The Mini Aussie was developed directly from the Australian Shepherd. Throughout the history of the Aussie, small (under 18") dogs can be seen in historical photographs. The original Aussie was selectively bred larger as sheep ranching decreased and cattle ranching increased. Cattle ranchers preferred a larger dog to work the larger stock. Some Aussie owners have continued to prefer the smaller sized Aussie while others prefer the larger. We love the Mini! The second question we often hear is how big do they get? The size standard with the NSDR for both dogs male and female is 14 to 18 inches.  Toys, which happen occasionally, are 10 to 14 inches, finer boned than the Mini, more of a house pet and/or working small livestock or fowl.

Other questions will pertain to temperament and if they are suitable as family pets. The Aussie is by heritage a herder and guardian. Sometimes their instinct to herd can be mistaken as aggressiveness when they are trying to herd other animals and/or children. Nipping at the ankles is not an uncommon trait in young Aussies with herding instinct, but is easily discouraged with appropriate correction. Properly trained and socialized, they do make wonderful companions and family pets. They are intelligent, loyal, affectionate and protective of their human family and property. But then again, they are not for everyone. Their high energy makes them serious candidates for lots of daily exercise and play. Just as being a wonderful ranch or cow dog, Aussies can excel in the show ring, in agility trials, in obedience as well as in Frisbee, Fly ball or a 4-H project.

Sadie has a great disposition, we thought Sadie would be a standard size Aussie, however, she has only grown to be a mini. We could not have been luckier than to have a pup with a quick learning ability along with being a great companion with her loyalty and calm personality. It wasn’t long after we brought her home she was ready to go to work with Barry. You could see her potential immediately. She was self taught! Her instinct kicked in and at 12 weeks, she started showing us her cattle working potential. Now she’s a full fledge cattle dog. She loads and unloads trucks by herself and will gather a load of  cattle spread from here to kingdom come with Barry as her guide.  She comes from champion bloodlines on her daddy’s side and her mom is a working cow dog and family pet.

Miniatures and Toys do well with older children. With strangers, they can be aloof and show reserve but this should not be taken as shyness, they are generally just sizing up the new person making sure they are acceptable before making them a new friend. We have also been asked if Mini Aussies have many health problems. Reputable breeders will OFA for genetic hip problems and CERF for eye problems, their breeding dogs and without good results, should not be bred. Generally, a good diet and regular exercise along with regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and worming is what is necessary to keep your Mini in good health.

Sadie is healthy and comes from healthy bloodlines. Our puppies are sound and come with health guarantees. We re-emphasize that a rural or suburban lifestyle is best for a mini Aussie and should include a large fenced yard. They should not be allowed to run free, their herding instincts will just get them into trouble if they are not kept in their own area. Sadie is one of our companions, she is not kenneled and she is free to run and play within the confines of our property and the Livestock Market. Puppies are born, in our house and like with any other baby, are lovingly handled by the entire family and socialized.

We prefer not to ship by commercial air but would gladly assist in your arrangements to either come for the pup or have a courier hired to deliver. If you are new to the breed and considering a puppy, then we also recommend you spend some time researching the breed and ask lots of questions.

All our puppies are adopted as pets and are not to be used for breeding. Puppies are adopted with limited registration and a spay/neuter contract. Limited registration means your puppy is still registered, but is not for breeding.

Look for our arrivals  in August 2008. We except deposits and we look forward to you having one of our pups in a loving home.