Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Toy Australian Shepherds are a type of very small dog that has become quite trendy recently. People like having tiny dogs that they can carry around with them, almost like “purse dogs“.
This trend has made smaller versions of breeds like Miniature Australian Shepherds very popular. Breeders have even started making them even smaller, resulting in breeds like the Toy Australian Shepherd and the even tinier Teacup Australian Shepherd.
While these smaller versions aren’t officially recognized as breeds, they are visibly smaller than regular and Miniature Australian Shepherds.
Toy Australian Shepherds are made by breeding together Miniature Australian Shepherds and mixing them with other small dog breeds.
Unfortunately, because tiny dogs are so trendy, some breeders use bad methods to make them even smaller. They might breed the smallest dogs, mate them with close relatives, or not give them enough food.
Toy Australian Shepherds aren’t as tiny as Teacup Australian Shepherds, but they can still be affected by these unhealthy breeding practices.
If you’re thinking about getting a Toy Australian Shepherd, there are some important things to keep in mind. Since Toy Aussies aren’t officially recognized as a breed, it’s easy for dishonest people to sell fake ones at high prices.
They might say they’re selling Toy Aussies when they’re actually selling regular ones that will grow to normal size.
To make sure you’re getting a real Toy Aussie, it’s best to find a reputable breeder or consider adopting from a rescue shelter.
The American Kennel Club can help you find good breeders, and the Humane Society has a list of bad breeders to avoid. Always ask for health documents and try to meet the puppy before buying it.
“Toy Australian Shepherds in your family bring joy and fun to everyday life, making moments filled with love and laughter.”
Origin & History of the Toy Australian Shepherd
Toy Australian Shepherds are smaller versions of the regular Australian Shepherd dogs. They’re not officially recognized as a separate breed yet. The official breeds are the standard-sized Aussie Shepherds and the smaller Miniature Aussie Shepherds.
Toy Aussies are even tinier than Mini Aussies but have the same interesting background and history.
Despite their name, Australian Shepherds didn’t come from Australia. They were actually developed in California in the 19th century. They were bred to help shepherds herd sheep in the state. Australian Shepherds came from mixing different kinds of sheepdogs with different skills.
This included Collie dogs from New Zealand and Australia, which is why they got their name. They’re most closely related to Border Collies and share many of the same traits.
The Aussie Shepherd wasn’t very well-known to people outside of farms until the middle of the 20th century. That’s when a famous rodeo performer named Jay Lister made the breed famous. He had a beloved Aussie Shepherd who wowed crowds with all sorts of cool tricks at rodeos all over the country.
After that, Aussie Shepherds started becoming popular as pets, not just working dogs. At the same time, Miniature Aussies were being developed.
In the 1960s, a lady named Doris Cordova from California started breeding Aussie Shepherds to make them smaller. She wanted them to be easier to keep in houses and take on trips.
One of Doris Cordova’s Mini Aussies, named Spike, went to live with Bill and Sally Kennedy, who loved him instantly. They started breeding Mini Aussies too. Another person who helped create Mini Aussies was a man named Chas Lasater, who bred horses and dogs at Valhalla Kennels.
Lasater, Cordova, and the Kennedys all played big roles in making Mini Aussies popular. Even though Mini Aussies were rare at first, they started to become more and more popular thanks to clubs that promoted them.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized Australian Shepherds in 1979, and Mini Australian Shepherds got recognized separately by the AKC in 2015.
Both types of dogs are still very popular today. Australian Shepherds are ranked 17th out of 193 breeds by the AKC, and Mini Aussies are ranked 34th.
Most people keep these dogs as pets because they are very loved. But they also still work as herding dogs, rounding up animals on farms. They often take part in dog shows and competitions because they look beautiful, are really smart, and have a natural talent for herding.
Appearance of Toy Australian Shepherds
Toy Australian Shepherds are usually small, standing about 10-14 inches tall and weighing between 12-17 pounds.
Their bodies are strong and fit, with faces that resemble Collie dogs and ears that point upwards like triangles. Their coats are similar to Collies’, with fluffy fur around their necks and on the back of their legs and tails.
