18 Precious Things to Learn About the 18 Precious Things to Learn About the Teacup Australian Shepherd

The teacup Australian Shepherd is considered a controversial breed by most dog owners, the most important debate being about what dog breed it is.

teacup australian shepherd

This type of dog is also known by other names, such as Miniature American Shepherd, Mini American Shepherd, North American Shepherd, Toy Blue Dog, or Toy Aussie.

There is much to mention about this active, friendly, and protective type of dog. However, today, we`ll resume with 18 things worth highlighting.

Spectacular Appearance

The Teacup Australian Shepherd has a coat of medium length. It comes in various colors, including black, red, blue, and red merle. Its coat might be straight and wavy and have “feathers” on the legs` back and a frill and mane around its neck.

Dogs of this breed have hair on their heads as well as on their forelegs. On the exterior of their ears, their hair is somehow shorter than the rest of their coat.

The hindquarters of this breed have the very same length as their forequarters. They have compact and a bit oval feet. Their lips don`t hang over their lower jaw. Their skull`s top has a clean cut and is rather flat.

Weight & Height!

So, we`ve already established that we are dealing with a very small dog. How big is a teacup Australian Shepherd?

Males reach around 8 to 18 pounds, while females weigh 7 to 17. The average weight of a male Aussie is 13 pounds, while a female’s is 12 pounds.

Males and females get as high as 10 to 13 inches. The average height is around 11.5 inches.

Somehow “Longish” Ears

Dog owners should use thinning shears to remove any long hair from around the ears. Instead of simply clipping the dog`s hair off, by thinning, you`ll get more blended results and avoid any possible abrupt edges in the Aussie`s coat.

The most prone area to matting is always the bottom section on the ear`s back, along with the particular area at the bottom straight in the ear opening`s front. The hair in these specific sections needs to be combed carefully to eliminate any hair that is too thick or long.

Average Feet

Dogs from this breed tend to get long feet of hair, and it helps a lot if this is trimmed because dogs will be much more comfortable.

Any hair inside the dog`s pads on the foot`s underside or between the toes should be lifted. Your canine can be given a clean, nice appearance if the hair from the foot`s top is trimmed so it won`t stick up above the dog`s toes.

The dog`s hair shouldn`t stick out beyond the toes` end, but it must stop right about the edge of the toenails, offering your little pal a compact look. The nails should also be clipped.

Scissor the dog`s hair underneath by lifting the foot so the hair`s length is somehow even.

Feathers? No, Just Long Hair!

Dogs don`t have “feathers,” but this term generally refers to an Aussie’s long hair. This type of hair might become matted and somehow tangled at some point, so many dog owners decide to trim it to reduce grooming requirements as much as possible.

Although the “feathers” on the lower back part and front legs are rather thin, that particular hair that develops on the canine`s rear and the back legs (generally named the britches) can, at times, be thick and might need trimming to maintain it as clean as possible.

Dog owners should use thinning shears to get rid of any excessive hair from the britches section below the dog`s anus as well as under the tail, so there`ll be nothing sticking to it when the little fella` defecates.

Pleasant Temperament

Toy Aussies puppies are easygoing canines that enjoy playing quite a lot. Affectionate and loyal, they become great companions for kids.

They are devoted guardians, always in a constant desire to please their owners – almost have a 6th sense of what owners want from them. They are very smart, and because of this, they are easily trainable.

As a downside, they don`t like being left alone, so they tend to become rather destructive when this happens. But this can be overcome with a lot of physical and mental exercise. Giving them constant tasks will help.

They require early socialization when they are only puppies so they don`t become suspicious of strangers later. Some can be seen nipping the heels of other people, trying to herd them.

However, they have to be taught herding others around is unacceptable behavior.

Dog owners of this breed must be firm and confident to avoid human-induced behavior issues and Small Dog syndrome.

Note: This dog isn`t aggressive and is quite a worker.

Life Expectancy

If they are well taken care of, most miniature American Shepherds have a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years!

Litter Size

This breed’s dog owners should expect around 2 to 6 teacup Aussie puppies.

