:  50-65 lbs/ Females:  40-55 lbs

Life Span:  12-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, cancer, osteochondritis dissecans, patent ductus arteriosus, dental problems, corneal dystrophy, Collie eye anomaly, patellar lunation, iris coloboma, and persistent pupillary membrane.

Coat:  Double coat.  Undercoat is moderate mane and frill but varies with climate.  Outercoat is medium length and texture, weather resistant, straight or wavy.

Country of Origin:  United States

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Breeds such as the Pyrenean Shepherd, Collie, Smithfield, and Border Collie contributed to the breed known as the Australian Shepherd.  This breed was actually created in the United States by sheep and cattle herders, not in Australia as the name may suggest.  Although the breed was initially intended for herding and guarding, the Australian Shepherd has become adapt at many helpful tastes.  The Australian Shepherd has remained the breed of choice for many farmers and ranchers.

The Australian Shepherd is friendly, smart, and enthusiastic.  He is intelligent and agile and excels at many things from participation in competitive sports to becoming a therapy dog.

Exercise:

The Australian Shepherd must have LOTS of daily mental and physical exercise!  This is a very high energy breed and needs a job to do.  He will not be happy sitting on the couch and lounging around at home.  This breed excels at many activities including agility, flyball, and obedience.

Grooming:

The coat of the Australian Shepherd needs regular brushing and care to keep the control shedding.

Training:

Using positive reinforcement training is a must for this breed.  They are intelligent and very eager to learn new things.  As long as you keep your Aussie mentally and physically challenged, there's not much this breed won't do for you.