Aussie (Austrailian Shepherds) owners unit!

[zacker]

Herer's my "Awesome" Aussie .. "Snow" we just got her two weeks ago from a rescue shelter.. shes 3 Y/o and deaf but full of love and energy.... and smart as a whip!!

At the park, cloned out her leash.. cant let a deaf dog off a leash in public or outside of a fenced in spot
http://www.brokenfencephotography.com/photos/261385794_9KUqh-M.jpg

Sleeping!
http://www.brokenfencephotography.com/photos/263293434_B8MBB-M.jpg

RUN.. Mad dog..lol
http://www.brokenfencephotography.com/photos/261385913_vT4vL-M.jpg

Sitting pretty...
http://www.brokenfencephotography.com/photos/266629868_vK9a8-M.jpg

Running like the wind!
http://www.brokenfencephotography.com/photos/266629688_7Hrkm-M.jpg

[TheHoff]

Is this a unit or are we uniting ???

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/2224997806_fea6e29b9d_o.jpg

That is great that you took a deaf girl from a rescue! Kudos... Maggie (above) came from the SPCA a few months ago.

[zacker]

I think we were uniting but it looks like we're unit-ing... lol
(If a mod or admin can fix that id appreciate it)

What a good looking girl ya got there... shes awesome!! Does she try to out smart you?

[TheHoff]

I think we were uniting but it looks like we're unit-ing... lol
(If a mod or admin can fix that id appreciate it)

What a good looking girl ya got there... shes awesome!! Does she try to out smart you?

She is a character, for sure! On the weekends when my wife and I get up separately, she will go sit by her food dish for each one of us as we get up... even if I feed her first she acts just like I didn't. If we get up together, she knows we saw the other one feeding her so she doesn't try her trick... too clever!

The all white coat on Snow is just gorgeous. Too bad it comes with the deafness :( She looks extremely happy with her new home!

Mags is actually a miniature...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2224997804_db6733e67a_o.jpg

(exaggerated by 16mm)

[zacker]

She is a character, for sure! On the weekends when my wife and I get up separately, she will go sit by her food dish for each one of us as we get up... even if I feed her first she acts just like I didn't. If we get up together, she knows we saw the other one feeding her so she doesn't try her trick... too clever!
Yep..typical Aussie trick..lol

The all white coat on Snow is just gorgeous. Too bad it comes with the deafness :( She looks extremely happy with her new home!

Well it could be worse, at least shes not blind too. I think shes not as deaf as she makes out to be.. she can hear what she wants or so it seems (she feels vibrations...even a hand clap or whistle if shes close by) And it means we can vaccume around her with no problems and shes a sound sleeper so shes not barking at every liitle noise!

Mags is actually a miniature...



And she is a real good looker!! ;)

[TheHoff]

She was a bit frustrated at her small size v. this stick...

http://i28.tinypic.com/qywzeg.jpg

[Gridlock]

i love 3 and 5, pictures of long haired dogs caught while running are great :)

[csquared63]

We love our Aussies!

Jasper

http://www.pbase.com/csquared63/image/94496038/original.jpg

Meadow

http://www.pbase.com/csquared63/image/94496043/original.jpg

They love each other! (They really do. This is just playtime.)

http://www.pbase.com/csquared63/image/94496034/original.jpg

[Gridlock]

lol, when you catch just that one instant when dogs get playing rough, it really does look vicous, but thats a great picture :)

[Ben Daniels]

All great dogs and lovely captures.
Good news about "Snow". Nice to know that she is at a loving home :-)

[jra]

Here's Luke :)
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/jra2212/luke01.jpg

[Nanboh]

Oh Aussies!! I'll play! :lol:
I love it when I see rescue aussies (Katie is one as well). They are so wonderful as companions. You are very lucky.


at play lookin' crazy:
http://Nanigae.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p813742779-3.jpg


Charlie's sweeter side:
http://Nanigae.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p541166954-3.jpg

Katie posing:
http://Nanigae.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p1057543171-3.jpg

[TheHoff]

Wow, Katie and Luke (above) could pass for brother and sister.

[Nanboh]

Does Mags howl? She looks like she might from that one photo (the one with the stick). Charlie will if encouraged by harmonica or husband :rolleyes: (he's a biologist and tells me this is good pack behavior--not sure the neighbors agree!) and Katie does from fire engines at the right distance/pitch.

[TheHoff]

She sure does. This is the first day I met her -- I took her on a walk on the streets around the SPCA (shot with Panasonic p/s)

http://i31.tinypic.com/f2lisi.jpg

I'm jealous of all the great action shots posted so far. We haven't had much decent sun yet but we will get outside for some soon.

[csquared63]

Great looking dogs here! Here's Meadow with her other best buddy ...

http://www.pbase.com/csquared63/image/94537951/original.jpg

[willy b]

Zacker, love the 4th shot! All are very nice doggies:)

Carl, what a great shot!!

[Flo]

She is close.Bailey is an Aussie Terrier X..http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/oyster%20cove/IMG_2204.jpg

[jra]

Figured I'd thrown another up of my Aussie, Luke. This is him assessing the squirrel situation :)
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/jra2212/luke32308a.jpg

[mikeb540]

great looken aussies! i got offered a aussie pup last year and had to turn it down, i hope my luck changes this breeding season , such good loking dog, and their smarts aint half bad either hehe
mike

[jra]

, and their smarts aint half bad either hehe
mike

LOL...my Aussie is so incredibly smart that he never ceases to amaze me. He knows how to take advantage of any situation and knows exactly how to get what he wants. He can be absolutely obnoxious at times but he's an all around great dog (as long as he's had plenty of exercise anyways :) ) He's also the most loveable dog I've ever had....When he calms down, he loves to cuddle and be made over. He always insists on being just about as close to me as he can get. I've always grown up with dogs and have two now (but only one Aussie) and I can say that Aussies act more like kids than dogs. They are about the equivalent of a 5 year old child IMO :).....always curious, always wanting to be involved in everything and enough smarts to out think you on a moments notice. :)

[mikeb540]

my comment was if refference to them being great thinkers to adjust to every situation, ive seen several working as search dogs very well. and my nieghbor has a aussie pup that wanders over from time to time. ill have her chasen frisbees before long hehe
mike

[jra]

my comment was if refference to them being great thinkers to adjust to every situation, ive seen several working as search dogs very well. and my nieghbor has a aussie pup that wanders over from time to time. ill have her chasen frisbees before long hehe
mike

I understood your comment....just thought I'd add my own two cents to it from my experience :)

[mikeb540]

i figured you did. anyone with a breed like this has told me the stroies hehe, i hope i can join this club soon.. even a mix would be fine its been almost 2 years since i lost my dog,, far to long..
mike

[swjim]

Here's one of our dog, Marble:

http://jimpr4photo.smugmug.com/photos/133896416_t59fF-L.jpg

[csquared63]

Here's one of our dog, Marble:

She's a beaut! :-)

[swjim]

Thanks Carl, he looks quite bit like your dog, Meadow based upon your pictures above.

