Mini Aussi

Question
Do you think that in general a mini aussi is subject to more health problems that the "pure breeds", which "pure" breeders insist is true??

Answer
Yes, I do, and the reason is that responsible breeders don't knowingly sell their breeding prospects to anyone who wants to miniaturize the breed.  So, mini breeders need to find their dogs from less reputable sources, which automatically puts them at higher risk, since no one took the time to evaluate the dogs from a genetic health standpoint.  The Australian Shepherd, because of its relatively small gene pool, is subject to many inheritable disorders, not the least of which are epilepsy, eye problems, and hip dysplasia.  Reputable breeders test their breeding stock, and register the results with OFA, CERF or PennHip, plus they remove any dogs with epilepsy or other heritable diseases from their breeding programs.  A responsible breeder belongs to a breed club, tests dogs for genetic problems, is honest about epilepsy in their dogs' lines (Ask-Tell Program), and titles or works their dogs so that buyers can be certain they are getting the best chance at a structurally sound puppy that is able to do its job for a reasonable lifetime, whether it will be a pet or a working dog.  Not to mention that they usually provide a lifetime guarantee that your puppy could be returned to the breeder, if, for any reason, you are not able to care for it.  Good breeders assume responsibility for the pups they breed for life!!! Breeders of purebred dogs who do these things are not being snobbish - they genuinely love this breed and do not want it to be "mass produced" or reduced to the level of puppy mills.