Living & Lifestyle Conditions

The mini Aussie will do fine in a normal apartment with enough physical exercise. This breed will do okay in cold climates and are somewhat active indoors, so a small yard will also be enough.

Regular Physical Exercise

Dogs from this breed need daily walks, preferably long ones. Even if they are so small, they are quite energetic, so they need plenty of physical exercise to be kept in shape.

Grooming Is Mandatory Every Now & Then!

This type of dog has a double coat; we have already established that. This includes a woolen undercoat along with a longer external coat.

Toy Aussies shed a good amount, and somehow more during their shedding season, which might happen once or twice a year.

Brushing every week, even daily while it`s their shedding season, will help eliminate loose hairs or dirt and keep them in great shape. Tangles or mats could be worked out using a comb or brush.

Their nails must be trimmed regularly, as with any other dog breed, as it might make them uncomfortable if left too long.

Moderate Shedding

This small dog sheds moderately. Brushing it regularly will reduce the hair amount that sheds quite a lot. However, it depends on each dog individually as well as the status of health.

Haircuts Need Attention

While the body hair of this type of dog can be clipped, usually, it isn`t required unless the skin or coat gets damaged! However, electric clippers are recommended if you trim the dog`s coat.

You should also cut along the back and sides of the dog while working the clippers along the way. The dog`s hair is growing.

For the dog`s skin to be protected and avoid any possible issues (e.g., sunburn), leaving at least 1” of hair is advisable.

Note: This dog`s double coat might not grow back properly if cut too much.

They Aren`t into “Barking Business”

As you probably already know, every dog is different in its way. However, this breed is considered a “noisy” one. They`ll generally bark at other dogs, strangers, or loud noises.

Still, it is in the owner`s means to teach his Toy Blue dog that it`s unnecessary to bark at passing cars, thunders, or squirrels.

Mini Aussies might also bark if they become isolated from their family or bored. The trick is to keep your dog`s mind and body as busy as possible, and your pal will be happy.

Some Like Swimming, Some Don`t!

If it`s the first time you own a dog from this breed, you probably have no idea whether they enjoy swimming. As you`ll soon find out, mini Aussies are quite individual regarding what they enjoy or not enjoy. And swimming doesn`t make an exception either.

Some mini Aussies have nothing against water, while others will never get near it. If your dog likes a quick paddle through your pool, they might also enjoy swimming, given that they get the right encouragement.

The only way you`ll ever know is if you take the chance and introduce your canine to swimming and notice if they enjoy it or not.

Aussie`s Tail

Three days after their birth, most dogs of this breed have their tail docked. Although there are many reasons for this, only two main ones must be highlighted.

  • First, many Aussies born with tails have blunt tails with no tapering. This seems inaesthetic because it isn`t the typical-looking tail of a dog. In most situations, it seems as if the canine`s tail was cut in the middle.
  • Secondly, there`s a kink in the dog`s tail (or some curve). These “curved” tails are seen as malformed tails among this breed. Put rather differently, most dog owners don`t like kinked tails.

“Normal” Health Issues

One of the most important things you need to know about this kind of dog regarding health problems is that dogs with the gene that gives them the nice-looking merle coloration also carry a specific factor that may lead to blindness/deafness. This might involve just crosses between Merle and Merle parents.

Still, the majority are heterozygous merles, meaning one of the parents is solid, while the other is merle. These aren`t at risk of health issues because of the coloration!

Be certain to check your Merle puppy for any hearing issues. Eye and hip issues might occur as well. Also, check if your puppy has been certified and tested before buying one.

Some herding canines carry a specific gene known as the MDR1 gene, which means they`ll be very sensitive to particular medications that otherwise are just fine to give other canines.

However, if your dog is tested positive for the MDR1 gene, it might kill them.

“Average” Price

If you are interested in buying a Toy Aussie, you should expect to pay around $700 or $800. Of course, depending on the location of your puppy finder place, this amount of money might be slightly different.

If you have such a teacup dog for sale, please try to advertise your sale on a trustworthy site so you can be certain your dog gets to a happy place.

Final Bottom

There`s a saying! If you ever owned a teacup Australian Shepherd, you will never return on your decision.

This breed amazes us with its intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature, making them great options for families and children.

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