The miniature Australian Shepherd was developed by selectively breeding small Australian Shepherds.
The dogs are rapidly increasing in popularity among those interested in a compact dog with a strong work ethic. They are especially popular in dog agility, and do well in other dog sports including herding, obedience, disc dog, and many other activities.
Appearance
Miniature Australian shepherds ranges in height from 13 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm) at the withers and weighs between 17 and 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg).
Coat colors are the same as those for Australian Shepherds, which are blue merle, red merle, black tricolor, red tricolor, black bicolor, and red bicolor.
Temperament
Miniature Australian Shepherds are eager to work, which makes training and interacting with them a pleasure, but their intelligence and drive require obedience training and plenty of interesting activity. Mini Aussie's are versatile and easily trained. Because they are herding dogs, they make good guard dogs and excellent companion dogs for those who provide an adequate outlet for the mini Aussie's physical and mental energy.