Lexi Webster
The Toy Australian Shepherd, also known as the Toy Aussie, is a small dog breed that typically grows up to 14 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 17 pounds. They are a size variation of the Australian Shepherd breed, which was originally developed in the western United States in the 19th century for herding livestock. Toy Aussies are known for their athletic build, triangle-shaped ears, and medium-length double coats that come in various colors and patterns. They are energetic, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that get along well with children and other dogs, making them a great choice for active families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 14 inches |
| Weight | 12-17 pounds |
| Temperament | Nurturing, gentle, patient, energetic, intelligent, loyal, athletic, loving, playful, sociable, faithful, affectionate, protective |
| Coat | Medium-length, straight or slightly wavy, weather-resistant, coarse top coat, dense undercoat |
| Coat Colour | Blue merle, red merle, black, red, white, tan |
| Eyes | Medium-sized, almond or oval-shaped, any colour |
| Head | Mesaticephalic skull, moderate size, wedge-shaped, flat or slightly domed top skull |
| Ears | Triangle-shaped |
| Price | $1800–$2500 |
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What You'll Learn
Height: Toy Australian Shepherds grow up to 14 inches tall
The Toy Australian Shepherd is a small dog, typically growing to a maximum height of 14 inches. This makes them significantly smaller than Miniature Aussies, which can grow up to 18 inches tall. The Toy Aussie is a size variation of the Australian Shepherd breed, which was originally developed in the western United States in the 19th century as a sheep herding dog.
Toy Australian Shepherds are not yet recognised as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), although standard-sized and miniature Australian Shepherds are. However, the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) does recognise them as a separate breed from the standard and miniature Aussies.
Toy Aussies are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature. They have strong herding instincts and a high work drive, making them excellent working dogs for activities like agility and herding. They are also affectionate and protective of their loved ones, getting along well with children, older people, and other dogs.
The Toy Australian Shepherd typically weighs between 12 and 17 pounds and has a medium-length double coat that comes in various colours and patterns. The coat consists of a weather-resistant, coarse topcoat and a fluffy, dense undercoat. Common coat colours include blue merle, red merle, black, and red, with some Toy Aussies having white or tan markings.
Toy Aussies are considered good family pets due to their even disposition, good nature, and devotion to their families. They are highly trainable but can be stubborn and require plenty of mental stimulation and social interaction to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviours.
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Weight: They weigh between 12 and 17 pounds
The toy Australian shepherd is a small dog, weighing between 12 and 17 pounds. This weight classification is a defining feature of the toy Australian shepherd, setting it apart from the miniature and standard Australian shepherds, which are larger.
Toy Australian shepherds are not recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but this does not detract from their appeal as companion dogs. They are known for their affectionate, lively, and intelligent nature, as well as their athletic build and medium-length double coat.
The weight range of 12 to 17 pounds is indicative of the toy Australian shepherd's small stature. They typically stand up to 14 inches tall, whereas miniature Australian shepherds can grow up to 18 inches in height. This size variation is a result of selective breeding, as toy Aussies have been bred to be smaller than their miniature counterparts.
The toy Australian shepherd's weight and size contribute to their energetic and playful nature. They are highly intelligent dogs that thrive when given a job or task to focus their minds. Their weight and agility make them well-suited for activities such as agility courses and herding, a testament to their lineage as herding dogs.
It is important to note that the weight range of 12 to 17 pounds may vary slightly among individual dogs. Proper nutrition and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight for toy Australian shepherds. As with any dog breed, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure appropriate feeding guidelines and exercise routines are followed to promote overall health and wellbeing.
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Coat: Their medium-length double coat comes in a variety of colours
The toy Australian shepherd has a medium-length double coat that comes in a variety of colours and patterns. The double coat consists of a weather-resistant, coarse topcoat and a fluffy, dense undercoat.
Common colours include blue merle, red merle, black, and red, with some toy Aussies having white or tan markings. The merle pattern can exhibit variability, with variations in the size and colour of patches depending on the length of the base pair.
Toy Aussies can have eyes that are blue, brown, or marbled. They may also have amber eyes.
Toy Aussies come in solid and merle coat patterns, with other variations such as tweed and harlequin in the merle pattern. They also come in non-typical colours such as dilutes and yellows.
A black tri Aussie is black with tan and white markings. A black bi Aussie has white but no tan markings.
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Temperament: These dogs are energetic, intelligent, and loyal
The toy Australian shepherd is a highly energetic dog breed. They were originally developed in the western United States in the 19th century as sheep herding dogs for ranchers and farmers. This breed is not recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Royal Kennel Club (RKC). However, they are extremely intelligent and can be trained using alternative methods such as hand and touch signals. Their intelligence, combined with their high energy, means they get bored and lonely very easily. Therefore, they require mental stimulation and social interaction in addition to daily walks.
Toy Australian shepherds are also very loyal and affectionate. They get along well with children and older people, and are known for their nurturing, gentle, and patient temperament. However, their high energy levels may startle young children, and their strong herding instincts may cause them to nip at people's heels. This behaviour can be curbed with early training and socialisation. They also get along well with other dogs, especially those similar in size and temperament, but they are not a good fit for households with small pets as they may try to chase and nip at them.
Toy Aussies are protective of their loved ones and friendly towards strangers. They are not known to be aggressive, but they can be vocal due to their working background. They are happiest when they have a job to do and make excellent family companions, especially for those with active lifestyles. They are also very playful and enthusiastic, and their cleverness makes them highly trainable. However, they can be stubborn and have a low tolerance for boredom, so training may not always be easy.
Overall, the toy Australian shepherd is an energetic, intelligent, and loyal breed that makes a great family pet for active households. They require proper training and attention due to their herding instincts and tendency to develop separation anxiety. With their high work drive and devotion to their families, these dogs will do anything to please their favourite humans.
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Price: In the US, they cost between $1800 and $2500
The price of a Toy Australian Shepherd, or Toy Aussie, in the United States ranges from $1800 to $2500. This cost varies depending on the breeder, with large commercial breeders typically offering cheaper prices than smaller breeders.
Toy Aussies are a size variation of the Australian Shepherd breed, which was originally developed in the western United States during the 19th century. They are not yet recognised as their own breed, but they are known for their affectionate, lively, and intelligent personalities. They are also highly trainable, though they can be stubborn and easily bored.
Toy Aussies are smaller than Miniature Australian Shepherds, growing to a maximum height of 14 inches and weighing between 12 and 17 pounds. They have a double coat that is medium in length and can be straight or slightly wavy, with common colours including blue merle, red merle, black, and red. They are an excellent choice for active families, especially those with children, due to their gentle and patient temperaments.
In addition to the initial purchase cost, it is important to consider the ongoing costs of owning a Toy Aussie. They require regular toys, puzzle feeders, and play equipment to stay entertained, which can cost between $100 and $300 annually. Their high energy levels may also result in higher costs for training and activities. Furthermore, their thick double coat can increase grooming expenses. Overall, the cost of owning a Toy Aussie is an important consideration beyond the initial purchase price.
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Frequently asked questions
Toy Australian shepherds typically grow to a height of 14 inches and weigh between 12 and 17 pounds.
No, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the toy Australian shepherd as a breed. However, the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) does.
The average cost of a toy Australian shepherd in the United States is between $1800 and $2500. The price may vary depending on the breeder.
