Teacup Australian Shepherds - Is This the Dog For You?

The American Stock Dog Association recognizes three sizes of Australian Shepherd: standard, miniature and toy. The very smallest of the toy variety are known as "teacup". The breed standard requires that all three sizes of the Aussie live up to the typical Australian Shepherd character traits of being a herding dog of high intelligence, versatility and trainability.

Size Matters

Miniature Australian Shepherds should be a maximum of 18 inches tall measured at the withers. They can weigh up to 40 pounds but smaller Miniature Aussies can weigh around 25 to 30 pounds. The Toy Australian Shepherd on the other hand, should be a maximum of 12 inches high at the withers and should weigh a maximum of 13 pounds. Ideally, breeders should be producing dogs that have all the typical characteristics and traits of the Australian Shepherd: stamina, intelligence, agility and drive.

Are Teacup Australian Shepherds poorly bred dogs?

The American Stock Dog Association recognizes three sizes of Australian Shepherd: standard, miniature and toy. The very smallest of the toy variety are known as "teacup". The breed standard requires that all three sizes of the Aussie live up to the typical breed character traits of being a herding dog of high intelligence, versatility and trainability.

Size Matters

Miniature Aussies should be a maximum of 18 inches tall measured at the withers. They can weigh up to 40 pounds but smaller Miniature Aussies can weigh around 25 to 30 pounds. The Toy Aussie on the other hand, should be a maximum of 12 inches high at the withers and should weigh a maximum of 13 pounds. Ideally, breeders should be producing dogs that have all the typical characteristics and traits of the Australian Shepherd: stamina, intelligence, agility and drive.

Are Teacup Australian Shepherds poorly bred dogs?

There is some controversy around the miniature and toy variations of the breed. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the two smaller sizes as Australian Shepherds and some breeders argue that the miniature and toy sizes are substandard dogs with poor genetics. However, it is well known that even in the standard Australian Shepherd bloodlines smaller sized puppies are often born. This is probably due to the fact that the origin of the breed is a melting pot of a number of dog breeds, including some very small collies.

In addition, it must be remember that all breeds of dogs have evolved from breeding particular sizes or types and an exact breed "standard" can sometimes lead to diminishing intelligence and other qualities because the focus is on the look or size of the breed. However, there are unscrupulous breeders who won't look for quality dogs to breed with and rather just aim to create "stunted" pups and sell them as teacups or toys. Such breeders are to be avoided and you should also avoid buying toy dogs from petshops as they often come from "puppy mills" where little attention is paid to the health of the breeding dogs.

Good breeders of Toy and Mini Aussies will continue to use the pure standard Australian Shepherd bloodlines in order to ensure that the character of the Aussie stays true to the breed. There are several Miniature Australian Shepherd and Toy Australian Shepherd Associations in the United States which help to maintain the integrity of the breed. It's good to ensure that your breeder belongs to one of these.
What Are the Characteristics of Teacup Australian Shepherds?

The Teacup is a very compact and athletic dog suitable for city living. However, this doesn't mean it can be left alone and unexercised. They are highly intelligent and easily trained, so they need to be occupied. They suit families or individuals with an active lifestyle.

In all cases, don't simply get a dog for its 'Cute" factor, but ensure that you can offer it a loving home and are prepared to accept responsibility for exercising and training it. In the end you'll be rewarded with a wonderful pet.