El Dorado Springs, Missouri

Located in the beautiful
Missouri Ozarks

MINIATURE
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS

THE LITTLE AUSSIE

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Australian Shepherds -affectionately called “Aussies” -were developed to herd livestock and work as all-purpose farm and ranch dogs. While many Aussies continue to work as stock dogs, the breed has earned recognition in a variety of other roles because of their high intelligence, trainability, and eagerness to please. Australian Shepherds also work as Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Therapy and Hearing Ear Dogs, and Drug Detection Dogs. They have become highly regarded for their skills in the competitive sports of obedience, agility, and fly ball. But, most of all, “they are beloved loyal family companions”.

TEMPERAMENT

A well socialized, well bred Miniature Aussie is highly intelligent, biddable and people oriented. They are happiest when with their family and or owners. Miniature Aussies have inherited all of the traits of the Standard Aussies such as, bonding tightly to their owners, being reserved around strangers, and can be quite protective of their family and property. Raised with children they are wonderful playmates, and make great watch dogs. An Aussie just seems to know. There is not another breed more loyal.

CARE

Even though your Miniature Aussie is apartment size, they still need exercise on a daily basis. Aussie's are thinkers and need an outlet for mental energy. Running, Playing with the children or another dog, playing a game of fetch, retrieving a ball or Frisbee, going for a walk or participating in other activities are just some of the ways to give your Miniature Aussie the exercise they need. Remember it is your responsibility to keep your Aussie safe. When your Aussie not supervised, it should be confined to your home or a fenced area. Your dog should never be allowed to run loose or room as it could be injured or killed.

GROOMING

Miniature Aussies like Standard Aussies are "wash & wear" dogs. Mud and dirt easily brushes from their coats. Aussies come in a rainbow of dazzling colors. Their coat is amazingly low maintenance and weather resistant whether herding livestock in a wet meadow, foraging through a creek or talking a dunk in a backyard puddle the Aussie's coat dries quickly. Weekly brushing will help eliminate tangles and remove dander and dust. Grooming you dog establishes a healthy rapport between you and your Aussie. Use a medium slicker brush ( handled brush with metal pins in a rubber base) usually takes care of the job. Use a smaller brush on puppies and be gentle, this is a bonding experience and if your tugging and pulling to hard, the pup will resent the procedure. Weekly toenail clipping and teeth cleaning should also be a part of your Aussie's grooming routine.

VET CARE

Your Aussie puppy require parasite control and a series of vaccinations to prevent life threatening diseases. We recommend that you locate a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with and take your puppy to get inspected. Make sure you take your vaccination record you received from the breeder of your puppy along with you so your veterinarian can look at it. Always keep your shots and worming up to date to give your new family member a long happy life.