[csquared63]

Thanks Carl, he looks quite bit like your dog, Meadow based upon your pictures above.

"He" ... Sorry, I guess I assumed female because ours is. :-) Yes, they do look similar. Meadow is a bit smaller for the breed, though, and Jasper, our male on page 1 of this thread is bigger! He weighs in at 70 lbs.

[zacker]

Awesome photos everyone, keep em coming. Aussies are the greatest dogs arent they?

[Sasquatch41]

I have two, Jake (male, merle colored) and Dolly (female, black and white.) They were born on the 4th of July last year. They are learning, but not too smart yet. I still have to push the shutter release for them.

[mikeb540]

i though to be akc aussie the tails had to be cut? is this a option if you get one from a breeder? or are those border collies? i think those merle patterns are so cool!
mike

[zacker]

i though to be akc aussie the tails had to be cut? is this a option if you get one from a breeder? or are those border collies? i think those merle patterns are so cool!
mike


no, from what i can gater, some are born with a full tail, such as my Snow (who can never be AKC because she is born of two blue merels..a huge no no!) and some are born with the bobbed tails. As for the blue merle, blue merle not being AKC? its because they almost always will produced blind or deaf or both, pups.. Snow is deaf but can see like a hawk..lol And Barring a pup from blue merle parents from becoming AKC is supposed to keep breeders from breeding deaf / blind dogs... no one wants em, which is one of the reasons we took Snow... shes so smart and such a god girl, she deserves to have a home thats NOT 4 X3 foot.

[mikeb540]

great on the rescue! thats to bad about the issues found in merles.. so pretty , is the issues and coloring cause be inbreeding im guessing?
mike

[zacker]

is the issues and coloring cause be inbreeding im guessing?
mike


It has to do with the Coloration... the Pigmentation in the ears believe it or not, the more color on the heads, the better the hearing so where mine has only some black on her ears, her hearing is almost completely gone.. she does appear to hear sometimes though, theres been times when she'd turn her head when my wife laughs out loud.. I think she can faintly hear her or she can feel the vibrations.. Im not really sure, anyhow, its something to do with the pigmentation that catches the electronic impulses at the nerve ends in the ears and carries them to the brain..

[brittone05]

This is Chilli who we sadly parted with after discovering my husband's allergic :( She is now over 12 months old and has retained her normal eye and 1 blue eye :D

[zacker]

lol is she nailed to a wall?? lol good looking pup. Hubby couldnt take anything for his Allergies? I ask because we have two cats and my wife is totally allergic to them so she takes Allegra D dailey and we have a few rules like no going in our bed room and she doesnt hold them too much or for too long and she rarley lets one cuddle up on her.. (but they try anyways..lol) Thats too bad he was Allergic though..

[brittone05]

lol the pic should have been turned round hehe she sleeps with her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth!!

Hubby had radiation treatment to his lungs about 9 years ago and suffers from recurring pneumonia and pleuracy so I guess it was a really bad idea me even thinking of getting a dog - Piriton worked a little but he couldn't go in the same room as her for more than 10 minutes without his throat closing over and choking him :(

[zacker]

ahhh, thats too bad... Ive had Pneumonia once and I wouldnt wish it on anyone... worst time of my life, although loosing a disk in my neck came in a close second..lol Sorry to hear that.. maybe they will have Hypoallergenic dogs one day, like the cats.

[brittone05]

ACtually thinking about it - I know that Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic!!! They have double coated fur which doesn't moult so that are great for allergy sufferers. Sadly in the UK, they fetch the equibvalent of around $1700 upwards so way out of my price range!!

[zacker]

yeah all those smaller type dogs go for alot of $$$ here in the states also. Plus with all the unscrouplus breeders we have, you knever know what youll get, the dog could be inbred for the last 10 generations!

[jenzin]

Jack, the furball who thinks he owns our house!

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/42789/2655824670096131982S600x600Q85.jpg (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2655824670096131982Xkaotn)

[zacker]

Jack, the furball who thinks he owns our house!



Dont they all...... lol
Great looking dog!

[j00sten]

i'm borrowing my brother's 20D w/ a 85 1.8 while i wait for my tammy 17-50 and XSi. here's a pic of my 4 yr old aussie on the love sac (http://www.lovesac.com/).

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u143/blupinoy/IMG_5611edit.jpg

[zacker]

they are such beautiful dogs.... how do you get the hair off the sac when the dogs not on it? mine sheds like crazy...i gotta brush her twice a week with a german rake. great shot BTW!

[j00sten]

they are such beautiful dogs.... how do you get the hair off the sac when the dogs not on it? mine sheds like crazy...i gotta brush her twice a week with a german rake. great shot BTW!

the cover is made out of microsuede. it's amazing tho, it doesn't attract as much hair as i thought it would. i've tried vaccuuming it, but that makes her go crazy :lol: it also comes off, so i can stick it in the laundry if need be. she doesn't jump on it w/o permission tho. she still sheds quite a bit, especially since she's shedding her winter coat atm. you should see the rug we have, it's a hair magnet.

as for the shot, i'm still learning about exposure, so my keeper rate is very low. i'm doing a lot of chimping atm, but i've never bothered w/ using anything but M mode :)

[TheHoff]

http://i26.tinypic.com/25qbz4j.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2408096678_7e1c337c67_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2408096678/)

[GoHokiesGo]

Cool, a thread for Australian Shepherds.

My family just picked this guy up from a rescue league this past summer, he's part aussie and has the bobbed tail. I don't have too many pictures of Buddy yet, so this one will do for now. He has quite the personality and character and loves his toys! He's a goofy dog and always ends up making us laugh :lol:

[jra]

Nice to see this pop back up :) Guess I'll contribute again. This time I'll demonstrate how Aussies make great pack animals :)

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/jra2212/packdog1.jpg

[Loni]

Oh my. There is nothing like a round of aussie play, that's for sure!

[zacker]

here's another of My Girl, Snow..

http://www.brokenfencephotography.com/photos/277105446_6aRVT-L.jpg

[SeattleSpeedster]

Mom's dog Bacall

http://home.comcast.net/~michaelfreid/bacall8.jpg

[swjim]

Here's a funny one I captured while my wife was tossing some bread to our Aussie, Marble:

http://jimpr4photo.smugmug.com/photos/290538085_dhBfx-L.jpg

[zacker]

lol Jim, thats funny... and thats one good looking Aussie!!

[swjim]

lol Jim, thats funny... and thats one good looking Aussie!!

Thanks! We got a good laugh out of it! :)

[rider1]

My two Aussies. What a great breed. What can't they do?

