The attractive traits of the full-size Australian Shepherd can all be found in teacup Australian shepherds. As well as the teacup, there are miniature and toy Australian shepherds being bred. The sizes are differentiated by height and weight. They are not considered separate breeds by most authorities.
The teacup must be under 12 pounds in weight. The next size, the toy, weighs 12 to 17 pounds and is no more than 14 inches high at the shoulder. The miniature is slightly bigger again and a maximum of 40 pounds and 18 inches.
The coat is medium length in all the standard shepherd colors. Blue and red merle, black and red tri-color are all available with tan and/or white patches and markings. The dog has some feathering on the backs of the legs. The coat may be wavy. Grooming needs are minimal. A good brush with a firm-bristled brush and an occasional bath is all the attention they need. They shed a moderate amount.
Although merle dogs are attractive and popular there are problems when two merles are mated. Twenty-five percent of puppies from two merle parents will have hearing and sight problems and may be totally deaf and/or blind. A merle mated to a solid color will also result in some merle puppies but these will not be affected.
Eye problems and hip dysplasia affect some dogs. Eye disorders include hereditary cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and conjunctivitis. DNA tests will pick up dogs that carry the gene for cataracts. MDR1 mutations are found in some shepherds. This causes an adverse reaction to anti-parasitic and other drugs and can result in death. Reputable breeders will test their dogs for genetic disorders before breeding from them.
Teacups have the typical temperament of the breed. They learn easily and need to be constantly stimulated. If bored to too long, they start to get into mischief. They are great with active children and are devoted to their family. Playful and energetic, they need a job to do or plenty of interaction.
They should be socialized well while still puppies. They retain herding instincts and may nip at people's heels in an effort to move them in a certain direction. Because of this instinct, they enjoy working small stock. Firm, consistent training will produce a happy, well-adjusted dog.
These little dogs may be short on size but they are big on energy and need to be kept busy and stimulated. Teaching them tricks or doing obedience or agility with them will satisfy their inherent need to work and be active. Long walks will be necessary if they are to be confined to an apartment most of the time. For anyone wanting an active, small dog, teacup Australian shepherds would be an ideal choice.
The teacup must be under 12 pounds in weight. The next size, the toy, weighs 12 to 17 pounds and is no more than 14 inches high at the shoulder. The miniature is slightly bigger again and a maximum of 40 pounds and 18 inches.
The coat is medium length in all the standard shepherd colors. Blue and red merle, black and red tri-color are all available with tan and/or white patches and markings. The dog has some feathering on the backs of the legs. The coat may be wavy. Grooming needs are minimal. A good brush with a firm-bristled brush and an occasional bath is all the attention they need. They shed a moderate amount.
Although merle dogs are attractive and popular there are problems when two merles are mated. Twenty-five percent of puppies from two merle parents will have hearing and sight problems and may be totally deaf and/or blind. A merle mated to a solid color will also result in some merle puppies but these will not be affected.
Eye problems and hip dysplasia affect some dogs. Eye disorders include hereditary cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and conjunctivitis. DNA tests will pick up dogs that carry the gene for cataracts. MDR1 mutations are found in some shepherds. This causes an adverse reaction to anti-parasitic and other drugs and can result in death. Reputable breeders will test their dogs for genetic disorders before breeding from them.
Teacups have the typical temperament of the breed. They learn easily and need to be constantly stimulated. If bored to too long, they start to get into mischief. They are great with active children and are devoted to their family. Playful and energetic, they need a job to do or plenty of interaction.
They should be socialized well while still puppies. They retain herding instincts and may nip at people's heels in an effort to move them in a certain direction. Because of this instinct, they enjoy working small stock. Firm, consistent training will produce a happy, well-adjusted dog.
These little dogs may be short on size but they are big on energy and need to be kept busy and stimulated. Teaching them tricks or doing obedience or agility with them will satisfy their inherent need to work and be active. Long walks will be necessary if they are to be confined to an apartment most of the time. For anyone wanting an active, small dog, teacup Australian shepherds would be an ideal choice.
About the Author:
Learn about the fabulous Teacup Australian Shepherds available now! You can find the information you will need to choose and train Australian Shepherds more quickly and easily today.. This article, Treat Yourself With Teacup Australian Shepherds is available for free reprint.
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