Toy & Miniature Australian Shepherds |
A little about the Toy Australian Shepherd The Miniature and Toy Aussies are a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd; Toys measure 10” to 14" in height, Minis are over 14" and up to 18" tall. They retain and exhibit the same intelligence, temperament, and instinct to herd as the larger dogs, and enjoy working small stock; but due to their size, are considered more of a companion than a working dog. The Mini/Toy Aussie is a high energy dog and needs regular physical and mental exercise. They are athletic and easily trained, excelling in many performance events including obedience, flyball, or agility. This breed has an outgoing, friendly, and lovable temperament, yet some can be reserved with strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must. Mini and Toy Aussies are alert, intelligent, sensitive & confident. They are eager to please, loving and devoted to their families. Toy Aussies also fit nicely into your lap. :) Warning….Owning one is addictive, and once you fall in love with your first, you may have to have another. General Appearance The first impression of the Toy Australian Shepherd should be that of a standard sized Australian Shepherd . The size range is from ten to fourteen inches. The ideal size being twelve inches, but quality should not be sacrificed in favor of size. The general appearance should be that of a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The bone and muscle must be in proportion to, and an enhancement of, the dog's weight and structure. Toy Australian Shepherds should be slightly longer than they are tall and have a coat of moderate length and coarseness with coloring which offers variety and individuality. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the rear point of pelvis is longer than the height of the body from ground to top of the withers. They have a natural or docked bobbed tail. The alert, expressive eyes may be a verity of colors with unique combinations. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expressions reflect a high intelligence. The width and length of the top skull should be equal. The muzzle should taper a little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. The ears are triangular and at full attention break forward and over. Character The Toy Australian Shepherd will be shown in the Herding group, but as a household pet they might never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners or other pets. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training. They are good-natured and even-tempered; may initially be reserved with strangers yet make a very loyal companion. The Toy Aussie is an active dog with a happy and even disposition, good-natured, seldom quarrelsome and responds with enthusiasm to the challenge and responsibility of having a job to perform. |

| "Honey Creek Key to my Hart" (Keeyla) |
Toy & Miniature Australian Shepherds |

| "Honey Creek Key to my Hart" (Keeyla) |
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| "Honey Creek Key to my Hart" (Keeyla) |
A Toy Australian Shepherd is not bred to any other breed. If you were to look at a Toy Australian Shepherd without a size reference, you shouldn't be able to tell whether it is a toy a mini or a standard Aussie. I finally found my own Toy Australian shepherd and have found that other people in Ontario are also making the trip to the U.S. to find their smaller dogs. Well, now that I will be breeding toys here, people have another choice closer to home. My animals live as part of my family in my home and not in a kennel. Though, it is not a zoo. My husband and I own and operate our own business, therefore I am home mostly all day, on most days, working from my office. The first thing you may see here are my rabbits. Currently I have four, but I have had up to nine at one time. They live in fancy outdoor hutches all year long. It won't take long for Keeyla to realized that someone is here and she will come prancing to the door to greet you. She is very friendly to everyone she meets. She has no idea what people mean by "Aussie reserve." Next, you may catch a glimpse of our three cats. 'Snowball' is the big white "Boss" of the trio. He's over 11 years old, and keeps all the animals in line. 'Beebee,' is our Russian Blue mix feline, she is hardly ever seen, as she spends most of her time outside during the day hunting or exploring the forested area beyond our property. Then, the last of the cats, is our 'Mojo.' He is just over a year old and basically still a kitten, and I think always will be. He is quite a character. He loves to play with Keeyla. They wrestle and chase each other inside and outside the house. He also is a good mouser & fly catcher. Other than our rabbits, who live in hutches, and our rodents (one hamster and a Degu) who live in cages, our pets are not in kennels or runs. I exercise, train, and give lots of love & attention to my dog & cats and plan on doing the same for our puppies and they will be well balanced because of it. I plan on giving each puppy a good start by providing a nurturing environment, training, and health care. They will be socialized & exposed to lots of different animals and people and things. My dog(s) are not a commodity. I breed simply to better the Toy Aussie breed in structure and breed standard, to continue to breed to lines that offer good natured dogs with good health, and to offer a smaller size of this wonderful dog they call Australian Shepherd. I want to make a special note of thanks for the continued support from the numerous breeders out there that I have corresponded and consulted with prior to beginning this adventure and during. Your dedication to the breed is outstanding and I appreciate all your continued support & advice. Thank you. Read more about Keeyla on her own page. Just click on her picture at top of page. |





| Solid Black also called Black Tri (or Black Bi if no Copper trim.) Solid Red also called Red Tri (or Red Bi if no Copper Trim) |