[Nanboh]

Charlie keeping a VERY close eye on my 4 month old grandson
(Hoff--he's been GREAT since the baby arrived--so gentle but always watchful, naturally :D )
http://Nanigae.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p878043770-3.jpg

[TheHoff]

Too funny! My sister sent me a video yesterday of my cousin playing in his jump-up, just like that, and my aussie watching him... just like that.

I'm a little concerned with such a bright breed thinking that she is "alpha" ranked over the baby but with well-adjusted dogs they just go into protective mode rather than dominance, it seems.


edit.. btw: rider1, great looking dogs! especially #2, I think

[Nanboh]

My spouse is an animal behavioralist and so we think in pack behavior all the time around our house. Charlie is not alpha or alpha seeking at all, but very stable mid-pack (still wouldn't leave a dog unguarded with a baby, but that' my opinion). Katie is alpha-seeking and recognizes that we're both higher ups and she reacts differently to the baby--tries to kiss it while we watch as if to show us how involved she is but if we don't watch her, she ignores the baby unless it cries. When that happens, both dogs look at us like, "DO Something!!" Baby is with us 2-3 days a weeks so they're definitely learning to adjust.

Such amazing dogs--so many beautiful photos in this thread!

[rider1]

Bailey creekside with my Point & Shoot (thought it was going to rain). She thinks she's a lab.

[TheHoff]

Thanks, Nanboh! The idea of "alpha-seeking" dogs causing trouble makes sense and I will read more about it.

And Bailey up there looks great! My Maggie went swimming at the dog beach for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it.




http://i25.tinypic.com/29w38sl.jpg

"You just try and grab that Kong away!"

[TheHoff]

http://i26.tinypic.com/25qbz4j.jpg



http://i38.tinypic.com/vec040.jpg

[zacker]

awesome Hoff.... Aussie or Border collie? looks like my dog who I now am thinking is more Border Collie than Aussie..

[TheHoff]

hah, it is hard to tell, eh? She was at the local SPCA as a Border Collie but as soon as I saw her I knew it was wrong. She has the build of an Aussie if you could see her from the side and the top... the big rear haunches and not nearly as lean looking because of her thicker coat.

She also has no tail! So I'm not sure why someone at the pound would think it is a Border with no tail rather than an Aussie.

I've had one other dog who was from a Border rescue and I think he was more Aussie than Border now that I've had Maggie here. She is my first 'official' Aussie though as I've always had BCs before.

[zacker]

Ahhhhhh no tail.. lol thats a good sign. Im actually thinking of getting snows DNA looked at as its really bothering me for some reason..(i usually dont care) I was told she was full Aussie and she seems it because of the black ticking on her coat but, she has the tail and at least one ear that stands up... and i think shes mixed with BC only because her face and body seem to resemble one.. but i dont think you can mix two Black and white border collies and get an all white one, plus getting an all white Aussie who is deaf is alot more common.. whew! im out of breath now.. lol

[TheHoff]

Here she is looking around for her sheep in the city...

http://i36.tinypic.com/16advo2.jpg



Luckily there is one of those stupid Labradoodle mixes that lives nearby and he really looks like a sheep... she herds him around daily.

[TheHoff]

Ahhhhhh no tail.. lol thats a good sign. Im actually thinking of getting snows DNA looked at as its really bothering me for some reason..(i usually dont care) I was told she was full Aussie and she seems it because of the black ticking on her coat but, she has the tail and at least one ear that stands up... and i think shes mixed with BC only because her face and body seem to resemble one.. but i dont think you can mix two Black and white border collies and get an all white one, plus getting an all white Aussie who is deaf is alot more common.. whew! im out of breath now.. lol

Crazy! I didn't know much about Aussies before this one... I thought they were always docked to remove the tails but it turns out some are born naturally bobbed. So it is possible to be tailed or tailless and still be proper.

[phfalcon]

This is Rukus and Flame. The tails are cut off when they are a day or two old. We were given a choice because both of their tails turned out ok. We chose to go with the traditional aussie.

[zacker]

cute.... so do their little buts shake when they are happy?

[phfalcon]

They both have just a touch of tail left under their fur that wags back and forth but generally, yes, their buts do a lot of wiggling when they are happy.

[TheHoff]

This is Rukus and Flame. The tails are cut off when they are a day or two old. We were given a choice because both of their tails turned out ok. We chose to go with the traditional aussie.

oh man, is there anything cuter than that? I hope you post some more...


here is my city dog today...

http://i36.tinypic.com/2ecm7gp.jpg

[zacker]

well Hoff, she's definetly a cutie.. lol did she find any sheep?

[phfalcon]

She is a cutie for city Aussie ;)

Here are a couple of more of the boys....some people seem to feel they are posing for pictures but I don't know how you get puppies to pose. I tend to try and catch them when they are tired from playing and need a rest. In this case looking for some shade.

[zacker]

lol these are great!!!

[TheHoff]

well Hoff, she's definetly a cutie.. lol did she find any sheep?

She has a Labra-doodle friend that looks suspiciously like a sheep. It is great when they are running around together and of course she is constantly herding and barking at him.

[Bernoulli]

There are no dogs as expressive as Aussies!

Here's Sophie in an avoidance maneuver from her brother Sam and another of Soph after she ate that plate of special brownies I left out.

[zacker]

lol... nice.. looks like me after said, "special" brownies!

[phfalcon]

Wow, lots of great Aussie pictures to enjoy in this thread. Here are a couple of more recent shots of our guys. These were taken last week while they enjoyed their first snow....this is how they spend a lot of their time like most I suspect.

[Bernoulli]

Do any of your Aussies ever "grin"? When Sam greets someone he likes he'll pull his lips back and bare his teeth. Looks rather fierce till you get used to it. Here's a noisy shot I took as we walked in the door after being away for a few days. He'll do it every time for us if we've been away or even for the dog sitter. We had heard that some Aussies do this and of the four Aussies we've had he's the only one that does. Have any of you seen yours do it?

[TheHoff]

I've had 3 Borders and 2 Aussies and both Aussies had the grin! It is a submissive behaviour -- they'll do it for anyone they think is Alpha.

Here is Maggie's... we've encouraged it and now she'll do it more on command of "where's your dentures?!"

http://i37.tinypic.com/k568a0.jpg

[phfalcon]

Very neat grins! I haven't noticed that with our two....yet anyway.

[danstatler]

I am new to the forum and had been going through the site till I found this thread. My Aussie is named Barron and he and my wife do agility, usually while I take pictures. He also does the grin occasionally but I have never been lucky enough to get it in a photo.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/danstatler/My%20Pictures/Barron/Barron10-22.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/danstatler/My%20Pictures/Barron/Agility16.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/danstatler/My%20Pictures/Barron/Agility12.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/danstatler/My%20Pictures/Barron/Barron04.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/danstatler/My%20Pictures/Barron/Barron02.jpg

[TheHoff]

I am new to the forum and had been going through the site till I found this thread. My Aussie is named Barron and he and my wife do agility, usually while I take pictures. He also does the grin occasionally but I have never been lucky enough to get it in a photo.

