About the Toy Aussie (Toy Australian Shepherd)

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we breed Toy Aussies for the Mini AMD program. These compact, intelligent dogs have a strong herding instinct and a natural love for horses. They're the perfect choice for crafting exceptional canines with intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty.
Our Toy Aussies, averaging 10-14 inches and 12-17 lbs, bring athleticism and intelligence to our Mini AMD program. Their collie-like faces and triangular ears add to their charm and health.
Toy Aussies are the foundation of our Mini AMD program due to their exceptional genetics. They possess athleticism, loyalty, and adaptability, making them ideal for breeding Miniature American Shepherds.
We carefully select Toy Aussies with great health, temperament, and physical attributes. Our goal is to create Mini AMDs that inherit the intelligence, agility, and affection from their Toy Aussie ancestors through careful pairings.

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Mini AMDs through ethical breeding practices. We conduct comprehensive health screenings to minimize genetic issues and ensure robust, resilient dogs. Our Mini AMDs embody the best qualities of Toy Aussies and American Shepherds, including agility, intelligence, familial affection, herding prowess, and adaptability. They are compact, energetic, loyal, and make excellent companions for families and individuals. Our commitment goes beyond breeding exceptional dogs; we aim to nurture relationships and enhance lives through the creation of these extraordinary canine companions.
They have striking coats in various colors and share the energy and intelligence of herding breeds. They move gracefully on challenging terrain. Some are smaller, known as Toy Australian Shepherds. They have distinctive physical features and a weather-resistant coat in different colors with white markings. To keep them healthy, provide a suitable diet for their age and ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They can thrive in different lifestyles, including urban environments.

This breed needs regular grooming for shedding and preventing mats. Nail trimming is important for their well-being. Early socialization and training are recommended for their intelligence. They excel in obedience and agility. Health testing is important for responsible breeding. Regular vet checkups are necessary. This breed is intelligent, agile, and protective. They are adaptable and have herding instincts.

The Australian Shepherd breed originated in the American Southwest for functionality, not looks. It gained popularity through rodeos and films, such as 'Run Appaloosa Run.' Miniature Aussies were created by selectively breeding smaller Aussies for size, energy, and endurance. Doris Cordova, Sally and Bill Kennedy, and Chas Lasater pioneered Mini Aussie breeding. These dogs are highly intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. They form strong bonds, exhibit puppy-like behavior, excel in sports, and love mental challenges. They're not aggressive but wary of strangers due to their territorial and herding instincts. Minimal grooming is needed, but regular combing during shedding is necessary. They thrive in different climates and live 12-13 years. Aussies love outdoor activities and are great companions for active individuals. They can adapt to apartment living with proper exercise.

History of the Toy Aussie

The history of the Australian Shepherd breed is quite complicated, involving multiple breed clubs and changes in recognition. It all started in the late 1800s when settlers from different regions brought their herding dogs to North America during land rushes.

The breed was officially recognized in 1957 by the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). However, it took until 1993 for the American Kennel Club (AKC) to acknowledge it because of different standards and priorities between the clubs.

The breed's ancestors are believed to be from the Basque Region or Germany, with influences from Spanish sheepdogs and other herding breeds like the Scotch Collie, Border Collie, and English Shepherd.

Europeans, including shepherds from different countries, migrated to North America, bringing their herding dogs to manage the sheep flocks that came with them. Even though sheep and dogs did come from Australia, the Australian Shepherd's ancestors are thought to be from the Basque Region of Spain or Germany, with debates about the Spanish connection. Basque dogs were significantly different from today's Australian Shepherds, likely resulting from breeding with other herding dogs in Australia, possibly including German Tigers.

Australian Koolies from Germany, also known as German Coolies, share more similarities with Australian Shepherds than Basque dogs. They had merle markings in various colors, solid red and black coats, often with white markings. Other breeds like Scotch Collies, Border Collies, and English Shepherds are also believed to have contributed to the Australian Shepherd's gene pool.

Interestingly, the Australian Shepherd was developed in America by stockmen who valued its herding abilities and practical traits. Contrary to its name, the breed isn't recognized in Australia.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd's roots are intertwined with the Australian Shepherd. Breeders aimed to create a smaller version suitable for house life and easier travel. The breed's journey included various clubs and name changes until it gained recognition from different associations.

Miniature Australian Shepherds, later known as Mini Aussies, emerged from the Australian Shepherd breed. Doris Cordova initiated breeding smaller Australian Shepherds in 1968, envisioning a compact version (under 17 inches) with the same traits but suitable for households and easier to transport to stock shows. Cordova's kennel, particularly "Cordova Spike," played a pivotal role. Bill and Sally Kennedy continued the work at their B/S kennels. Simultaneously, Chas Lasater of Valhalla Kennels also contributed to the development of Mini Aussies.

Australian Shepherds became popular pets after they were featured as rodeos performers in the 1950’s, and later in Disney films such as ‘Run Appaloosa Run’. The Miniature Australian Shepherd was created by selectively breeding small Australian Shepherds. It has increased in popularity in the last few years due to its combination of small size with high energy level and endurance.

Ultimately, there are now three distinct breeds: Australian Shepherd, Miniature Australian Shepherd, and Miniature American Shepherd (or "North American Shepherd"). However, not all breeders have embraced the new names or standards, adding complexity for those seeking a specific type of dog.