The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd aka Mini Aussie is a smaller size version of the standard Australian Shepherd.  In the 1800s western ranchers began importing with sheep from Australia to the United States in the 1800s.   Accompanying the sheep were Basque shepherds and their herding dogs.  American ranchers were very impressed with the working ability of these "little blue dogs" and began interbreeding them with their own shepherd dogs.  The result was the Australian Shepherd.  In 1968, a Californian horse woman, named  doris Cordova began a breeding program specifically to produce very small Australian Shepherds.  The smaller aussies were developed to to produce a dog under 18" who had the heart, intelligence and drive to work stock and yet be small enough to travel easily to stock shows and be a "house" dog.  

Temperment:
Aussies are reserved by nature with strangers and extremely loyal to their owners.  They are highly intelligent and easily trained with a sensitive nature.  They respond best to a calm, assertive owner and will sometimes withdraw under a harsh taskmaster.  But should also not be allowed to do as they please and know that the owner is the leader.

Care:
Due to the Mini Aussies' inhertent herding instincts they do require regular daily exercise through walks, fetching ball, frisbees, or competing in agility or obedience.   Without sufficient exercise an Aussie will develop undesirable behaviors, like chewing, digging & barking.  The more exercise you give your Aussie, the happier you both will be. 

Grooming:
Mini Aussies are "wash & wear" dogs and require only brushing after bathing and rarely do their coats mat.  Aussies coats dry quickly and dirt typically falls out after drying.  Weekly brushing will help eliminate dander and dust.  Grooming your dog establishes a bond between you and your dog.  Weekly toenail clipping and teeth cleaning should be a part of your weekly grooming routine.

Vet Care:
Your Mini Aussie needs regular (monthly) heartworm medication that does not contain ivermectin, which has been known to cause convulsions in Aussies and Collie type dogs.  We use Interceptor Heartworm Medication.  We also use Advantage Flea Preventative on a monthly basis to keep our Minis "flea free".


Aussies are extremely intelligent and will outwit and manipulate  an owner who doesn't know how to be a leader.  They require proper socialization and exposure to various situations in order to develop a sound tempermant.  The first two years are especially important.  Raising a wonderful family pet properly takes time, patience, love, training and plenty of exercise for these natural working dogs.  If you do not have the time to devote to a pup but still want a dog as a family member, you may wish to consider an older trained dog or a dog from a rescue organization.