About the Mini Australian Shepherd Breed
About the Mini Australian Shepherd Breed
Ruby River Mini Australian Shepherds is a small kennel located near Atlanta Georgia. I am dedicated to the awesome Mini Aussies, and strive to provide, wonderful companion pets through careful planning and breeding. I breed two or three litters per year with a focus on producing the most structurally sound mentally and physically healthy puppies with excellent temperaments. I am your Mini Aussie puppies for sale in Georgia contact! I provide puppies to a large area of Georgia including the Greater Atlanta area including Loganville, Marietta, Athens, Dunwoody, Roswell, Fayetteville, Douglasville, Savannah and Gainsville to name a few!
My puppies are whelped and raised right in my home office. Since I work from home, the puppies all get lots of individual attention, socialization and love.
My first Aussie Experience, Megan! “In 1991, I purchased a Blue Merle pup. I had a small farm with horses and 2 goats, that actually belonged to the neighbor. Megan was a natural. She kept the horses and the goats in line! She had a natural ability to understand commands and her boundaries, along with a sweet disposition. Megan lived to be about 15 years old… and I missed her so much. I decided to get another Aussies, but this time I wanted a “Mini”. I liked the idea that the Mini was smaller, Approximately 30lbs. The Mini Aussie still has the temperament, herding instinct and are healthy, hardy dogs that make great companions, just like the standard size, only in a smaller package!
After much research on pedigree’s, health, genetic issues, temperament and conformation, I decided on a lovely red tri and named her “Ruby”. Ruby was a beautiful deep red tri with the most wonderful playfulness. She lived to play fetch. She had a favorite type of ball and she would play all day! Ruby and Rio produced a litter of puppies and “River” was the pick of the litter.
River was my constant, follow me within inches, companion. We adored each other’s company. River was exceptional at Agility. She was a natural because she never took her eyes off of me. That is a perfect trait for Agility training. River (Red Merle) produced some truly beautiful and smart puppies.
All of my Aussies are OFA cleared and CERF certified. The adults visit the ophthalmologist on a yearly basis, to be sure no eye issues have developed. They are also tested for Hereditary Cataracts, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-PRCD) and the Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1)
While we do strive to breed only the best in our Aussies, all of our puppies and dogs are first and foremost wonderful companions! I love the versatility of this wonderful breed! Whether you are interested in Conformation, Agility or Obedience this is a great breed. My goal is to not only promote the Mini Australian Shepherd breed as a wonderful show dog but also as an all around companion. They are a beautiful conformation dog and an awesome companion all rolled into one package!
We are the Mini Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in GA connection!
The Australian Shepherd’s roots reach back to the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains that lie between France and Spain. The Basques were, and still are, excellent shepherds, and they developed dogs to aid them in their work. Some of the herders traveled to Australia to care for sheep and the dogs went with them. In the 1800’s, when Australian sheep were exported to the United States, some of the shepherds and their dogs went along. Descendants of those herders still work with sheep in the far western U.S. where they live in trailers – now motorized – that resemble the horse-drawn caravans their ancestors used. They still communicate in their own dialect.
The dogs we now know as Aussies developed from interbreeding those Basque dogs with equally talented American farm dogs of no particular breed. Because, in American minds, anything from Australia was “Australian” and the dogs herded sheep, the resulting dogs were misnamed Australian Shepherds. In the early days, when the breed was still coalescing, they were known by many names including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd and California Shepherd.
With a rise in interest of all things Western after World War II, the general public got to know Aussies through rodeos, horse shows, movies and television. American stockmen recognized the utility and versatility of Aussies on the farm and ranch and they continued the development of the breed, maintaining the versatility, keen intelligence, strong herding instinct and eye-catching appearance.
