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 attractive colors of the teacup include red and blue merle plus red and black tri-color. The merles all have varying amounts and combinations of tan and white patches and/or markings. There is a certain amount of feathering on the legs. The dogs are moderate shedders. The wavy coat needs a bath occasionally and a brush from time to time.
The main health problem occurs when two merle dogs are mated. The gene that carries the merle coloring is also responsible for causing blindness and deafness. A quarter of the offspring of two merles will be blind and/or deaf. Merles also appear in litters born to a solid parent and a merle parent. However such puppies won't have the lethal gene.
Others are highly sensitive to certain drugs. This is caused by a MDR1 mutation. The administering of some drugs, including those regularly given to combat parasites, can result in death. There are a number of tests for genetic disorders that can be carried out on dogs being considered as stud dogs. Eye disorders are relatively common and affect some. Hereditary cataracts can be detected with a DNA test. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), conjunctivitis and hip dysplasia are other conditions which are encountered from time to time.
In temperament, they are energetic and playful. They enjoy active children and make devoted pets. Like the 'big' version, they are easily trained but quickly get bored if not kept busy and stimulated. They will become destructive if not given enough to do.
As well as being so lively, they retain their inherent wish to herd. Unless taught otherwise, they may nip a person's heels and try to steer them around. They work well with small livestock and need an kin but dominant owner.
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 attractive colors of the teacup include red and blue merle plus red and black tri-color. The merles all have varying amounts and combinations of tan and white patches and/or markings. There is a certain amount of feathering on the legs. The dogs are moderate shedders. The wavy coat needs a bath occasionally and a brush from time to time.
The main health problem occurs when two merle dogs are mated. The gene that carries the merle coloring is also responsible for causing blindness and deafness. A quarter of the offspring of two merles will be blind and/or deaf. Merles also appear in litters born to a solid parent and a merle parent. However such puppies won't have the lethal gene.
Others are highly sensitive to certain drugs. This is caused by a MDR1 mutation. The administering of some drugs, including those regularly given to combat parasites, can result in death. There are a number of tests for genetic disorders that can be carried out on dogs being considered as stud dogs. Eye disorders are relatively common and affect some. Hereditary cataracts can be detected with a DNA test. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), conjunctivitis and hip dysplasia are other conditions which are encountered from time to time.
In temperament, they are energetic and playful. They enjoy active children and make devoted pets. Like the 'big' version, they are easily trained but quickly get bored if not kept busy and stimulated. They will become destructive if not given enough to do.
As well as being so lively, they retain their inherent wish to herd. Unless taught otherwise, they may nip a person's heels and try to steer them around. They work well with small livestock and need an kin but dominant owner.
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.
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