Welcome! Barron is a beaut. Is he a miniature or are some of the photos from when he was younger? Tough to judge his size but he looks smaller like mine.

And yes, the smile is hard to photograph -- that is my only good one. By the time you get the camera out, she is on her back for a belly rub.

[zacker]

I've had 3 Borders and 2 Aussies and both Aussies had the grin! It is a submissive behaviour -- they'll do it for anyone they think is Alpha.

Here is Maggie's... we've encouraged it and now she'll do it more on command of "where's your dentures?!"

http://i37.tinypic.com/k568a0.jpg


Hoff, my girl does this also, but its followed up by a lunge and jaw snapping and an "i wanna eat the stranger" look in her eyes.. lol

[danstatler]

Welcome! Barron is a beaut. Is he a miniature or are some of the photos from when he was younger? Tough to judge his size but he looks smaller like mine.

And yes, the smile is hard to photograph -- that is my only good one. By the time you get the camera out, she is on her back for a belly rub.

He weighs 43 pounds. He is about the same size as all the other Aussies I have seen.

[TheHoff]

SNOW DAY! She runs around like a mad dog, sniffing, and scooping up the snow with her nose to lick it off.


http://i38.tinypic.com/i20lkm.jpg




http://i34.tinypic.com/125hvyv.jpg




http://i35.tinypic.com/2dttctt.jpg

[Bernoulli]

Sam and Sophie are a bit perplexed that they can drink from the pond one day and walk on it the next.

[TheHoff]

Nice shots on the ice!

Hoff, my girl does this also, but its followed up by a lunge and jaw snapping and an "i wanna eat the stranger" look in her eyes.. lol

hah, I know that one, too. I adopted a 10 yr old, "Skippy", who had a tough life... he had the grin but he also had the growl! You couldn't trust which was which so you always had to assume the worst.

[TheHoff]

Another SNOW DAY!


http://i40.tinypic.com/10onsc8.jpg


http://i44.tinypic.com/161xg8j.jpg


http://i42.tinypic.com/nl27ep.jpg

[swjim]

It's been a year, time to revive this thread! :)

http://jimpr4.com/photos/740780942_YfoKD-XL.jpg

[tattooDan]

18 pound female

http://members.speedguide.net/dan/s11.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/s15.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/s18.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/xmasaussie1.jpg

[SeattleSpeedster]

^^^ cute :)


http://home.comcast.net/~mreidsix1/_MG_7720.jpg

[TheHoff]

^^ wow really a gorgeous example of an Aussie!

[Kuzco]

Here's my Mini, Twix! I've posted her in various threads, but it's important she makes an appearance to support the Aussie Unit!

Enjoying today's blizzard:
http://charlie.theburgi.com/highlights/Outings/12%2019%202009/images/121909_8873.jpg

In the backyard:
http://charlie.theburgi.com/highlights/Outings/Twix%20in%20the%20Backyard/images/110709_7152.jpg

Slobbery at the dogpark:
http://charlie.theburgi.com/dogpark/Outings/09%2025%202009/images/IMG_7830.jpg

[tattooDan]

http://members.speedguide.net/dan/relaxing1.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/relaxing2.jpg

[tattooDan]

http://members.speedguide.net/dan/littledog.jpg

[tattooDan]

http://members.speedguide.net/dan/2bv.jpg

[swjim]

A recent one of Marble...

http://jimpr4.com/photos/772946394_uS62t-XL.jpg

[tattooDan]

A recent one of Marble...



beautiful dog and great picture !

[swjim]

Thanks!

[Tortie]

Here's Coda:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v13/Tortie/6513.jpg

[Dave Jr]

Lots of beautiful Aussies and great pics here.

Meet Maverick, he's a mini, but on the large side for a mini. He has a somewhat unusual lack of white on his face for a blue merle.

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/100059536.jpg

He gazes longingly out the window, keeping a close eye on all the "herdables" that are out of formation.

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/91688159.jpg

From his favorite spot on top of the couch, he can see every entrance to the house

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/97793017.jpg

One 3/4 blue merled eye, one amber eye

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/101473219.jpg

Loves to play football

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/88778217.jpg

And hang out with friends

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/88752421.jpg

[Dave Jr]

Do any of your Aussies ever "grin"? When Sam greets someone he likes he'll pull his lips back and bare his teeth. Looks rather fierce till you get used to it. Here's a noisy shot I took as we walked in the door after being away for a few days. He'll do it every time for us if we've been away or even for the dog sitter. We had heard that some Aussies do this and of the four Aussies we've had he's the only one that does. Have any of you seen yours do it?

That is hilarious.

[Dave Jr]

I've had 3 Borders and 2 Aussies and both Aussies had the grin! It is a submissive behaviour -- they'll do it for anyone they think is Alpha.

Here is Maggie's... we've encouraged it and now she'll do it more on command of "where's your dentures?!"

http://i37.tinypic.com/k568a0.jpg

Very funny, "where's your dentures", love that. I bet that's a hit at parties.

[tattooDan]

Lots of beautiful Aussies and great pics here.

Meet Maverick, he's a mini, but on the large side for a mini. He has a somewhat unusual lack of white on his face for a blue merle.



He gazes longingly out the window, keeping a close eye on all the "herdables" that are out of formation.



From his favorite spot on top of the couch, he can see every entrance to the house

http://www.pbase.com/davejr/image/97793017.jpg

One 3/4 blue merled eye, one amber eye



Loves to play football



And hang out with friends



#3 is priceless ! what a ham ! LOL

[tattooDan]

Very funny, "where's your dentures", love that. I bet that's a hit at parties.

very cute ! is that a mini ?

mine is a 18 pound mini blue merle

[Dave Jr]

#3 is priceless ! what a ham ! LOL

Yes, he is a total ham :D. Aussies have so much personality.

[palmor]

Cool, Aussie thread! :) I didn't even know this thread existed!

Here are a couple of Ash that I haven't posted before..

Pentax K10D ,Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro
1/90s f/6.7 at 70.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/98572766/original.jpg


Canon EOS 7D ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
1/1250s f/2.8 at 145.0mm iso200
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/122800331/original.jpg

Canon EOS 7D ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
1/2500s f/2.8 at 200.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/122800210/original.jpg

[Ariel]

Some of Bella... 13 month old aussie.

[Ariel]

2 more from Bella

[squirrelking101]

Been wanting to find an Aussie, definitely hoping my landlord will allow a pet on the property. Too bad none of the shelters around me have any, these dogs seem like they would be fun photo companions with their energy and characters.

[palmor]

Been wanting to find an Aussie, definitely hoping my landlord will allow a pet on the property. Too bad none of the shelters around me have any, these dogs seem like they would be fun photo companions with their energy and characters.