Australian Shepherds are considered an original American breed and have been registered by various registries since the early 1950’s. In 1990, the United States Australian Shepherd Association was established as the parent club of the Standard Australian Shepherd representing the breed to the American Kennel Club. On Sept. 1, 1991, the AKC recognized the Standard Australian Shepherd breed and on Jan. 1, 1993, accepted them into the Herding Group. In 2012 AKC now recognizes the “MINI” Aussie as the Mini American Shepherd.
General Appearance:
The Miniature Australian/American Shepherd is a medium to small size herding dog that originated in the United States. He reflects the look and qualities of the Australian Shepherd in miniature form. He is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderate and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy, and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. This highly versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker, which is evident in his watchful expression. The coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in color or merled, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings. He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.
Size:
Height for dogs is 14 inches up to and including 18 inches at the top of the withers. Height for bitches is 13 inches up to and including 17 inches at the top of withers. Disqualification: under 14 inches and over 18 inches for dogs; under 13 inches and over 17 inches for bitches. The minimum heights set forth in this breed standard shall not apply to dogs or bitches under six months of age. Proportion: Measuring from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks and from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the ground, he is slightly longer than tall. Substance: Solidly built with moderate bone in proportion to body height and size. Structure in the dog reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.
Head:
The head is clean-cut, dry, and in proportion to the body. Expression: Alert, attentive and intelligent. May express a reserved look and/or be watchful of strangers. Eyes: The eyes are set obliquely, almond shaped, neither protruding nor sunken and in proportion to the head. Acceptable in all coat colors, one or both eyes may be brown, blue, hazel, amber or any color combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. The eye rims of the reds and red merles have full red (liver) pigmentation. The eye rims of the blacks and blue merles have full black pigmentation. Ears: Are triangular, of moderate size, set high on the head. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear.
Severe Fault: Prick ears and ears that hang with no lift. Skull: The crown is flat to slightly round and may show a slight occipital protuberance. The width and the length of the crown are equal. Stop: The stop is moderate but defined. Muzzle: The muzzle is of medium width and depth and tapers gradually to a rounded tip without appearing heavy, square, snipy, or loose. Length is equal to the length of the crown. Planes: Viewed from the side, the muzzle and the top line of the crown are slightly oblique to each other, with the front of the crown on a slight angle downward toward the nose. Nose: Red merles and reds have red (liver) pigmentation on the nose leather. Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the nose leather. Fully pigmented noses are preferred. Noses that are less than fully pigmented will be faulted. Severe Fault: 25-50% un-pigmented nose leather. Disqualification: Over 50% un-pigmented nose leather. Bite: A full complement of teeth meet in a scissor bite. Teeth broken, missing or discolored by accident are not penalized. Disqualification: Undershot or overshot bite.
Neck, Topline and Body:
The overall structure gives an impression of depth and strength without bulkiness. Neck: The neck is firm, clean, and in proportion to the body. It is of medium length and slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders. Topline: The back is firm and level from the withers to the hip joint when standing or moving. Loin: The loin is strong and broad when viewed from the top. Croup: The croup is moderately sloped. Body: The body is firm and well conditioned. Chest and Ribs: The chest is full and deep, reaching to the elbow, with well sprung ribs. Underline: The underline shows a moderate tuck-up. Tail: A docked or natural bobtail is preferred. A docked tail is straight, not to exceed three (3) inches. The undocked tail when at rest may hang in a slight curve. When excited or in motion the tail may be carried raised with the curve accentuated.
Forequarters:
The forequarters are well conditioned and balanced with the hindquarters. Shoulders: Shoulder blades (scapula) are long, flat, fairly close set at the withers, and well laid back. Upper arm: The upper arm (humerus) is equal in length to the shoulder blade and meets the shoulder blade at an approximate right angle. The forelegs drop straight and perpendicular to the ground. Elbow: The elbow joint is equidistant from the ground to the withers. Viewed from the side, the elbow should be directly under the withers. The elbows should be close to the ribs without looseness. Legs: The legs are straight and strong. The bone is oval rather than round. Pasterns: Short, thick and strong, but still flexible, showing a slight angle when viewed from the side. Feet: Oval shaped, compact, with close-knit, well-arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient; nails are short and strong. The nails may be any color combination. Dewclaws should be removed.
