The ideal Miniature Australian Shepherd is
the mirror image of the Australian
Shepherd, only in a smaller, calmer
package.  Their size ranges from 14" to 18"
tall for the Miniature and 13" and smaller
for the Toy.  They are compact and well
balanced; very athletic and alert.  They are
in the Herding Group and can be seen in
the Breed and Obedience show ring, as
well as in the home as a supremely
devoted companion.

They come in a variety of coat and eye
colors.  The Blue Merle has patches and
patterns of black on a background varying
from slate gray to powder blue.  The Red
Merle has patches and patterns of red on a
cream colored background.  The Black has
a solid black body.  They may have white
trim, in which case they would be a Black
Bi, or black, copper and white, which would
be a Black Tri.  The Reds vary in intensity
from a deep mahogany to a brownish-red
color.  As with the Blacks, a Red and white
is known as a Red Bi; add copper points
and the dog is a Red Tri.

Their eyes may be blue, brown, amber, or
one blue, one brown, flecked or marbled.  
Tails are sometimes natural bobs, longer
ones are docked.

They are sensitive, easily trained, excellent
natural guardians of the home and they
possess varing degrees of herding
instincts.  They are calm and confident,
usually suspicious of strangers.  They are
entirely devoted to their masters and will go
to great lengths to please them.  Their
unique size makes them perfectly suited to
our growing urban lifestyle, as well as
making excellent traveling companions.  
With their many attributes you will find this
amazingly versatile and affectionate
companion great with children.  They are a
devoted friend and guardian, for they are
naturally protective. They are eager to
please and seem to have a sixth sense
about what the owner wants.

Their coat is easy to groom and needs little
attention.  Brush occasionally with a firm
bristle brush and bathe only when
necessary.  They are an average shedder.