You should check out petfinder.com... there are usually tons of Aussies up for adoption (not always local of course). You could always check out local breeders since they may be in touch with rescue leagues in the area.

Off the top of my head I know of two local'ish places you can call (I saw that you are from Maine)... the 1st is a breeder (who we got Ash from... see a few posts above). His website is http://www.cowboyaussies.net. The second I'm not sure if it will help but if your interested in a mini-aussie is MARS (Mini Assie Rescue & Support)... they have New England based chapters who help out.

http://www.miniaussierescue.org/


Good luck in finding an Aussie!

[Ariel]

Also check here for Aussie rescues.

http://www.aussierescue.org/

Aussies are in fact a lot of fun, but they are a lot of work to, this is no first time dog owner breed, Its a breed were training is a Must. They are very intelligent, and active, but also very stubborn, and they need work to do, If you can spare 2-4 hours of your time a day to play/train/exercise I would recommend you an aussie. If you cannot you will have an unhappy, destructive, dog.

[TheHoff]

Also check Border Collie rescues. Not only are they similar dogs in drive and personalities, but they will often have hybrids of Borders and Aussies and even some mostly Aussies. I've gotten three dogs from http://www.bcrescue.org/

I love the shots of Ash and Bella above!

Here is one of my 12-year-old mini, Maggie, that I grabbed yesterday while I was shooting a friend's dog. (Mags is from a local SPCA; I found her on Petfinder when she was 9.)

http://imgur.com/YbXdP.jpg

[ELItheICEman]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4928344054_91864370bf_z.jpg

This is Jenny. She's more of a mix, but my parents are pretty sure she's got some Aussie.

[View_Finder]

This is my 2 year old mini-Aussie, Rocket.

A ball retrieving, frisbee catching, dog chasing machine. And all he wants in return is constant affection (which he gets :)).

[tattooDan]

more pics of my mini Zephyr
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z1.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z2.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z3.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z4.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z5.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z6.jpg
.l
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/z7.jpg

[View_Finder]

Rusty joined the family a month ago. A red-tri mini Aussie and just full of character.

[TheHoff]

sooo adorable :)

I'm really digging minis but I met a "toy" the other day... bit too small for me

[Pippen]

Pictures are just with a p&s. I am saving up for my first DSLR.

This is Pip a black tri Australian Shepherd. He appears to be a black bi. However, he has a small amount of copper on his leg, in his ear, and under his tail. In the latest photos he is 7 months old.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx114/flower_addict88/DSC02364-1.jpg?t=1284064145
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx114/flower_addict88/DSC02754.jpg?t=1284064201
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx114/flower_addict88/DSC02813-2.jpg?t=1284064236
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx114/flower_addict88/DSC04398.jpg?t=1284064332
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx114/flower_addict88/DSC04409.jpg?t=1284064332

[canon_lover88]

All beautiful dogs.

However, there is no such thing as toy or miniature Australian Shepherds. The "miniature/toy" Australian Shepherds are a different breed. This breed is called the North American Shepherd. The American Kennel Club, or Australian Shepherd Club of American does not and will not recognize this breed.

The breeders of these so called "Toy" Australian Shepherds are leading a campaign of deception. There are no "Toy" Aussies. They often incorporate other breeds to quickly bring about a reduction in size. Their selfish motivation to garner high bucks by capitalizing on a niche market is done at the expense of the well being and future of the Australian Shepherd.

There is no purpose for the miniaturization of this breed, which already comes in a moderate range of sizes from 18"-23". Despite their advertising claims, the reduction in size does not make these better urban dwellers than their legitimate counterparts.

Those interested in the Australian Shepherd should be aware there are no size varieties of Australian Shepherds. There is no officially recognized Australian Shepherd variety such as "Standard," "Mini/Miniature, " or "Toy" Australian Shepherd.

Advertisers of Standard, Miniature, and Toy Varieties of Australian Shepherds are simply employing marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of animals to the unsuspecting public that are, in reality, just dramatically smaller than normal. Responsible, reputable Australian Shepherd breeders who care about protecting this unique, American breed of stock dog do not promote the sale of Standard or Miniature or Toy Varieties of Australian Shepherds. This is a marketing ploy to sell faulty, undersized pups for increased prices."

If you're still interested in a Miniature or Toy Australian Shepherd, be advised that those dogs are not recognized by any reputable dog registry.(AKC, ASCA, Canadian KC) Breeders of Miniatures and Toys who state or imply to potential buyers that their dogs are Australian Shepherds are misrepresenting them, and you should proceed with caution.

Directly from the ASCA website (http://asca.org/) in the Announcements section.
"The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a variety of Australian Shepherd by ASCA. The club considers such dogs to be a distinct and separate breed and will not accept them into its registry."

[View_Finder]

Good points, canon_lover88. I knew the minis were not recognized by the AKC and ASCA prior to us getting our two but it didn't really matter to us since we aren't going to breed them. When out with my dogs, I always describe them as "mini-aussies" because I know they are not true Aussies.

But from all my conversations with other owners, many of which also own or had owned true Australian Shepherds, the minis have all the same traits and characteristics (excluding the size of course). So IMHO, if it looks like an aussie, acts like an aussie, smells like an aussie, ... :)


Another shot of Rocket:

[tattooDan]

Good points, canon_lover88. I knew the minis were not recognized by the AKC and ASCA prior to us getting our two but it didn't really matter to us since we aren't going to breed them. When out with my dogs, I always describe them as "mini-aussies" because I know they are not true Aussies.

But from all my conversations with other owners, many of which also own or had owned true Australian Shepherds, the minis have all the same traits and characteristics (excluding the size of course). So IMHO, if it looks like an aussie, acts like an aussie, smells like an aussie, ... :)





all great points,I totally agree with you,and I also knew about the AKC not recognizing the breed,no big deal for me either,
she was spayed at 6mo,



our mini is an amazing aussie !

[canon_lover88]

Good points, canon_lover88. I knew the minis were not recognized by the AKC and ASCA prior to us getting our two but it didn't really matter to us since we aren't going to breed them. When out with my dogs, I always describe them as "mini-aussies" because I know they are not true Aussies.

But from all my conversations with other owners, many of which also own or had owned true Australian Shepherds, the minis have all the same traits and characteristics (excluding the size of course). So IMHO, if it looks like an aussie, acts like an aussie, smells like an aussie, ... :)


I find this extremely insulting. This breed is not accepted by those organizations because the breed does not exist by the name of a mini/toy Aussie. This breed needs their own breed name. They are polluting the Australian Shepherd gene pool and reputation. Very insulting! Especially to reputable breeders who have worked/work so hard on maintaining this wonderful breed. I have no problems with "mini" Aussies but, they need their own breed name. By continuing to call your dogs "mini" Aussies you are misinforming the public intentionally.

