How Big Do Toy Aussies Get?

Historically, the Australian Shepherd, or "Aussie" came in only one size. Recently, however, breeders of the toy-sized Australian Shepherd are adding a new dimension to the breed. Not all Aussie fanciers are behind the Toy Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd Club of America considers them a separate breed from the traditional Aussie, instead of merely a variant in size (See Resources 1). In addition, the Toy Aussie may lack some of the herding instinct of the traditional dog. Regardless, this toy dog can bring the approximation of the original, active breed to people lacking the land to accommodate the original dog's spirited nature.

  1. Australian Shepherd vs. Toy Aussie

    • The American Stock Dog Association considers the traditional-sized Australian Shepherd, the Miniature Australian Shepherd, and the Toy Australian Shepherd all varieties of the same breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the traditional Aussie stands "from 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder" and is still use for "herding livestock and working as an all-purpose farm and ranch dog" (See References 1). These traits make the traditional Aussie a much larger and robust dog than the smaller Toy Australian Shepherd variety, which at just over a foot tall at the shoulder, is primarily kept as a household pet (See References 2, 3).

    How to Find a True Toy Aussie

    • The most reliable way to find a true Toy Aussie is to find a breeder referral through the Toy Australian Shepherd Association of America (TASAA). The breeders who register their dogs with the TASAA are more likely to breed healthy dogs in accordance with the standard than are those who advertise in newspapers. Less scrupulous breeders will sell the runts of their Australian Shepherd litters or will underfeed puppies to reduce their size. Properly fed, these dogs will reach the size of the traditional Australian Shepherd, because they are not truly Toy Aussies. A properly fed Toy Australian Shepherd will never exceed 14 inches at the shoulder when it matures.

    Toy Aussie Standard of Perfection

    • Several "standards of perfection" exist for the Toy Aussie. These standards set the size, color, and general appearance for the breed. The TASAA and the American Stock Dog Registry both set 14 inches, measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder, as the maximum height allowable. The TASAA also sets a minimum height of 10 inches. Even though they are small, they are intended to be sturdy dogs that appear to be able to herd in the manner of their ancestors. According to the TASAA, the breeds "general appearance should be that of a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse" (See References 3).

    Things to Do with Your Toy Aussie

    • Because of the breed's size limitations, most Toy Aussies will never be considered for the rigors of herd, even in carefully monitored performance events. Their small size, however, does not prevent them from being excellent agility, obedience, or even therapy dogs (See Resources 2). The Toy Aussie is very like its traditional Aussie cousin: intelligent, willing, and an excellent companion. The area in which they differ most is in their size.