The fur of Australian Shepherds is medium in length and can be either straight or slightly wavy. They come in various colors, including blue merle, red merle, black and white, brown and white, or a mix of black, white, and brown called tri-colored.
Most Australian Shepherds have merle coats, but some are solid black or red, although these are rare.
Many Toy Aussies have unique markings like patches of white on their chests, tummies, legs, feet, and the tips of their tails.
Merle-coated Toy Australian Shepherds have silver speckles in their fur, giving them a mesmerizing appearance. Additionally, some Toy Aussies with merle coats have striking blue eyes.
Personality of Toy Australian Shepherds
Toy Australian Shepherds are like other shepherd dogs in many ways. They are full of energy, love to play, and enjoy being around people. They’re also very smart and can learn things quickly.
Toy Aussies are loyal and caring towards their families, and they like spending time with children and older adults. They’re also friendly with strangers and get along well with other pets.
These dogs are generally happy and gentle, and they’re not usually aggressive. However, they might bark a lot because they’re used to working. Toy Australian Shepherds thrive when they have tasks to do.
Since they have a lot of energy and intelligence, they need mental stimulation and social interaction to stay happy. Taking them for walks is important, but keeping their minds active is just as crucial.
Grooming of Toy Australian Shepherds
Taking care of a Toy Australian Shepherd’s grooming isn’t too hard. Their coats usually don’t need a lot of attention because they’re pretty good at keeping themselves clean.
But, they do shed a lot of hair all year round. So, to keep them comfortable and to stop hair from getting everywhere, it’s good to brush them at least once a week. This helps get rid of loose fur and any dirt or stuff stuck in their coat.
You don’t have to give Toy Aussies baths very often, but if they get really dirty from playing in the mud, it’s a good idea to wash them.
Sometimes, you might need to trim the fur on their back ends to stop it from getting tangled and causing problems when they go to the bathroom.
Training of a Toy Aussie
Toy Australian Shepherds are really smart and can learn a lot of things, but teaching them isn’t always easy. They can be stubborn and don’t like being bored.
It’s best to start training Toy Aussies when they’re young and to build a strong bond with them so they want to make you happy. To keep them interested, training sessions should be short and fun.
You should also be clear and consistent in your commands so they understand what you want.
It’s important to use positive reinforcement when training Toy Australian Shepherds. You can express appreciation by praising them for their correct actions.
Using a clicker or other signals can help them learn faster. Negative signals like saying “no” should be used consistently with something they don’t like, such as being ignored, to be effective.
When you have a Toy Australian Shepherd puppy, it’s important to address any bad behaviors quickly because they can become habits that are hard to break.
Some common problems Toy Aussie owners might deal with are nipping, barking too much, and feeling anxious when left alone.
To help with separation anxiety, you can keep your dog’s mind busy with toys or puzzles, and start leaving them alone for short periods of time, gradually making it longer. Make sure to make being apart from you a positive experience.
Just like with any dog, it’s important to socialize Toy Australian Shepherds early and often. You can do this by having friends and family, including dogs, come over to meet your puppy. Also, when you go for walks, try to have your puppy meet friendly people and other dogs along the way.
Do Toy Australian Shepherds Bark a Lot?
Toy Australian Shepherds, like other shepherd breeds, tend to be vocal because of their history as working dogs. This means they might bark or growl more often than some other breeds.
But it’s not necessarily a bad thing it’s just their way of expressing themselves, especially when they’re enjoying themselves.
When Toy Aussies bark or growl a bit during playtime, it’s usually just because they’re having fun. You don’t necessarily need to scold them for it.
However, if they start barking too much, you can train them to stop by pausing the game whenever they bark. This helps them understand that barking means the fun stops.
Sometimes, excessive barking from Toy Australian Shepherds when they’re not playing can be a sign that they’re bored or lonely.
It’s important to make sure they have plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and entertained.
Are Toy Australian Shepherds Very Energetic?
Toy Australian Shepherds, just like other shepherd breeds, have lots of energy. They’re naturally very active because they were bred to do work, and they can stay active even when they get older.
But don’t worry! Having a dog with lots of energy isn’t a bad thing, as long as you can keep up with them.