Hindquarters:
Width of hindquarters is approximately equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Angulation: The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh (femur) mirrors the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm, forming an approximate right angle. Stifle: Stifles are clearly defined. Hock: The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Feet: Feet are oval, compact, with close knit, well arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient; nails are short and strong. The nails may be any color combination. Rear dewclaws should be removed.
Color:
The coloring offers variety and individuality. With no order of preference, the recognized colors are black, blue merle, red (liver) and red merle. The merle will exhibit in any amount, marbling, flecks or blotches. Undercoats may be somewhat lighter in color than the topcoat. Asymmetrical markings are not to be faulted. Tan Markings: Tan markings are not required but when present are acceptable in any or all of the following areas; around the eyes, on the feet, legs, chest, muzzle, underside of neck, face, underside of ear, underline of body, under the base of the tail and the breeches. Tan markings vary in shades from creamy beige to dark rust, with no preference. Blending with the base color or merle pattern may be present on the face, legs, feet, and breeches. White Markings: White markings are not required but when present do not dominate. Ticking may be present in white markings. White on the head does not predominate, and the eyes are fully surrounded by color and pigment. Red merles and reds have red (liver) pigmentation on the eye rims. Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the eye rims. Ears fully covered by color are preferred. Severe Fault: White markings covering over 25% of an ear. White markings may be in any combination and are restricted to: the muzzle, cheeks, crown, blaze on head, the neck in a partial or full collar, chest, belly, front legs, hind legs up the hock and may extend in a thin outline of the stifle. A small amount of white extending from the underline may be visible from the side, not to exceed one inch above the elbow. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the withers at the skin. If a natural undocked tail is present, the tip of the tail may have white. Disqualifications: Other than recognized colors. White body splashes, which means any conspicuous, isolated spot or patch of white on the area between withers and tail, on back, or sides between elbows and back of hindquarters.
Coat:
Moderation is the overall impression of the coat. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant, and of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head and front of the legs. The backs of forelegs and breeches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Hair may be trimmed on the ears, feet, back of hocks, pasterns, and tail; otherwise he is to be shown in a natural coat. Untrimmed whiskers are preferred. Severe Fault: Non-typical coats.
Temperament:
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. An exceptional companion, he is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. Although reserved with strangers, he does not exhibit shyness. He is a resilient and persistent worker, who adjusts his demeanor and arousal appropriately to the task at hand. With his family he is protective, good natured, devoted and loyal.
Gait:
The Aussie has a smooth and easy stride; exhibiting agility of movement with a well-balanced, ground-covering stride. Fore and hind legs move straight and parallel with the center line of the body; as speed increases, the feet, both front and rear, converge toward the center line of gravity of the dog, while the back remains firm and level. When traveling at a trot the head is carried in a natural position with neck extended forward and head nearly level or slightly above the topline. He must be agile and able to turn direction or alter gait instantly.
Disqualifications:
*Under 14 inches and over 18 inches for dogs; under 13 inches and over 17 inches for bitches. The minimum heights set forth in this breed standard shall not apply to dogs or bitches under six months of age.
*Over 50% un-pigmented nose leather.
*Undershot or overshot bite.
*Other than recognized colors. White body splashes, which means any conspicuous, isolated spot or patch of white on the area between withers and tail, on back, or sides between elbows and back of hindquarters.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, medium-sized dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is also a delightful and loyal companion and a great family dog. He loves to be part of the daily hustle and bustle and enjoys riding in the vehicle just to be with his beloved master. He is easy to train, easy to house break and eager to please.
Animated, adaptable and agile, the Australian Shepherd lives for his job, which can still involve herding livestock and working as an all-purpose farm and ranch dog. He needs a lot of activity and a sense of purpose to be truly content. Today, due to the breed’s intelligence and versatility, “Aussies” also excel in competitive events such as agility, obedience, rally, tracking and herding.
