The first impression of the Toy Australian Shepherd should be that of a standard sized Australian Shepherd .The size range is from ten to fourteen inches. The ideal size being twelve inches, but quality should not be sacrificed in favor of size. The general appearance should be that of a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The bone and muscle must be in proportion to, and an enhancement of, the dog’s weight and structure. Toy Australian Shepherd should be slightly longer than they are tall and have a coat of moderate length and coarseness with coloring which offers variety and individuality. They have a natural or docked bobbed tail. The alert, expressive eyes may be a verity of colors with unique combinations. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expressions reflect a high intelligence. The width and length of the top skull should be equal. The muzzle should taper a little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. The ears are triangular and at full attention break forward and over.
Toy Australian Shepherd Character: The Toy Australian Shepherd will be shown in the Herding group, but as a household pet they might never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training. They are good-natured and even-tempered; may initially be reserved with strangers yet make a very loyal companion. The Toy Aussie is an active dog with a happy and even disposition, good-natured, seldom quarrelsome and responds with enthusiasm to the challenge and responsibility of having a job to perform.
Toy Australian Shepherd Temperament: The Toy Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, active dog with an even disposition; he is good-natured, seldom quarrelsome. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings and many have a tendency to grin, usually accompanied with a body wiggle and squinting of the eyes.
Toy Australian Shepherd Size, Proportion, Substance
The size range for the Toy Australian Shepherd is between ten and fourteen inches measured at the highest point of the withers. The ideal size being around twelve inches, dogs or bitches below ten inches will be disqualified; any dog or bitch that is fourteen inches will be considered a Miniature. Size consideration should never outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and temperament. General appearance should be that of a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The Toy Aussie is slightly longer than tall. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the rear point of pelvis is longer than the height of the body from ground to top of the withers Disqualification: - Under ten inches.
Toy Australian Shepherd Head
The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expressions reflect their high intelligence. The width and length of the top skull should be equal. Muzzle: The length of the muzzle should be equal to, or slightly less than, the length of the top skull. The muzzle should taper a little from the base to a rounded tip. Top Skull: The top skull should be flat to slightly round with a moderate, well-defined stop. Lower Jaw: The lower jaw should be evident when viewed from the side and the flews should be tight. Severe Faults: An extreme domed head Faults: Lacking bottom jaw, when viewed from the side.
Ears: The ears are triangular and, at full attention, break forward and over. The ears set high on the head, are of moderate size with the ideal length measured by bringing the tip of the ear around to the inside corner of the eye. Ears may tip forward and over from ¼ inch to ½ inch above the base with the forward edge slightly turning to the cheek or to the side as a rose ear. The tip of the ear leather should be rounded. Severe Faults: Hound ears that have the absence of erectile power, lying close to the side of the head.
Eyes/Expression: The eyes should show attentiveness and intelligence and be alert and eager. The gaze should be keen but friendly. Eyes may be brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination thereof, including flecks and marbling; almond shaped; neither protruding nor sunken. The blue merles and blacks must have black pigmentation on the eye rims. The red merles and reds must have liver (brown) pigmentation on the eye rims. Severe Faults: Lack of eye pigment on the eye rim. Large and/or round eyes. Nose: Blue merles and blacks must have black pigmentation on the nose (and lips). Red merles and reds must have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose (and lips). On the merles it is permissible to have small pink spots on the nose; however they should not exceed 25% of the nose on dogs over one year of age.
Toy Australian Shepherd Hair: Is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of the forelegs and britches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Ticking can occur on any color of dog, usually appearing on the white Severe Faults: Long flowing coat or a very short coat. Any coat texture, which detracts from the overall impression of the Australian Shepherd Breed (i.e. very long, very short, very curly, etc.).
Toy Australian Shepherd Colors: Blue merle, black, red merle and red - all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. The hairline of a white collar should not exceed the point of the withers at the skin. White is acceptable on the neck. (either in a partial or full collar), chest, legs, belly, muzzle and blaze. White on the belly may not extend more than two inches above a horizontal line at the elbow and behind the point of the withers. White on the head should not predominate, and the eyes and ears must be fully surrounded by color. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age.
Toy Australian Shepherd Gait: The Toy Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free, easy gait and exhibits great agility of movement with a well balanced, ground covering stride. Fore and hind legs move straight and parallel with the centerline of the body. The Toy Australian Shepherd must be agile and able to change direction or alter gait instantly. As the dog moves into a trot, and speed increases, the head lowers and becomes almost level with the back. The back remains level and firm while moving freely throughout the sequence of the two beat diagonal gait. The feet converge inward as speed increases until the edges of the pads (front and rear) touch the lateral centerline at a fast trot.
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