Mini Aussie???

Question
How is the breeding of the miniture aussie received by the standard aussie breeding comunity?  I ask because i like some that i've seen but want to be ready not to offend the standard breeders if they feel this is an insult to the breed thanks.

Answer
This is a heated topic among the breeders of Australian Shepherds. First, it should be clarified that there is not a "standard" size Australian Shepherd. There are Australian Shepherds, Miniature Australian Shepherds and even Toy Australian Shepherds. Since you did not ask about the Toy version, I will limit my response to Australian Shepherds and Miniature Australian Shepherds.

The Australian Shepherd breed standards (AKC and ASCA) do not have size restrictions but rather suggested ideals of between 18" -23". A dog smaller or larger than those stated sizes is still acceptable if it is structurally sound and capable of performing the work asked of it.

Those who oppose the promotion of Miniatures feel that breeding a smaller size is unnecessary when a smaller dog can be found among the general population. They are concerned that the act of breeding selectively for size comes at the possible expense of health and structure. The final concern is that by breeding smaller dogs, the Mini breeders are targeting urban pet owners who have little space (small yards, apartment dwellers) and misrepresenting the true nature of a herding dog.

The Miniature Australian Shepherds are still active dogs and although they may be physically smaller, they do require as much exercise and training as their larger counterparts. This breed still requires as much exercise, training and grooming care as an Austrlian Shepherd who is 23" tall.  

The Mini breeders started breeding for smaller size over twenty years ago using Australian Shepherds as their basis. There are various stories as to why they opted to go in this direction, some hold water and some don't. Regardless of anyone's opinion, the debate over Mini's vs Aussies comes down to one thing: Freedom of Choice. They have the same right to pursue a goal as the next person.
These breeders made a choice and have followed through by producing a style of dog that consistently meets a standard they developed.

The Mini breeders are a split group amongst themselves. There is one side who feel that they are developing a distinct breed that they have named the North American Miniature Australian Shepherd. The second group feels that since the Mini's orginated with the Australian Shepherd, that they are merely a size variation but essentially the same breed and so they maintain the name of Miniature Australian Shepherds.

The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) has taken the position that they do not wish to recognize distinct variations in sizes because there is already an accomodation for that in their breed standard. ASCA will not allow the registration of any dog who is also registered under another breed name or size variation. Naturally, there is the occasional unethical breeder who attempts to ride both sides of the fence by intermingling modern Australian Shepherd lines with Miniature Australian Shepherd bloodlines. This behavior only adds fuel to the arguement that there is no need for a size variations under a different name and those breeders who are caught registering their dogs with both ASCA and a Mini registry are subject to having their registry rights suspended if caught.

AKC doesn't distinguish between size variations and registers all sizes as simply Australian Shepherds. The AKC parent club, USASA doesn't condone the selective breeding of Miniatures as such, but doesn't enforce separate registry issues.

What this all boils down to in my opinion, is that an Aussie is an Aussie. The difference for me is what criteria the breeder has chosen as being most important generation after generation to acheive their goals.

Was it health and sound structure and working ability, or size and appearance? Are the dogs being truthfully represented by their nature as being active and in need of a job or are they inaccurately being touted as good urban companions who fit into small yards and apartments because of their size. Are health checks such as OFA/PennHip and CERF eye exams being performed on all breeding stock and can the breeder provide the certificates to show that this was done?

I have seen good and bad representatives in both Minis and Australian Shepherds. When looking at either size,  consider the health and reputation of the person and their goals for breeding first. If they appear to be financially movtivated, with little knowledge of the health and pedigree background, don't purchase a dog from them regardless of the size.

SH