Actually most AUSSIE people don't have a problem with the Mini/NAS as their own breed..what they have a problem with is ignorant people trying to piggy back on the tails of Australian Shepherds (seperate breed) to get recognition from registries like AKC, CKC (Canada), UKC etc.

AUSSIE people have no issues with them being recognized as their own breed...but they are not now, nor will they ever be a "Size Variety" of the Aussie and accepted into CKC, AKC, UKC as such. To continue to say that they are a size variety of the Australian Shepherd is just plain wrong.


The responsible breeders who have worked hard to keep aussies as they were originally bred years and years and years ago will not accept that a mini/toy as a size variety of a breed that has no business being a sized variety breed. They want to preserve our breed for what it is and was. And let the minis do their own thing, be their own breed, NOT be an aussie.

An aussie is an AKC/ASCA/UKC/CKC/KC/FCI/etc recognized breed. You cannot find the breed standard for a "mini" aussie in AKC/ASCA/UKC/CKC/KC/FCI/etc that states it is a variation in SIZE of the Australian Shepherd.


I support the North American Shepherd. However like a collie person once told me, "Never call a sheltie a mini collie." Never call a North American Shepherd an Aussie. It doesnt work that way... Just like a whippet isnt a mini greyhound and a sheltie isnt a mini collie. The "mini/toy" need to be registered as their own breed, not a size variation of the true Aussie. Aussies that are too small can't do the job they were and still are bred for. If you know they are not TRUE Australian Shepherds keep the name Aussie out of their breed name.


In no way is this meant to belittle your personal dogs or to say they are not wonderful, beautiful dogs in their own right. They just are not a size variety of the Australian Shepherd, and to continue to say so is misinforming.

[palmor]

I find this extremely insulting. This breed is not accepted by those organizations because the breed does not exist by the name of a mini/toy Aussie. This breed needs their own breed name. They are polluting the Australian Shepherd gene pool and reputation. Very insulting! Especially to reputable breeders who have worked/work so hard on maintaining this wonderful breed. I have no problems with "mini" Aussies but, they need their own breed name. By continuing to call your dogs "mini" Aussies you are misinforming the public intentionally.

Actually most AUSSIE people don't have a problem with the Mini/NAS as their own breed..what they have a problem with is ignorant people trying to piggy back on the tails of Australian Shepherds (seperate breed) to get recognition from registries like AKC, CKC (Canada), UKC etc.

AUSSIE people have no issues with them being recognized as their own breed...but they are not now, nor will they ever be a "Size Variety" of the Aussie and accepted into CKC, AKC, UKC as such. To continue to say that they are a size variety of the Australian Shepherd is just plain wrong.


The responsible breeders who have worked hard to keep aussies as they were originally bred years and years and years ago will not accept that a mini/toy as a size variety of a breed that has no business being a sized variety breed. They want to preserve our breed for what it is and was. And let the minis do their own thing, be their own breed, NOT be an aussie.

An aussie is an AKC/ASCA/UKC/CKC/KC/FCI/etc recognized breed. You cannot find the breed standard for a "mini" aussie in AKC/ASCA/UKC/CKC/KC/FCI/etc that states it is a variation in SIZE of the Australian Shepherd.


I support the North American Shepherd. However like a collie person once told me, "Never call a sheltie a mini collie." Never call a North American Shepherd an Aussie. It doesnt work that way... Just like a whippet isnt a mini greyhound and a sheltie isnt a mini collie. The "mini/toy" need to be registered as their own breed, not a size variation of the true Aussie. Aussies that are too small can't do the job they were and still are bred for. If you know they are not TRUE Australian Shepherds keep the name Aussie out of their breed name.


In no way is this meant to belittle your personal dogs or to say they are not wonderful, beautiful dogs in their own right. They just are not a size variety of the Australian Shepherd, and to continue to say so is misinforming.

Hi CL,
While I understand your point (and obvious frustration) this probably isn't the best way to go about trying to change peoples minds IMO. You join (or create a new user) on a random photo board to fight this battle and not with the best attitude.

I agree with you that Aussie people don't have a problem with the Mini Aussie's and honestly I've never heard one Aussie person speak out against the breed or the breed name like you have. I am looped in a bit more then the average pet owner because we compete with our Aussie so I do have a pretty good sample size of "Aussie people" I associate with. Maybe everyone I associate with is just too polite.

My feeling is that eventually the Mini Aussie enthusiasts are going to want to separate themselves from main stream Aussie community to showcase the differences in their breed and that is when you'll get your wish of their own unique breed name and breed standard. There are other (IMO) more important things that can help the Aussie breed than trying to separate the "Mini" from "Aussie" .... just let the "Mini" play out.

[palmor]

And since I haven't posted any photos of Ash in a while in this thread here are a few..

Ash as a puppy:
Pentax *ist DS ,Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX APO IF
1/500s f/3.5 at 200.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/127315498/original.jpg

Canon EOS-1D Mark III ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
1/4000s f/2.8 at 200.0mm iso100
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/127354217/original.jpg

And one more of my banner I use in my booth when I'm photographing trials
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/127376601/original.jpg

[tattooDan]

And since I haven't posted any photos of Ash in a while in this thread here are a few..

Ash as a puppy:
Pentax *ist DS ,Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX APO IF
1/500s f/3.5 at 200.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/palmor/image/127315498/original.jpg

Canon EOS-1D Mark III ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
1/4000s f/2.8 at 200.0mm iso100


And one more of my banner I use in my booth when I'm photographing trials



what a cutie !

[canon_lover88]

I did not join this forum for this sole purpose. People need to be educated that there is no "mini/toy" Aussies. I joined for the photography aspects as I own a Canon Mark II. I was enjoying this site, and thought I would check for Aussie photos.

I am not an elitist or snobby. In fact, you will see that most true, reputable Aussie people prefer the ASCA to the AKC. I don't support ignorance, abusive breeding practices, breeding dogs without thought or goal.

I have heard plenty of reputable top breeders speak out against "mini/toy" Aussies. People do not have a problem with the breed as its own breed. The problem is people and breeders referring to them as a size variety of Australian Shepherds.

Many top, reputable breeders and senior judges of the Australian Shepherd are on this forum. They all clearly speak out against the "mini Aussie" as being a size variety, and the ignorance. It is on the rules section of the forum!!!!!!
http://www.theaustralianshepherd.net/aussieboard/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=1340
"Mini-Aussies. This Board is intended for use by recognized members of the Australian Shepherd breed. All American clubs (and this is an American breed) do not recognize the Mini or Toy as a variety and as such the administration supports this view as well. Mini or Toy owners are welcome, but we ask them to please keep in mind that they own for all intents and purposes, a separate breed and discussions will be treated accordingly."

A thread on someone who posted about their "minis"
http://www.theaustralianshepherd.net/aussieboard/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=13350&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=mini+aussie+nas

The reputable breeders do not have a problem with the NAS as its own seperate breed. We want this breed to be recognized for its own merits. There are no size varities of the Australian Shepherd, period, endstory.

