HISTORY…
Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd that we know today was developed in the United States. It is believed that Australian Shepherds originated in the Basque region between France and Spain.   In the 1800s, Basque sheepherders came to the United States from Australia with their herds. With them, they brought their herding dogs. American farmers need an intelligent, versatile dog to manage their flocks. They bred the Australian herding dogs with American herding dogs to create a well-rounded working dog. Exactly what breeds were used to develop the modern day Australian shepherd, or Aussie, are unknown.
Miniature Australian Shepherds were bred from Australian Shepherds and they have a shared history.
A woman named Doris Cordova from Norco, California began breeding Australian Shepherds with the aim of developing a miniature size variation in 1968. Her goal was to create a dog with the characteristics that made the Australian Shepherd great, but in a package small enough (under 18") to better allow them to be house dogs and to make travel to stock shows easier.
 


MINI AUSSIES - LIKE NO OTHER!
The Mini Aussie is exactly as its name implies: a small Australian Shepherd with the Aussie’s attentive, energetic temperament, high intelligence and extreme loyalty to their family with reserve towards strangers.   But while the height of the Aussie varies from 18 to 23 inches, the height of the Mini Aussie ranges from 14 to 18 inches with a corresponding weight of approximately 20 to 40 pounds.

Owning a Mini Aussie is like having a perpetual puppy-you will be stopped everywhere because people want to meet your  "puppy". Their interesting color patterns and eyes, medium build, intelligence, and fun-loving attitude make the Mini Aussie an ideal package!
Aussie's Need A Job…
The Miniature Australian Shepherd’s enthusiastic attitude means that working with one is a delight. Because of their intelligence, obedience training is highly recommended. The Aussie was developed both to herd and guard the flock. They are entirely devoted to their family and make excellent watch dogs and companions.
Because Australian Shepherds were bred to work, many breeders and trainers say they “need a job”. Dogs need physical and mental exercise, and training. This leads to good behavior, strong bonding with their humans, and ultimately, a happy dog and a happy dog owner!

One of the most well known dogs from her Cordova kennel was 'Cordova Spike' who was placed with Miniature Australian Shepherd enthusiasts, Bill and Sally Kennedy. They continued to develop the miniature at their B/S kennels.
Not long after, another breeder, Chas Lasater of Valhalla Kennels also began to produce Mini Aussies. Cordova, Lasater and the Kennedy's were instrumental in the creation of the breed.
The mini Aussie soon attracted the attention of experienced Australian Shepherd breeders and eager newcomers. Lines were researched and educated breeding to full-size Aussies was and is strongly encouraged to diversify the gene pool and improve conformation and type of the Mini Aussie's. Herding instinct, intelligence and drive were preserved and many mini Aussie's continue to work a variety of livestock today. They are durable and full of energy, if bred correctly; they're a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd.
Photo courtesy of Valhalla Kennels
MINI AUSSIES
Below are links to the North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club USA Breed Standard and Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America Breed Standard. Both sites provide excellent information regarding this special breed.
All dogs need to be engaged with their humans and provided with positive stimuli. Providing your dog with toys, chewies, training (tricks are fun) and a variety of activities will greatly reduce any normal negative puppy behaviors. Many puppy antics stem from boredom and not enough attention. Take your dog to training classes and you will be rewarded with a well mannered, socially accepted pet. More importantly, a valued companion and family pet!
"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket
and then give him only two of them."
-Phil Pastoret