By John Robbins
Teacup Australian shepherds steal everyone's heart. They are truly just a tiny version of the standard shepherd. Toy and miniature shepherds are also available but the teacup is the smallest. Most authorities do not regard the three small types as separate breeds. Weight and height determines the category into which each dog fits.
The miniature is specified as between 13 and 18 inches in height and 24 to 40 pounds in weight. The toy is 10 to 14 inches and 12 to 17 pounds while the teacup weighs less than 12 pounds. The teacup is about a quarter the size of the standard.
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.
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.
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.
As long as they are kept busy, these are great dogs. Long walks will help rid them of excess energy, especially if living in an apartment. They will love learning tricks and excel at obedience and agility activities. This will fill their inherent urge to work. For active people who only have room for a small dog in their life, teacup Australian shepherds will provide them with hours of pleasure.
The miniature is specified as between 13 and 18 inches in height and 24 to 40 pounds in weight. The toy is 10 to 14 inches and 12 to 17 pounds while the teacup weighs less than 12 pounds. The teacup is about a quarter the size of the standard.
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.
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.
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.
As long as they are kept busy, these are great dogs. Long walks will help rid them of excess energy, especially if living in an apartment. They will love learning tricks and excel at obedience and agility activities. This will fill their inherent urge to work. For active people who only have room for a small dog in their life, teacup Australian shepherds will provide them with hours of pleasure.
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