Hi everyone!

I am wondering if anyone can give me some more information on what life is like with an Aussie, mini/toy. I currently have a wonderful spayed Border Collie that will be 3 this May. She is so very energetic and while I'm at work, she gets so lonely during the day. My husband and I decided it was time to get another dog, and I wanted something little (chihuahua) but my husband pointed out that it wouldn't be able to keep up with Panda and it would be too little for her to play comfortably with. I'd be too worried about it getting hurt. So I asked around and someone suggested a Toy/Mini Aussie and I went "That's perfect". As far as I know Aussies are very high energy, much like Border Collies, and toys/minis are still big enough to hold there own. Panda's not a huge dog, about 50lbs, but big enough to hurt something too little.

I basically don't know much about the breed, other than how close their traits are to a Border Collie. If anyone has one of these dogs, or knows some information I should know before I get one of these dogs, that would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone!

[Yogi]

if you want a dog that is compatible with your BC than you need to look at the actual Australian Shepherd not the imitation version. The "miniature" is a mixed breed and is not really like the actual breed. Both the AS and BC are high energy and carry with them an inherit herding instinct. Much of these have been in lost in the small ones as they are not purebred but have been mixed with non herding breeds. They are more for looks than actual performance.
I bred Aussies back in the 60's and 70's and was very disappointed in the mixing of this breed to attempt to create a smaller version. They lost so much of what made the breed an incredible breed when left alone.

[lulusmom]

As in all dog breeds, a reputable breeder is paramount and I think you would absolutely love a well bred Mini Aussie. I grew up with Australian Shepherds and my brother, whom I spend half my life with, has continued to share his life with them. I love the breed but have always had a great affinity for toy breeds and my Poms and Maltese get lost underfoot with big dogs. When I discovered that there were Mini versions of these amazing dogs, I set out immediately to find a reputable breeder. That wasn't the easiest thing to do and most dogs I saw looked more like an oversized and weird looking applehead Pomeranian. I ultimately found two adorable puppies, a blue merle and red tri and both are extraordinarily intelligent, natural born herders and with the exception of size, they look identical to "the real thing". As a matter of fact, they are prettier than a lot of the real deals I've seen. Like any breed, there are good ones and bad ones. Just do your homework.

I have many girlfriends that are professional horsewomen, breeding, showing and competition and five out of six have Mini Aussies. They seem to be quite the hit with horse people. I've watched Mini and Toy Aussies in action at national herding events and agility trials and believe me, they can hold their own and then some.

Well thank you for your help, you both have been very informative. I think a mini/toy Aussie and my BC would get along like champs. And everyone wins! Panda has a friend, I have a little dog!