Aussies have been used as utility dogs to the physically handicapped, hearing aid dogs, police and narcotics dogs and search and rescue dogs. Many go with their masters as volunteers to children’s homes and nursing homes to do therapy work. Truly, the Australian Shepherd is a highly versatile dog.
Aussies are very active dogs that need daily exercise to prevent them from becoming bored or frustrated and developing destructive habits. Because of their high energy level, combined with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a “job” to perform, be it shepherding the children, protecting the house, comforting the ill or aged, herding livestock or competing in dog events. Mostly they just want to be with their owners, doing whatever is asked of them.
One of the most frequent reasons Aussies are turned over to rescue groups is because their owners didn’t realize how much energy the breed has, and weren’t willing to channel that energy through training. Aussies are also quite demanding of their owners’ time and attention and want to be constantly with them, following them from room to room in the house and going along on errands. Obedience training everyday, uses both the mental and physical energy. Just like us they need to constantly learn new things!
1ST STAGE OF GROWTH
Bio Sensor also known as “Super Dog” Program Offers:
- RESISTANCE TO DISEASE
- MORE TOLERANCE TO STRESS
- BETTER CARDIO HEALTH
The U.S. military in their canine program developed a method that still serves as a guide to what works. In an effort to improve the performance of dog used for military purposes, a program called “Bio Sensor” was developed. Based on years of research, the military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects. Their studies confirmed that there are specific time periods early in life when neurological stimulation has optimum results. The first period involves a window of time that begins at the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. It is believed that because this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is of great importance to the individual.
The “Bio Sensor” program was also concerned with early neurological stimulation in order to give the dog a superior advantage. Its development utilized 5 exercises which we designed to stimulate the neurological system. Each workout involves handling each puppy once a day. The workouts require handling them one at a time while performing a series of 5 exercises.
The benefits of “Bio Sensor”
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises. The Benefits noted were:
- Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate).
- Stronger heart beats.
- Stronger adrenal glands.
- More tolerance to stress and
- Great resistance to disease.
In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates over which they were dominant in competitive situations.
Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance. In simple problem solving tests using detours in a maze the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. The stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions and when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were calmer in the test environment, made fewer errors, and gave only an occasional distress when stressed.
The Aussie is a very intelligent breed and is highly active; they are not a breed suited to being left in the back yard alone all the time. They will get bored and become destructive (i.e. digging, chewing, barking, etc.). They live to please their owners and have an intense desire to be with “their humans” at all times. I rarely go anywhere in the house without at least one of them following me to see what I’m going to do next. However, this desire and activity level is not for everyone. If you don’t have a large fenced yard, or are at least willing to play ball, Frisbee, or take the dog for a couple of walks a day, then I recommend you get another breed. If, however, you decide this is the right breed for you, then the possibilities are endless as to what you and your Aussie can do together.
I highly recommend that you and your Aussie attend a class at least once a year. There are many fun classes available, such as Agility, Nose Work, and Herding. This will be a great new “JOB” for your dog plus it will give you some quality time together. These classes are a great way to use the intelligent energy your dog has!
One aspect of this breed’s temperament that many people new to the breed do not realize is their protectiveness. This can vary among individual dogs, but all Aussies are, to some degree, protective of their yard, cars, kids etc. While to some people this is a good thing, others are not prepared to handle this type of protectiveness. While some Aussies will bark and then become friendly once their owners say it’s OK, others will remain suspicious and reserved around strangers. Socialization is key for your Aussie, if you don't have time to take your pup to class, walk them, interact with them, then this probably is not the breed for you!
i. Sign up for puppy class by 12 weeks of age (not PetSmart but a trainer who can be there when you need assistance or advice
ii. Find a puppy day care near you
iii. Have the time to focus on potty training and obedience training