It’s really important for people who want to own a Toy Aussie to be able to give them enough exercise. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can get bored and start behaving badly.
But for the right owners and families who can keep up with their energy, these dogs can be great friends and tons of fun to have around.
How Much Exercise Does a Toy Aussie Need?
For a Toy Australian Shepherd puppy, the amount of exercise they need depends on their age. As they grow, they need more exercise. A good rule is about 5 minutes of exercise for each month of their life. So, if a puppy is 3 months old, they need about 15 minutes of exercise each day.
When Toy Aussies are fully grown, they need more exercise around an hour and a half every day. It’s best to take them on two walks each day.
During these walks, it’s good to do different things like playing fetch, running around, or even swimming if you can. It’s also nice to let them meet and play with other friendly dogs.
Even as Toy Australian Shepherds get older, they still need to stay active. But as they age, they might not need as much exercise as before. Your vet can help you figure out when it’s time to adjust their exercise routine during their yearly check-ups.
Mental Stimulation & Toy Australian Shepherds
Keeping Toy Australian Shepherds mentally active is super important. These dogs need more than just physical exercise—they need things to keep their brains busy too.
Because Toy Aussies are very energetic and smart, they can get bored really easily. This can make problems like separation anxiety worse.
When Toy Aussies get bored, they might start doing things like chewing on themselves, wrecking their toys or furniture, barking too much, or even going to the bathroom inside the house.
This happens especially when their needs aren’t met, because they’re naturally intense dogs and can develop habits when they’re feeling stressed.
For Toy Australian Shepherds, regular toys might not be enough. Owners should play fun and challenging games with their dogs, like hide and seek or the cup game, as much as possible.
Toy Aussies also love games that let them use their herding instincts, like fetch or chasing games.
It’s also a good idea to give Toy Australian Shepherds toys that make them think, like puzzle toys or ones that dispense treats slowly. Outward Hound is a brand known for making great toys that keep dogs’ minds busy.
For young Toy Australian Shepherds or those with sensory impairments, sensory toys are perfect. These toys light up, change color, make different sounds, and have different textures.
They’re great for keeping these dogs entertained and engaged, especially if puzzle toys are too tricky for them.
Since Toy Aussies love being around people, try to include them in family activities as much as you can. This makes them really happy.
Another good way to keep their brains busy is by teaching them new stuff, like tricks or the names of their toys. If you need help coming up with ideas, you can check out training courses for dogs.
Feeding Toy Australian Shepherds
A Toy Australian Shepherd puppy should eat around 20 grams of food per kilogram of their weight each day, tailored to their specific toy Australian Shepherd weight.
For adult Toy Aussies, they usually need around 1 to 1 and ¼ cups of food each day. The amount might vary based on their size, age, and activity level.
Their food should be high-quality kibble that provides all the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy. They also require natural sources of lean protein, such as chicken or fish, to help maintain their muscle strength due to their high activity levels.
Toy Australian Shepherds require a sufficient amount of fat in their diet due to their energetic nature. Additionally, they should consume fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and fiber to aid digestion and maintain overall health.
It’s crucial for owners to select dog food free from artificial additives or filler ingredients, as these can be difficult for Toy Australian Shepherds to digest and may negatively impact their health.
Are Toy Australian Shepherds healthy?
Toy Australian Shepherds usually live for about 13 to 15 years. They’re usually healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can have some health problems.
Some of the common health issues Toy Aussies might have include problems with their eyes and vision, multi-drug resistance, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and a gene called double-merle.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests that all Toy Aussie puppies get tested to see if they have dysplasia and have their eyes checked by a vet.
Eye problems
Toy Australian Shepherds can easily have eye issues. One problem they might have is called Collie eye anomaly. This is when parts of the eye don’t grow properly because of a genetic mutation. Another issue is cataracts, which is when the lens of the eye gets cloudy and makes it hard to see.
They can also get progressive retinal atrophy, which is when the retina in the eye doesn’t form right or gets worse over time, eventually leading to blindness.
Some Toy Aussies might have colobomas, which are like holes in parts of their eyes, or their retinas might detach. They can also have eyes that are sensitive, watery, or inflamed.
Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are problems that Toy Australian Shepherds might have from when they’re born. These problems happen because the hip or elbow joints don’t form right, which can make them weak and shaky as the dog grows up.
Eventually, this can cause arthritis, which makes the joints hurt and swell up. Sadly, there’s no cure for dysplasia, but vets can help manage it. If they find it early, they might be able to stop it from getting worse.
If a Toy Australian Shepherd has mild dysplasia, they might just need to change the way they live and try some treatments that don’t involve surgery.
But if it’s severe, they might need an operation to fix the joint. No matter what, dogs with dysplasia can still live happy and full lives.
Signs of hip dysplasia could be:
- Trouble jumping or climbing
- Walking with a limp or hopping strangely
- Whimpering or licking sore joints
- Difficulty being active
- Feeling grumpy or irritable
- Losing muscle strength
- Struggling to get comfortable
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common problem in dogs, including Toy Australian Shepherds. It affects about 0.75% of all dogs. The main sign of epilepsy is having seizures, and this usually starts when the dog is about six months old. It’s often passed down from the parents.
Finding out if a dog has epilepsy can be tricky for vets. So, it’s helpful if owners keep a note of when their dog has seizures. Vets might also do other tests and look at the dog’s brain with a special scan.
Once the vet is sure, the dog will need to take medicine every day to stop the seizures. They’ll have to take this medicine for their whole life. But as long as they take it, they should be okay and still live a normal life.
The signs of an epileptic seizure include:
- Attacks that start and stop suddenly
- Short episodes, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes
- Repeated and similar attacks
- Losing control during the seizure
Multiple Drug Sensitivity
Many Shepherd dog breeds, including Toy Australian Shepherds, can have a problem called multi-drug sensitivity. This happens because of a mutation in a gene called MDR1.
When dogs have this mutation, they can have bad reactions to common medicines that vets give them, like ones to get rid of parasites. It can be really dangerous, and sometimes even deadly.
If a dog is having a bad reaction to a medicine, they might shake or have seizures.
Toy Australian Shepherds are one of the breeds that can be most affected by this gene mutation. In fact, up to half of all Australian Shepherds might inherit it.
That’s why it’s really important to test Toy Aussie puppies for this mutation. That way, if they need medicine later on, vets can make sure to give them ones that won’t make them sick.
Double-merle
Merle coats are very common in Toy Australian Shepherds. A dog can get the merle gene from just one merle parent, which is a good way to breed merle dogs. But having one parent with the merle gene doesn’t always mean the puppies will all have merle coats.
Some breeders try to get more merle puppies by breeding two merle dogs together. But this is not a good idea because it can cause serious problems for the puppies, like trouble with their sight and hearing.
When both parents carry the merle gene, there’s a 25% chance the puppies will inherit two merle genes, called double-merle genes. Most of these dogs will have problems, like going deaf or blind, or both.
This happens because when there’s too much of the merle gene, the dogs don’t have enough color in their coats. They’re sometimes called “lethal white” because their coats are very light.
Double-merle genes are seen more in Australian Shepherds than in any other kind of dog. Luckily, Aussies are really smart, so they can learn other ways to communicate, like using hand signals and touch signals, if they have trouble hearing or seeing.
Breeding & puppyhood
When Toy Australian Shepherds become pregnant, it can be hard for them because they’re so small. This can lead to difficulties during birth, and some Toy dogs might need help from veterinarians, including cesarean sections.
Breeders need to know the signs of birth difficulties and where the nearest vet hospital is in case something goes wrong.
It’s not a good idea for breeders to mate two merle Aussies together because it can cause health problems in the puppies, especially with their eyes and ears. People who want to buy merle puppies should ask about their family history to make sure they’re healthy.
When Toy Aussies are born, there are usually 3-5 puppies in a litter, and they weigh just 1-2 ounces each. They grow up fully by the time they’re 18 months to 2 years old.
Even though they’re smart, it might take Toy Australian Shepherds a little longer to grow emotionally compared to other breeds. But with early training and getting used to being around others, they can learn good behavior.