[Pippen]

Charlie keeping a VERY close eye on my 4 month old grandson
(Hoff--he's been GREAT since the baby arrived--so gentle but always watchful, naturally :D )
http://Nanigae.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p878043770-3.jpg



I love this photo!!!! I love the intense, serious expression on your Aussie's face. It's a serious job watching those munchkins!!!

[Pippen]

^^^ cute :)


http://home.comcast.net/~mreidsix1/_MG_7720.jpg



Love this photo! Beautiful Aussie. She looks almost identical to a friend's dog.

[View_Finder]

I am not an elitist or snobby. In fact, you will see that most true, reputable Aussie people prefer the ASCA to the AKC. I don't support ignorance, abusive breeding practices, breeding dogs without thought or goal.

I have heard plenty of reputable top breeders speak out against "mini/toy" Aussies. People do not have a problem with the breed as its own breed. The problem is people and breeders referring to them as a size variety of Australian Shepherds.

Many top, reputable breeders and senior judges of the Australian Shepherd are on this forum. They all clearly speak out against the "mini Aussie" as being a size variety, and the ignorance. It is on the rules section of the forum!!!!!!
http://www.theaustralianshepherd.net/aussieboard/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=1340
"Mini-Aussies. This Board is intended for use by recognized members of the Australian Shepherd breed. All American clubs (and this is an American breed) do not recognize the Mini or Toy as a variety and as such the administration supports this view as well. Mini or Toy owners are welcome, but we ask them to please keep in mind that they own for all intents and purposes, a separate breed and discussions will be treated accordingly."

A thread on someone who posted about their "minis"
http://www.theaustralianshepherd.net/aussieboard/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=13350&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=mini+aussie+nas

The reputable breeders do not have a problem with the NAS as its own seperate breed. We want this breed to be recognized for its own merits. There are no size varities of the Australian Shepherd, period, endstory.

I think everyone else that posted in this thread did so to share images of their pet - whether it had 10% Australian Shepherd or 100% (I wonder what you think of people who had Aussie mixes and whether you think they are even "allowed" to use the Australian Shepherd description). I had never heard of the North American Shepherd term but I found some interesting reading on the history and origin of the breed (yes, it does appear that they originated from the Australian Shepherd) as well as what initiated the push for a different breed name. For those interested, you can read about it here:

http://www.namascusa.com/about.htm#history
http://www.northamericanshepherd.org/history.htm

Loosen up, canon_lover88, we're not breeding nor trying to compete with the Australian Shepherd. I get a lot of "What breed is that?" asked all the time. I bet the research that others do by me saying miniature Australian Shepherd does more good than harm in terms of public awareness of the Australian Shepherd in general.

I came here to look at cute dog pictures.

[View_Finder]

Two more that I shot for their respective owners.

[tattooDan]

I think everyone else that posted in this thread did so to share images of their pet - whether it had 10% Australian Shepherd or 100% (I wonder what you think of people who had Aussie mixes and whether you think they are even "allowed" to use the Australian Shepherd description). I had never heard of the North American Shepherd term but I found some interesting reading on the history and origin of the breed (yes, it does appear that they originated from the Australian Shepherd) as well as what initiated the push for a different breed name. For those interested, you can read about it here:

http://www.namascusa.com/about.htm#history
http://www.northamericanshepherd.org/history.htm

Loosen up, canon_lover88, we're not breeding nor trying to compete with the Australian Shepherd. I get a lot of "What breed is that?" asked all the time. I bet the research that others do by me saying miniature Australian Shepherd does more good than harm in terms of public awareness of the Australian Shepherd in general.

I came here to look at cute dog pictures.

exactly ! we were just a few aussie/dog lovers in here having fun,minding our own business,and showing off our fuzzy loved ones,we don't "need to be educated"

[canon_lover88]

I am not making personal attacks.

The fact is the "mini/toy" Australian Shepherds is not being accepted by the American Kennel Club, the Australian Shepherd Club of America, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, etc. That is not by my standards, but by the clubs/organizations/breeders who have created this breed. These organizations and people are responsible for creating and maintaining this wonderful breed. They are the individuals not accepting any size varieties of the Australian Shepherd.

By all means, create an individual breed. Do not piggyback on the Australian Shepherd breed. Why wouldn't you (general you) not want to have your own breed recognition?

[Pippen]

Puppy photo of Pip. Pretending the cat is a sheepie :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4978153577_27abac44f4_z.jpg

[Ariel]

canon_lover88:
While I understand your point also your approach might not be the best, In fact must toy/mini breeds you see today are not the result of natural selection, but cross breeding. Not even all the Registration Clubs you mentioned, specially the AKC want to agree on a Breed Standard with other Clubs, and that's the reason AKC created/affiliated their own USASA and this is because of the AKC wanting to create a "Breed Standard" that would be good for "show dogs" only and forget about working lines. Even though toys/minis are not the case but working lines can look a lot different than show lines and still be purebred dogs, this is well noticeable with a lot other shepherd breeds. I know a lot of people who have bought "Purebred AKC" aussies that are only good for conformation because they are good show samples, but they lack everything else that an aussie is about. Truth is at the end of the day, if you want your loving furry friend to cuddle next to you and be your companion, it doesnt matter what you want to call him/her or who wants to accept him a on their registry, you can call him boy or you can call her girl, and they'll jump all over you.

My Bella comes from AKC/CKC parents, but the only registry I cared about was ASCA.

To finish, I do not think anything that has been said here could be insulting to anyone, of course unless fanaticism takes a part on the conversation. The main reason I did not wanted to become part of AKC in any way, is demonstrated here in your post, that attitude of my dog is better than yours because he's AKC, or you have a Mutt or Sato so they are not worth anything.

Anyway, love your dog regardless of how much it cost you, whether it was $1500 from a breeder or $50 from the County Shelter, they'll love you the same way since they don't know what was their price tag.



I find this extremely insulting. This breed is not accepted by those organizations because the breed does not exist by the name of a mini/toy Aussie. This breed needs their own breed name. They are polluting the Australian Shepherd gene pool and reputation. Very insulting! Especially to reputable breeders who have worked/work so hard on maintaining this wonderful breed. I have no problems with "mini" Aussies but, they need their own breed name. By continuing to call your dogs "mini" Aussies you are misinforming the public intentionally.

Actually most AUSSIE people don't have a problem with the Mini/NAS as their own breed..what they have a problem with is ignorant people trying to piggy back on the tails of Australian Shepherds (seperate breed) to get recognition from registries like AKC, CKC (Canada), UKC etc.

AUSSIE people have no issues with them being recognized as their own breed...but they are not now, nor will they ever be a "Size Variety" of the Aussie and accepted into CKC, AKC, UKC as such. To continue to say that they are a size variety of the Australian Shepherd is just plain wrong.


