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Do you know the difference between a standard Australian shepherd, a mini Australian shepherd, and a toy Australian shepherd? In this blog post, we will be exploring the differences between these three types of Australian shepherds. We will talk about their height, weight, and other characteristics. We will also discuss which type of Australian shepherd might be best for you and your family.
Standard, Mini, Toy Australian Shepherds: At A Glance
Commonalities Between All Standard, Mini, Toy Sizes
Intelligence
All three sizes of the Australian Shepherd share the same level of intelligence. They are all highly trainable and excel in obedience training.
Work Ethic
The Australian Shepherd is a working dog breed, which means that they have a strong work ethic. They are loyal and protective of their family and home.
Health Problems
Energy & Temperament
Standard Australian Shepherds, Mini Australian Shepherds, and Toy Australian Shepherds generally share the same high levels of energy and an excited/energetic temperament.
All three sizes of Australian Shepherds are active dogs that need daily exercise. Some suggest that the Standard Australian Shepherd requires the most exercise, while the Toy variety needs the least. All three varieties can live in apartments as long as they get enough daily exercise.
5 Common Health Problems
The standard, mini, and toy-sized Australian shepherds all share similar common health concerns.
1. Dysplasia
One of the most common problems for all three sizes is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly, which can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
2. Elbow Dysplasia
Another common condition shared by Australian shepherds of all sizes is elbow dysplasia. This is a condition where the bones in the elbow joint do not grow properly, which can cause pain and lameness.
3. Cardiomyopathy
This is a heart condition that can be found in all three sizes of Australian shepherds. It is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened and/or enlarged, which can lead to heart failure.
4. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
All three sizes of Australian shepherds are also prone to eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is a condition where the retina gradually deteriorates, which can eventually lead to blindness.
5. Collie Eye Anomaly
Another eye condition that Australian shepherds of all sizes are prone to is Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). This is a congenital condition that affects the development of the eye and can cause blindness.
Loyal & Eager to Please
Australian Shepherds are extremely loyal and eager to please their owners, regardless of their size.
Great Family Dogs
The Australian Shepherd breed is a great socialization dog. They are gentle and loving with children and adults alike. They also are quite intelligent, which allows you to train them more advanced commands and establish some good behavior expectations working with your Aussie. This makes them great family dogs.
Key Differences Between Standard, Mini, Toy Australian Shepherds
Size & Weight
The Standard Australian Shepherd is the largest of the three, with a height of 18-23 inches and a weight of 50-65 pounds. The Mini Australian Shepherd is smaller, with a height of 14-18 inches and a weight of 30-45 pounds. The Toy Australian Shepherd is the smallest, with a height of 12-14 inches and a weight of 15-30 pounds
Tendency to Bark
Out of all 3 sizes, Standard size Australian Shepherds tend to bark the most frequently. Mini and toy Australian shepherds are typically less-likely to bark at events unless they’re specifically trying to notify you of something.
More On Standard Australian Shepherds
The Standard Australian Shepherd is the largest of the three, with a height of 18-23 inches and a weight of 50-65 pounds. They are loyal and protective of their family and home.
The Standard Australian Shepherd needs daily exercise and can live in apartments as long as they get enough daily exercise. They are great socialization dogs and are gentle and loving with children and adults alike.
More On Mini Australian Shepherds
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a scaled-down version of the Standard Aussie. They are intelligent, hardworking dogs that excel in obedience training. The Miniature Aussie has a strong work ethic and is loyal and protective of their family.
They must be exercised on a daily basis. They may live in flats as long as they get enough exercise. They are excellent with children and adults and are kind and loving with both.
More On Toy Australian Shepherds
The Toy Australian Shepherd is the smallest of the three, with a height of 12-14 inches and a weight of 15-30 pounds. They are intelligent, hardworking dogs that excel in obedience training.
The Toy Aussie has a strong work ethic and is loyal and protective of their family. Toy Aussies require daily exercise, and they can live in apartments as long as they get enough of it. They are wonderful with children and adults and are nice and loving with everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The American Kennel Club Recognize All Three Sizes?
No. The AKC recognizes the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature American Shepherd (what we call Mini Australian Shepherds).
Conclusion
The Standard, Miniature, and Toy Australian Shepherds are all great dogs that make wonderful family pets. They are intelligent, hardworking, and loyal. They need daily exercise and can live in apartments as long as they get enough of it. They are wonderful with children and adults alike.
Be sure to choose the size that best fits your lifestyle and you will have a lifelong furry friend!
