Treat Yourself With Teacup Australian Shepherds

Teacup Australian shepherds steal everyone’s heart. They are truly just a tiny version of the standard shepherd. Toy and miniature shepherds are also available but the teacup is the smallest. Most authorities do not regard the three small types as separate breeds. Weight and height determines the category into which each dog fits.

The miniature is specified as between 13 and 18 inches in height and 24 to 40 pounds in weight. The toy is 10 to 14 inches and 12 to 17 pounds while the teacup weighs less than 12 pounds. The teacup is about a quarter the size of the standard.

The attractive colors of the teacup include red and blue merle plus red and black tri-color. The merles all have varying amounts and combinations of tan and white patches and/or markings. There is a certain amount of feathering on the legs. The dogs are moderate shedders. The wavy coat needs a bath occasionally and a brush from time to time.

Although merle dogs are attractive and popular there are problems when two merles are mated. Twenty-five percent of puppies from two merle parents will have hearing and sight problems and may be totally deaf and/or blind. A merle mated to a solid color will also result in some merle puppies but these will not be affected.

Other health problems include hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), conjunctivitis and hereditary cataracts affect some dogs. DNA tests can detect the latter. Some dogs carry a MDR1 mutation. This causes excessive sensitivity to certain drugs, including anti-parasitic types. Potential breeding dogs can and should be tested for a number of genetic problems.

In temperament, they are energetic and playful. They enjoy active children and make devoted pets. Like the ‘big’ version, they are easily trained but quickly get bored if not kept busy and stimulated. They will become destructive if not given enough to do.

As well as being so lively, they retain their inherent wish to herd. Unless taught otherwise, they may nip a person’s heels and try to steer them around. They work well with small livestock and need an kin but dominant owner.

Although so small they need plenty of exercise, especially if kept in an apartment. They need long walks every day. Teaching them tricks or doing agility or obedience training with them will satisfy some of their needs to be busy. Like their full size counterparts, they like to work. If you like energetic dogs but need a tiny one, teacup Australian shepherds would be ideal.

Learn about the fabulous Teacup Australian Shepherds available now! You can find the information you will need to choose and train Australian Shepherds more quickly and easily today.. Also published at Treat Yourself With Teacup Australian Shepherds.