The responsible breeders who have worked hard to keep aussies as they were originally bred years and years and years ago will not accept that a mini/toy as a size variety of a breed that has no business being a sized variety breed. They want to preserve our breed for what it is and was. And let the minis do their own thing, be their own breed, NOT be an aussie.

An aussie is an AKC/ASCA/UKC/CKC/KC/FCI/etc recognized breed. You cannot find the breed standard for a "mini" aussie in AKC/ASCA/UKC/CKC/KC/FCI/etc that states it is a variation in SIZE of the Australian Shepherd.


I support the North American Shepherd. However like a collie person once told me, "Never call a sheltie a mini collie." Never call a North American Shepherd an Aussie. It doesnt work that way... Just like a whippet isnt a mini greyhound and a sheltie isnt a mini collie. The "mini/toy" need to be registered as their own breed, not a size variation of the true Aussie. Aussies that are too small can't do the job they were and still are bred for. If you know they are not TRUE Australian Shepherds keep the name Aussie out of their breed name.


In no way is this meant to belittle your personal dogs or to say they are not wonderful, beautiful dogs in their own right. They just are not a size variety of the Australian Shepherd, and to continue to say so is misinforming.

[Pippen]

canon_lover88:
While I understand your point also your approach might not be the best, In fact most toy/mini breeds you see today are not the result of natural selection, but cross breeding. Not even all the Registration Clubs you mentioned, specially the AKC want to agree on a Breed Standard with other Clubs, and that's the reason AKC created/affiliated their own USASA and this is because of the AKC wanting to create a "Breed Standard" that would be good for "show dogs" only and forget about working lines. Even though toys/minis are not the case but working lines can look a lot different than show lines and still be purebred dogs, this is well noticeable with a lot other shepherd breeds. I know a lot of people who have bought "Purebred AKC" aussies that are only good for conformation because they are good show samples, but they lack everything else that an aussie is about. Truth is at the end of the day, if you want your loving furry friend to cuddle next to you and be your companion, it doesnt matter what you want to call him/her or who wants to accept him a on their registry, you can call him boy or you can call her girl, and they'll jump all over you.
My Bella comes from AKC/CKC parents, but the only registry I cared about was ASCA.

To finish, I do not think anything that has been said here could be insulting to anyone, of course unless fanaticism takes a part on the conversation. The main reason I did not wanted to become part of AKC in any way, is demonstrated here in your post, that attitude of my dog is better than yours because he's AKC, or you have a Mutt or Sato so they are not worth anything.

Anyway, love your dog regardless of how much it cost you, whether it was $1500 from a breeder or $50 from the County Shelter, they'll love you the same way since they don't know what was their price tag.

I agree with the bolded points above. However, it is misleading to call a dog a mini or toy Australian Shepherd. The ASCA is preferred by a lot of people, myself included. It doesn't matter to me if my current dogs are registered or not. I plan to register Pip as an LEP dog through the ASCA. That way I can compete in anything, but conformation. I am a member of the AussieBoard. I love the conversations over there. A few have been about the differences of conformation and working stock. I believe that the herding instinct MUST be preserved, regardless of conformation, etc.

[Pippen]

She is a cutie for city Aussie ;)

Here are a couple of more of the boys....some people seem to feel they are posing for pictures but I don't know how you get puppies to pose. I tend to try and catch them when they are tired from playing and need a rest. In this case looking for some shade.

That first picture is the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!!!

[Ariel]

Wow my friend I think you are in the wrong forum for that type of discussion. But once again, no miniature or toy breed from a standard breed has ever been a product of natural selection, but of dog design. But since piggyback riding is a concern and I am almost 100% positive that you are an AKC member, You could start your breed protection program by telling AKC to change the name of the Miniature Bull Terrier, since they have been piggyback riding the Bull Terrier (standard) since 1991 when AKC recognized them.


This is not the place for this, but I'm just trying to prove your point. People call them mini aussies, or toy aussies because they have been cross-bred with small dogs to cut their sizes, but their appearance, their traits, temperament for the most part remain from the Australian Shepherd.
People will most likely will continue to call them that, North American Shepherd is a nice breed name, but it still is an Australian Shepherd that was 1) Cross-bred with small dog 2)Inter-bred with small lines.

"Enjoy your pets regardless of what they are."


I am not making personal attacks.

The fact is the "mini/toy" Australian Shepherds is not being accepted by the American Kennel Club, the Australian Shepherd Club of America, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, etc. That is not by my standards, but by the clubs/organizations/breeders who have created this breed. These organizations and people are responsible for creating and maintaining this wonderful breed. They are the individuals not accepting any size varieties of the Australian Shepherd.

By all means, create an individual breed. Do not piggyback on the Australian Shepherd breed. Why wouldn't you (general you) not want to have your own breed recognition?

[Pippen]

Back to the photos this thread was started for :)

Anyone have any new photos? I will be posting more once I can actually capture a decent action shot.

Pip as a pup

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4980723451_32f988799d_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4980722331_7619d74315_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4981327048_d4d9f381e1_z.jpg

He looks like a mouse with those whiskers :)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4980720811_efacf78cc0_z.jpg

[View_Finder]

My good friend's girl...

[tattooDan]

one more of Z http://members.speedguide.net/dan/b_wz1.jpg

[tattooDan]

drying off after a bath today
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/bath1.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/bath2.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/bath3.jpg
.
http://members.speedguide.net/dan/bath4.jpg

[View_Finder]

tattooDan - I love these shots! #3 is terrific.

I bet they all dry off the same way... rub each cheek, roll around, run around the house like like their butt is on fire... :)

[palmor]

I bet they all dry off the same way... rub each cheek, roll around, run around the house like like their butt is on fire... :)

I know that is how Ash does it! :D

[tattooDan]

tattooDan - I love these shots! #3 is terrific.

I bet they all dry off the same way... rub each cheek, roll around, run around the house like like their butt is on fire... :)

thanks :) , we love our silly furry kids !

[tattooDan]

I know that is how Ash does it! :D

an aussie thing LOL

[View_Finder]

Rocket doing his thing.

He likes being the chaser, but not so much being the chasee (unless it is by one of his friends). Funny because he could so easily evade the ones he doesn't like but won't.

[toadhunter911]

This was our boy Bo. Unfortunately we had to put him down just over a year ago. He had a brain tumor...

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/toadhunter911/PETS/boboportrait-1.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/toadhunter911/PETS/BoBo1.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/toadhunter911/PETS/IMG_7399-1-1.jpg

We still miss him dearly.

[Pippen]

What a handsome boy Bo was!! I am sorry for your loss.

Anyone else notice how incredibly fast their foot hair grows?!? Lol....I am always scissoring/trimming feet.

[footdoc66]

The first is of our beloved Rusty who died about 1 1/2 years ago. The next is of our rescue dog Zip who is "only" half Aussie and half Brittany spaniel. He looks like a small Aussie and a great friend to all of us.