Miniture Australian Shepherds

Question
Hi Shelly,

I have a couple of friends with Aussies and while I love the temperment I would like a little smaller dog.  I have seen miniture Aussies in the local paper for sale and was wondering what you think of these?

Also, any chance the minitures would shed less than the standard Aussies? Would like less shedding when in the house.

Finally, can they be left outside most of the time (except at night or on real cold days in the winter)?

Thanks,
Mike
mikehays@ecentral.com

Answer
Your timing is ironic because as a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America Board of Directors, I was just asked to help come up with a definitive statement regarding miniatures. We intend to develop something along the same wording as that of the AKC parent club, the United States Australian Shepherd Association:
"The United States Australian Shepherd Association
Statement concerning the Miniature Australian Shepherd:
Recently there has been a rise in the movement to breed a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not recognized by this organization, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, Inc. (USASA), or by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The USASA does not support the purposeful breeding of Miniature Australian Shepherds, and expects all members who have breeding programs to breed to the USASA/AKC recognized standard of excellence. The USASA further expects all members to be ever vigilant in the preservation and protection of the Australian Shepherd."

There is no purpose for the miniaturization of this breed, which already comes in a moderate range of sizes from 18"-23". Despite their advertising claims, the reduction in size does not make these minatures better urban dwellers than their legitimate counterparts.

The rationale that living in an urban environment requires a smaller dog isn't true. Australian Shepherds, regardless of their size, still require exercise, regular interaction and activity. They carry the same coat types, they require the same training and so on.

Australian Shepherds can live outdoors in terms of temperatures but they thrive on their human companions. A dog who spends the majority of it's time outdoors will not receive the type of attention and training required to make it a well mannered family companion. This is an impossible scenario when the members of the household must contend with work, school, family meals, chores, family obligations, each of which will come first before they are able to go outside and play with a dog. Now an indoor companion is part of the family and receives constant training and attention through day to day activities. This results in a better mannered dog, a dog more loyal to the family and one that is not likely to dig out of a yard or jump over a fence out of boredom.
This breed was intended to be a working breed and the minis utilized the working bloodlines even more because of their smaller sizes--so they NEED attention or a job to do or they will find their own recreational activities when left to their own accord outside. Barking,digging,chasing and finding ways to escape are all top issues with outdoor dogs.


My suggestion is that if you want a low maintenance,low shedding dog that is content to be left alone outdoors, this breed, in any form is probably not a good choice.  Australian Shepherds as they were developed and intended to be: moderate in size and coat but do shed profusely, are active, intelligent and athletic. They require alot of time and training and do best as indoor companions.

If you truely wish to own a smaller dog, then please look at breeds like the Shetland Sheepdog or Pembroke Corgi, both of which are small, but very active breeds of dogs.